AGES:  Beginning readers, older readers

MATERIALS:  Wood scrap for a base (no more than a few inches square), snap clothespin, glue, paint and paintbrush or color markers)

Constructing the note clip is easy:  Your child simply glues down one flat side of a snap clothespin on a small wooden base.  After the construction dries (best overnight), the clip can be painted or decorated with color markers or paints.

Suggest that your children present their gift with a ribbon tied around the clothespin and a homemade gift tag or card clipped onto the base.

Maybe your children's own desks or dresser tops need a little organization?  Suggest that they make themselves clips to hold on to some of the notes you leave in their lunch boxes, a favorite cartoon, a picture postcard from Grandma, or an invitation to a party.