There's nothing better than presents that come from the heart, especially when your kids make them. Here are some places where your children can make bears, bracelets, boxes and more. For more ideas turn to Washington Parent's calendar, "Along the Potomac," or check out your local recreation department.

Create a Cute and Cuddly Craft

"Every bear leaves here with a heart and a special wish," says Keith Banks of Build a Bear at Montgomery Mall, Bethesda. "They're all loved." The most challenging step in the Build a Bear process is usually the first one -- selecting the animal. Bears rule here, but children can also make poodles, unicorns, reindeer and other critters. Animals line up in bins waiting for the fluff and hugs that will bring them to life. My son Tim, 10, settled on a koala bear but his friend Conor, 10, couldn't decide between a turtle with a removable shell or a limited-edition leopard. After deliberating the merits of mammals and reptiles, the cat won.

Once an animal is chosen, children may give it a sound -- giggles, growls, barks -- or even their own voice. Conor recorded "Dude" for his leopard. "During the holidays, we have a lot of kids making bears that say, 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Hanukkah,'" says Banks.

Pushing a pedal on a machine that sends fluff whirling around like a cotton candy maker, children help a staff person stuff their bear. Some kids opt for a light fluffy friend while others go for a solid feel. Before pulling the stitching to close the bear, a Master Bear Builder gives each child a heart -- pink or red -- for the child to make a wish on before it gets inserted into the bear.

With a complete bear in hand, kids then groom, name and even dress their bears. An unstuffed bear (add a ribbon at home) costs $10. The costs build quickly if you dress and accessorize the bear. Depending on your budget, consider limiting extras to one or two that give meaning to your bear. Conor's cat that says, "Dude," wears sunglasses. My son's quiet koala sleeps on his own blanket.

The timeless appeal of a teddy bear just might be the perfect gift for relatives of all ages, but buyer beware: Your child might not want to part with his new friend, so kids may need to make two bears, one to keep and one to give.

Build-A-Bear

Area locations:

Bethesda

Fairfax

McLean

www.buildabear.com

Add a Historic Touch

Create reproduction ornaments based on those hanging in the DAR Museum during this historic site's annual holiday event on December 13, 10 a.m. to noon. Many children make a scrap ornament by using a scrap or paper image of an angel and embellishing it with silver tinsel. Sometimes the tinsel is shaped into a star or diamond shape. Kids also like creating Christmas Crackers, rolls of paper stuffed with candy and small toys wrapped with tissue. When the cracker is pulled and opened the cracker makes a snapping noise.

DAR Museum

1776 D St. NW.

Metro: Farragut West, Farragut North

Call Kelli at 202-879-3240 for reservations ($5)

Go Russian

Kids meet and have their picture taken with Father Frost, Russia's answer to Santa Claus. Hear folktales and decorate a fir tree with traditional Russian Christmas ornaments on December 14, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Hillwood Museum

4155 Linnean Avenue, NW

202-686-8500

Reservations required. ($5 per child with two adults free.)

Make a Mosaic Card

Historic Tudor Place in Georgetown opens its doors to families with a card making workshop led by the artist in residence and a holiday hunt and light refreshments. Adding to the excitement will be Mary Quattlebaum reading her new book, The Shine Man: A Christmas Story. (Washington Parent readers know Mary through her monthly column on children's literature in this magazine!) Drop in on December 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. <

Tudor Place

1644 31st St., NW (between Q and R)

202-965-0400

Children 6 to18 $3, Adults $10

Walk on the Wild Side

Children, ages 3 to 5 collect leaves, pinecones, feathers and even blades of grass for making holiday treasures on December 3, 1 to 1:45 p.m.; December 4, 10 to 10:45 a.m.; and December 6, 10 to10:45 a.m.

Green Spring Gardens

4603 Green Spring Rd.

Alexandria, VA

703-642-5173

Reservations required.

Bounce Around these Ideas

Even the littlest ones can plop their handprint down on paint to make plaque or an apron for grandma or draw a doodle on a baseball cap for grandpa at Gymboree. For moms, they're making poster board magnets and for dads, picture frames. Classes are for children 18-months to 5 years old accompanied by an adult.

Gymboree Play and Music

Alexandria, Fairfax, Chantilly and Springfield: 703-836-2277

Frederick: 301-663-0700

Silver Spring 301-589-0064

Create with Color

You can shop for gifts at Ann Arundel Mills Mall while your children (ages 5 and up) make gifts at Crayola Works every day from 10 a.m. to noon; 1 to 3 p.m.; and 5 to 7 p.m., through December 23. Children can make two gifts of their choice including wind chimes, boxes, or figurines of Santa, snowmen and rocking horses. Juice and snack are provided. Parents must carry a cell phone or pager with them while they shop.

Crayola Works

7000 Arundel Mills Circle

Hanover, MD (Ann Arundel Mills Mall)

410-799-0400

Holiday activity cost: $24.99

Wear It

At Beadazzled, your child can make one stretchy bracelet for herself and one to give away at the Bead Magic Workshop for kids on December 20, 1 to 2 p.m. ($25). Children 9 and up can make earrings and a necklace at the Introduction to Beading workshop on December 20, from 10 a.m. to noon. Most classes have only five students due to space but if your child and a few friends want to have their own workshop, Beadazzled can often accommodate you.

Beadazzled

Tyson's Corner Center One

(Cost: $25-$30)

703-848-2323

Kathryn McKay, writer and mother of two sons, travels frequently in her own backyard. She is the author of Around Washington, DC with Kids, a Fodor's guide, published by Random House.