Design a Giving Plate
Share baked goods and the gift of giving
This little take-and-bake activity is sure to become a family favorite. Create a plate designed to be re-gifted, load it with goodies, and start a ripple of kindness.
Possible Recipients
Share your gift with new or isolated neighbors, sick or stressed friends, or even service providers you meet on a regular basis, like the mail carrier or bus driver.
What you’ll need
Plain white ceramic plate (available at any dollar store)
Black, fine-tipped permanent marker, such as a Sharpie
Permanent markers, assorted colors
Your choice of treats to share
Instructions
To create a plate that inspires recipients to pay it forward, write something like:
Enjoy this treat,
We think you’re GREAT!
When you’re through,
Please pass the plate.
Or, if you don’t want your recipient to feel compelled to pass it on, write:
Enjoy these sweets,
And this gift of art.
Our world is brighter
Thanks to your big heart.
Have your children choose one of the poems on the right, or write their own.
Write the words with a thin, black Sharpie around the outside edge of the plate.
Invite your kids to decorate the plate with a simple design. Remind them not to draw over their poem.
Then bake the plate in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes. Cool completely. Your creation will then be permanent, if washed by hand.
Package your treats on the newly-decorated plate. Consider adding a card full of well-wishes and cheer.
Deliver your giving plate to a neighbor or friend.
Reflection Questions
How would you feel if you received this gift?
Why did you choose the person you did to receive your gift?
How would we know if someone was having a bad day and may need a little extra kindness?
Have you ever thought of doing a kind thing for a neighbor or friend, but decided not to out of nervousness? How could you overcome your shyness in the future?
Resources
Discover mroe related titles here.
The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell. A wonderful story for inspiring a discussion about the power of friendship, appreciation for what we have, and the true meaning of gift giving.
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson. Introduce the idea that kindness is contagious, and watch kindness circle the globe in just a few days. Mary, as ordinary as any other kid, starts it all with a special delivery. The rhythm and rhyme of this book make it a fun read aloud experience, too.
Take it Further
If you are giving your gift to another family with children, don't bake your plate. Instead, print these project instructions and let them know they can wash the plate clean for their own designs before they pass it on.
Each time you bake together, make some extra to give to a neighbor or friend.
Gather a group of friends and make several types of treats and several giving plates to share with lots of people.
Decorate coffee mugs in the same way and deliver them with hot chocolate mix or apple cider mix.
Still looking?
Check out collection of projects that inspire big-hearted holiday traditions.
Disclaimer: Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.