DIY Life

There is something about the hand print gift. Maybe it is because it is so overdone that it has become kitschy, like every mom must own one. Probably it is because the size of your child's hand is frozen in time, a special keepsake of your growing child at the given age of the hand print.

If you find the hand print gifts charming, I've gathered a sampling of hand print projects that are slightly more unique, and dare I say upscale, than the typical hand print wreath. You know you've got one.

This easy hand print hand towel is made using towels you buy at the store and fabric paint. You can add the child's name, date and other embellishments and you've got a real keepsake here, and a usable one at that.

What I liked about this hand print wall hanging is the possibilities for customizing it. If you use a plastic plate, it will last better, and the decorating choices are endless. Besides the paint and ribbon shown, you could glue on sequins, glitter, pom poms -- whatever you desire.

This set of hand print magnets looks adorable when you hang a child's artwork from the fridge, because it looks like the hands are holding up the art. The tutorial suggests using posterboard, but if you choose an even more permanent material, like the art foam that is everywhere these days, or even Balsa wood, you'd have a most lasting keepsake.

Hand-painted glass is so fashionable, and this finger print vase looks like it could be sold in a gift boutique. All you need is a glass jar (or you could choose a vase) and enamel paint to create this classy gift.

And last but certainly not least, don't forget to check out Francesca's finger print stationery, another usable keepsake gift for Mother's Day, birthdays or just because.