Even though we're pretty savvy DIYers around here, I know there's a lot of you out there that have really got it going on. Take my good friend Jill, for example. She recently came up with a terrific make-it-yourself gift for her mother-in-law -- a personalized serving tray.

If you're looking for simple crafty activities you can do with your kids (or grandchildren!), you will probably be interested in this page of family-friendly holiday projects and ideas that Kathy Cano-Murillo did for PBS Parents.

Kathy shares three simple, child-friendly ideas:

• Toy Shadow Boxes: small toys or holiday decorations are displayed in an upright tray, which is hung on the wall or propped up on a surface.
• Funny Family Wrapping Paper: a collage of elements (pictures, quotes, etc) is photocopied to make wrapping paper.
• Gingerbread Gift Boxes: more of a "self-explanatory concept" than a "project with instructions." You might find this page of gingerbread recipes created specifically for people building gingerbread houses useful, if you decide to try this one.

There are a few other suggestions there for crafting with kids, at the holidays or any other time: cover your surfaces, use plastic gloves, have an "art supply box" to keep all your tools in and help children learn to clean up after themselves, and document the process with lots of pictures! Much more information is available at the PBS Parents site.

Are you looking for something unique to give your special someone this year? Have you ever used a woodburning tool before? Me neither, but I am certainly willing to try.

I found a very special tutorial by Derek and Lauren over at Design*Sponge. Using a woodburning tool, iron on transfers, a wooden tray, an iron, and a damp rag, they created a beautiful bird design on a tray. I think bird watchers will love the tray. Can you say, breakfast in bed?

The woodburning tool can be found at your local craft store or you can find it online for $13. I imagine you can find all the materials at the craft store. You might even be able to find a nice tray and some unused iron transfers at your local thrift store. You can find some pretty iron on transfer designs at Sublime Stitching.

I think this project is perfect to give as a Christmas present and the cool thing is, you can use any style tray and any design you wish. Let your imagination soar, and you can create a unique gift, perfect for that special someone in your life.