Making lucky charms on New Year's Eve

The turn of the year is a special moment - and not just for adults. Children also sense that something new is beginning. Instead of just waiting for the fireworks to start, you can spend the time until midnight in a meaningful and creative way. How about homemade lucky charms? With just a few materials, a little craft glue and a lot of imagination, you can create little gifts that bring joy. Whether for friends, grandma or the postman next door - a lovingly crafted lucky charm says: "I wish you all the best for the new year." Crafting not only brings beautiful results, but also valuable time together. Good conversations often arise while hands are gluing, cutting and painting. Perhaps the children tell each other what they are looking forward to - or what they are a little afraid of. This turns New Year's Eve into a real family moment.

Idea 1: Lucky pig made from corks

Material:

• Wine corks
• Pink acrylic paint
• Pipe cleaners (pink or white)
• Small wiggly eyes
• Felt or cardboard for ears
• Craft glue or hot glue gun

Here's how:
Paint the cork pink and leave to dry. Glue four small pieces of pipe cleaner to the bottom for the legs. Cut out two small ears and attach to the top. Then glue on wiggly eyes and draw on a pig's nose with a felt-tip pen. Glue on a piece of pipe cleaner as a curly tail - done!

Idea 2: Shamrocks made from paper or felt

Material:

• Green felt or cardboard
• Scissors, glue
• Pens for labeling

Here's how: Cut out
hearts and put four of each together to form a shamrock. Stick a small note in the middle with a wish or encouragement for the new year. If you like, stick the whole thing onto a wooden stick or make a magnet for the fridge.

Idea 3: Sugar happiness in a jar

Material:

• Small preserving jar
• Colored candies or chocolate chips
• Label or tag

How it works:
Fill the jar with sweets and add a wish list: "For a sweet 2026", "For moments of happiness in everyday life" or "For you - because you are wonderful". Decorate the lid - and your New Year's souvenir is ready.

Have fun making and enjoying!