When the new toys lose their luster, turn to the wrapping they came in.

Save the wrapping paper and bows, moms (and dads). Opportunities abound for things kids can do with the leftovers. Here are a few suggestions.

Wrapping paper:

* Have children use safety scissors to snip the paper into pieces. Then have a contest to see who can pick up the pieces the fastest and put them in the recycle bin.

* Cut Christmas trees, snowflakes or other shapes out of the wrapping paper. Punch a hole in the top, string ribbon through and make ornaments. Or use the cutouts to make holiday cards for next year.

Bows:

* Sort them by size, color or shape.

* Make a bow train and count the bows.

* Have an adult remove staples from the bows, then kids can undo the ribbon (they can then use the ribbon to tease the cat or make a headband or anything they can dream up!).

* Use pipe cleaners to make bow puppets or flowers.

Some ideas from Ashley Wampler-Gloystein of Brownell-Talbot School.