what can i use as a craft box for xmas present? and beads for dd!!

[tennesseyhennessey]

We're really cutting back this year and i thought as both my dcs love cutting stocking colouring etc id make a craft box each for them. I have no idea what to put it in though. I was thinking of some sort of box with a lid and handle?! I just dont want the box costing more than the bits in it!

Also dd really likes beads and making necklaces, is there any good places to get the beads and string stuff from? I know argos do both of the above but seem very expensive and that you dont actually get alot in them!

TIA!!

Go to B&Q or Wilkinsons even. A small toolbox with lid would be ideal.

Beads and string - eBay.

Is this box too much for the budget? I bought one like it for DD to keep needlework stuff in.

ooh lovely quick replies! never even thought of a tool box (slaps head with hand!)
lancelottie that box is perfect for the bead box for dd!

Will get looking on ebay for beads!

ebay beads from HK/China etc are by far the cheapest and have been fine in my experience. If you are ordering now, no worries about if they'll arrive in time.

When I wanted beads with a bigger hole they were called 'parrot beads' on eBay.

I gave my dds thin elastic and pipe cleaners for threading.

You could also do a fabric box using what you find. Old pillowcases and dh's shirts for example. My dd got a box of fabric and a book of silouttes from one of my friends that she loved. She cuts the fabric out for clothes. There is a poem too which I could type out if you are interested.

For fabric look for off cuts from local fabric producers, factory shop type stuff is usually quite cheap.
Beads, could trawl charity shops and boot sales, chop up old necklaces etc? Might need a wash but easy to bung em in a bowl of hot soapy water, cut the string and swish around a bit.
Hobby craft do packs of fun stuff - glue, googly eyes, pom poms, glitter, bead string - and all quite cheap.