Christmas is just around the corner, and while there is no shortage of gift ideas for your kids, you would like to give them the gift of togetherness and find an activity to do as a family. There is nothing better than spending a few hours with your kids doing something you all enjoy. You could do any number of activities from ice skating to playing a board game to painting your own pottery. Hmm. Kids like to paint? Pottery painting, it is.

In recent years, a number of shops have sprung up across the country offering opportunities for individuals and families alike to drop by and paint their own pottery. Fees usually run so much per person, plus the cost of the pottery, and cover all supplies needed.

The process of painting your own pottery is fairly simple. You generally select your pottery and your underglazes. You are then taken to a room where after receiving some instruction from the staff, you are free to paint the piece however you like. When you are finished, the staff takes care of the cleanup, gives the piece a coat of food-safe, non-toxic clear glaze and fires it in the kiln. You may pick up your finished piece at a time designated later in the day or week.

Painting your own pottery really is that simple. You don’t need any experience, and in many shops, you may take as long as you like to explore your creative side and produce your masterpiece.

If painting pottery together as a family sounds like fun to you, start looking for a shop that offers the service. Find out about the age restrictions and fees as well as the general process. In many cases, no appointment is needed. However, if your family is large, you may want to call ahead and let the staff know. They may arrange for a specific time for your family to come in and a specific room for them to paint in.

No matter how creative your family may be, they are sure to enjoy spending a few hours painting pottery. Give the gift of togetherness this Christmas and arrange to take your family to a pottery shop.