Hi! Struggling American Here!

I’ve been asked to put together a small craft booth for an event celebrating our Finnish exchange student, and I’d love to surprise her with something that feels genuinely familiar from home, not just some cheap poorly thought out display. I’m hoping to find common crafts or hands-on activities that kids (or adults) in Finland often make, without having to pepper her with even more questions, she’s already getting plenty of those.

I’ve found a few ideas through Google, but I know firsthand insight is always better. Ideally, I’m looking for simple, table-friendly crafts or quick demonstrations that can be done with kids at a small booth, though I’m also open to slightly more involved ideas if they’re especially meaningful.

The cost of materials isn’t an issue. My main goal is to create a warm, fun reminder of home for her. She’ll be here for about five more months and has already spent six months with our Rotary Club so it is important to me that I have real authentic answers to bring to life for her.

Any ideas, traditions, or suggestions would be so appreciated. Thank you in advance! 💙



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wheatwitch

1 comment

  1. The thing you’ve pictured isn’t very common and not something anyone doing an exchange would have seen anywhere other than in a clear plastic bag stored at Grandma’s attic.

    Try something like käpylehmä if there’s materials available: (pinecone cow)
    https://yle.fi/a/3-6213470

    It’s a bit advanced but one cool common thing to make in shop class is a pirunnyrkki puzzle.
    https://peda.net/p/W%C3%84IN%C3%96.LEHMONEN/hk7l/w%C3%A4in%C3%B6n-k%C3%A4sity%C3%B6t/pirunnyrkki
    There’s instructions online to make one.

    A willow whistle would be possible depending on climate in your area.
    https://yle.fi/a/3-9648096

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