The added magic of Grace's little bags of tricks is that Santa's reindeer will probably see the glitter as they fly overhead and then know where to visit.
Stephanie Edwards said her daughter sat in the kitchen for three days filling the bags from a big bucket of glitter and oatmeal, "singing the whole time".
Grace's father Christian Edwards helped by making the Magic Reindeer Dust labels, which bear a message to children not to eat the contents.
The Edwards have always tried to teach their children Grace and Tamati, 10, that there is far more joy in giving than receiving.
When Tamati was 6 years old he underwent major surgery at Auckland's Starship children's hospital, getting all new plumbing for a diseased liver.
It was a tough time for the Edwards and they know how much difference an extra bit of help makes to a family in need.
The children make a point each year of wrapping up their best older toys to hand on to the Salvation Army or other charitable Christmas collections.
Only weeks ago, Grace was awarded her St John Ambulance cadets two-year service badge, and she's still only 8 years old.
The Kamo Primary School pupil also loves making marmalade and preserves and giving them away, and has her own vegetable garden.
Gardening could be just about her favourite thing, she says. "When I go to the market, I go straight to the plants, not toys," smiles this child full of grace.
-Anybody wanting to donate to the Northern Advocate/Barnardos Christmas Appeal can drop any toy or food item off at our office at 88 Robert St, Whangarei.
