I like the hot pad. It's small & flat - easier than a purse which is 3 dimensional.
If that goes over well, then a small table topper using techniques needed to make the purse.
When that's done, then the purse.
Let them know why they're learning these skills.
The local 2year college had a backpacking class that took the students on longer & longer hikes. Built the students up to a week long hike somewhere in the Rockies.