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Homemade gifts say something that purchased gifts cannot
Homemade Gifts for Christmas
by Ruth O'Neil
We are a fertile family. And my husband's family cheats by having two babies at a time. It seems that every year the names on my Christmas list multiply. It is getting harder and harder to buy for so many people each year.
This year, though, we decided to give homemade gifts. Even if you give homemade gifts to just the adults, it will save money. Giving homemade gifts to the whole family can be a huge money saver. One thing I especially enjoy about homemade gifts is that I can work on them together with my kids. Try using some of these homemade gift ideas for those on your Christmas list this year.
1. Sewn Homemade Gifts
If you are an avid seamstress, use that talent. Lap quilts only take a few yards of fabric and a few hours of your time. Fleece blankets are great for any age person from the baby to the retired grandparents that aren't able to get around much.
2. Stuffed Animals
These can be made with simple sewing techniques. Get an easy to follow pattern. Buy a different color of fabric for each of the nieces and nephews and you will have made a gift that they will treasure forever.
3. Food in a Jar
You can put all the dry ingredients for cookies, soups, and brownies into a jar. These make great gifts for teachers and co-workers. The layers in the jars make an attractive gift and also provide the receiver with everything they need to make a quick meal or dessert. You can make a lot of these very inexpensively and in a short amount of time. Tie a piece of Christmas fabric to the lid with some ribbon and it's even all wrapped!
4. Canned Goods
Homemade jams and jellies make great gifts. If you have diabetics in your family, use an artificial sweetener in your recipe. Make up a basket with jars of different types of jam. Add some crackers or homemade breads to the basket to make the gift complete. This can be a great family package gift as well. If you prepare these jams during the summer months when fruit is in season, you'll be a step ahead of the holidays and you won't have to fight the crowds at the stores.
5. Movie Package
This can be done a couple of different ways. You can purchase movie theater gift cards. You can print out ticket "coupons" to be redeemed at a later date when you take someone to the movies. Or you can buy a family friendly movie, microwave popcorn, candy, and cans of soda. Package it all up in a big bowl for the popped corn and you have another gift that is suitable for an entire family.
6. Greeting cards.
My daughter loves taking pictures of nature. One year she bought a box of greeting card envelopes, a package of cardstock, and printed a bunch of her pictures. She made blank note cards and packaged them up with a simple ribbon. That was her gift for all the aunts, grandmas, and older girl cousins. She took care of eight people all for about $30.
7. Ornaments
Kids love to make ornaments. Beautiful ornaments can be made with old Christmas cards, leftover wrapping or scrap booking paper. Usually all you need for these is paper, glue, scissors, and string or ribbon for hangers. Ornaments make unique gifts for grandparents and teachers.
Look online for more ideas for inexpensive holiday, homemade gifts. Your wallet will thank you!
Take the Next Step:
- For more ideas for homemade gifts, please click here.
- Create Spa-Quality Products for Fun or Profit at The Handcrafter's Companion
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