Easy Homemade Christmas Gift Suggestions

Whether you're on a budget, fear facing the crowds at the mall, or simply want to try something new, homemade gifts can be a fun alternative to the store-buying extravaganza. Below are ideas that are sure to inspire your creative side and satisfy every name on your list.

The more traditional homemade gifts include baked goods such as breads, chocolates, roasted nuts, cakes etc. These are fun to make and can be presented in splendid fashion. The other great thing about these is that you bake a large quantity and you've knocked off a good portion of your listed recipients. A few suggestions on presentation: 1) Ribbons, colored, plastic wrap, a fancy dish or platter they can keep 2) attach the recipe, typed and printed on fun paper 3) attach the cookie cutter used.

Another similar tradition is putting the ingredients for say, hot cocoa, bread, cider, waffles etc. in a jar and attaching the recipe and baking instructions. This is just as fun to prepare, and easier as you don't have to set aside the baking time nor deal with the cleanup. Plus, and this depends on the recipe, the recipient can choose when to use it. Thus they don't feel obligated to eat it or freeze it before your baked delights become less than delightful. A few words of caution with giving food however. 1) Be sure you know of any food allergies or dietary restrictions the recipient might have 2) People give, receive, and make a lot of food this time of year; careful you don't add to the overwhelming pile already accumulating in their kitchen.

Staying in the kitchen for a bit, other ideas are coffee stirrers. All you need are plastic spoons, plastic wrap, ribbon, and chocolate, vanilla, camel, butterscotch…whatever your flavor of choice happens to be.

You can also make flavored cooking oils. Simply fill oil bottles with olive oil and add springs of a fresh herb, such as rosemary, thyme, basil etc.

One simple, but greatly welcomed gift is homemade scarves and afghans (AKA throws). These can be easily and quickly knitted or crocheted and the variety of patterns and threads available allows for a world of options. The best part? No one else will own the blanket or scarf you give them. It is truly unique; just like they are! And a word to the less crafty- don't be intimidated by plethora of needle and pattern options hanging in the knitting/crochet aisle. I only know how to do single, double, and triple knots (the most basic of all stitches). And I still made beautiful scarves and throws for family and teachers that were beyond loved.

Something I am doing this year for one set of grandparents is creating a cookbook of recipes that I have successfully concocted and executed. Since we share a love for cooking, I know they will be pleased to see the progress I have made as a result of their influence.

A variation on the homemade cookbook would be a collection of photos, poems, quotes; or a combination thereof. Maybe family photos spread out in a chronological or genealogical format. With great family stories opposite various pages. Or pictures of the one individual, say a grandparent, starting when they were young and continuing to present day. Add to these poems and quotes that remind you of them, or memories you share, and you've created a gift they will always treasure.

Sticking to the more, feminine oriented gifts, try making lip-gloss, bath salts, or bath bombs. They are all easy to make and require easy to come by ingredients. Just type in your desired gift in any online search engine and you'll be amazed at all the directions that will spring up.

Now for the more masculine side of your list. Granted, men love food so any of the kitchen suggestions will be most appreciated. But if you are wanting an alternative try making an audio book. These are fantastic, especially if you can find one book that several people will enjoy. Honestly, audio books are really cool. What's not cool about them is that they are usually priced more than the text version of the book in the stores. Simply dedicate some time to recording onto a tape or CD and you're done. You can even get fancy and create labels on your computer!

Similarly, I have given DVD's out. One year for my parent's anniversary I created a movie that was basically a slide show to music. I showed pictures of them from birth, through dating, marriage, and now with a home and children. They cried- it was great! And keep in mind this was all recorded and edited using a simple 8mm home camera. This was before all the easy to access home video and editing software we have today.

The video doesn't have to be a "love story" or a "family story". I am making one for my extended family that introduces them to the city I live in. I know they will never be able to come visit me, so I am giving them a virtual tour of where I live. This is also a great way to look at your city in a new light.

Now, some people may see this as a faux pas but it really isn't- not when done right. Re-gifting can actually be a route to go for many reasons. 1) It reduces the unwanted junk in your own house or apartment. 2) That "junk" will go to someone who can really appreciate it. A few guidelines. 1) Don't give someone literal junk. If they won't like it- DON'T GIVE IT!!! 2) If it's not in good condition, unless it's an antique or heirloom- DON'T GIVE IT!!! 3) Don't give something to the person who gave it to you. That is a faux pas.

Re-gifting works really well with books, CD's, and movies. Dressed up with a little note describing why this reminds you of them and you're golden. (If the item isn't used though, you don't have to personalize like that unless you want to). And, ever wonder what to do with that drawer full of cosmetic and fragrance samples? Miniature gift baskets! This is made easier when samples are gathered throughout the year; I'm obviously a pro at this. Just put a little variety in each basket and you're good to go.

Lastly, here are a few ideas for kids to make or receive. Ornaments, finger paints, picture frames, and snow globes. The ornaments can be as simple as pipe cleaners and beads. Or as extravagant as hand painting glass balls. You can also make homemade potpourri and fill the glass balls with that.

Just as versatile are picture frames. They can be made with popsicle sticks, plywood, puzzle pieces and cardboard, floppy discs, rubber magnets, or eggshells. All you need are photos and glue.

What kid doesn't love finger paints?! All you need is 4 tbl sugar, 1/2c cornstarch, 2 c water, and food coloring. Heat the first three ingredients on the stove until thick. Let it cool and thicken and then add the coloring. Easy, quick, and the gift that keeps on giving.

Finally, homemade snow globes. Materials: an old jar, plastic figurines, small rocks or gravel or any like object, water, food coloring, and glitter, and hot glue. Just make sure you use enough glue to completely seal the lid onto the jar.

Just remember, as cheesy as it sounds, the thought is really what counts. Don't be swept away by the hustle and bustle. Refuse to be scrooged, or to fall victim to the contagious stress of the season. And whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza…try to keep in mind the true meaning of the holiday. It's not about accumulating more stuff. It's about appreciating family and friends.