Homemade Christmas Gifts

Where is it written that a great Christmas gift is one that was purchased? I have recieved many gifts during the Holidays that were handmade and I still own each and every one of them. I have received sweaters, scarves, hats, nick nacks, ornaments, poems and plaques. The most precious of all of these gifts are the hand prints of my children that their teachers helped them make and frame.

If you can crochet, nit or sew you have an advantage over many this Holiday gift giving season. You can make hats and scarves, sweaters and vests, and some of those who are extremely talented can make purses, pillows and other unique items. A great gift my grandmother crocheted for me a few years ago was a set of Holly themed coasters and hand towels. She threw together a matching table runner and chair covers as well, so each year my Christmas table is bright and festive and rivals the settings adorned with store bought sets that cost a fortune.

I bought a self bronzing kit and preserved my sons pacifier, booties, rattle and the first bottle he used. I will give them to our childrens granparents this Christmas and I know they will be treasured. I took my children to the local portrait studio in the holiday finest and ordered a large package to hand out as gifts to our extended family who rarely sees them throughout the year. I made sure that I had enough frames to ensure the pictures would go straight to mantles and walls.

Frame your childrens artwork and tests and have them sign them and personalize for whoever will receive the gift, this works great for grandparents and teachers. A Holiday poem from your budding poets can say more than a few dollars would ever buy you, if you have an author who feels the need to write than buy them a blank book and let them shine. Take a picture of them in their Holiday attire and glue it to the back just like the professionals do. Don't forget to include the small bio.

If you enjoy singing or play a musical instrument then tape a live performance of favorite holiday songs and package them with a picture or a note for each recipient. This is especially a nice idea if you live long distance from your family, they can hear your voice whenever they miss you. You can also video tape a couple hours of you showing them around town and just you in your everyday routines, take some time to personalize and share with them as if they were standing next to you.

If you can draw or paint pick a subject close to their heart and create their world for them, frame it to match their style and home decor. If you can do portraits choose a picture that holds exteeme sentimental value to them and paint it or charcoal it. Sculpt something to match the decor of their home, something universal to their taste. If your saying to yourself that you have no artistic talent, the crafts stores carry many wooden or metal nick nacks that are unfinished choose something appropriate and finish it yourself. Unpainted pottery that you can paint and glaze yourself can be a lot of fun.

Baking goods is an almost instant hit with everyone, if you can bake you can gift. Pies, apple, pumpkin, peach and so on and so on; pies warm the heart and your stomach. Cookies cut into fun shapes like trees and ornaments are tasty and festive; bread and buns are a staple at most homes for the holiday menu. I guess what I'm saying is save yourself some money and open up your creativity and imagination this year, create keepsakes that will never end up being re-gifted.