Ideas for DIY Christmas Presents

If you are like me, you struggle at what to get grandparents - or even the person who has everything. What could you possibly buy them that wont end up in the hall closet? Home made items are often cherished by family members since they have special meaning. Not only does it have special meaning, but it shows that you took the time to think of them.

I consider myself to be a crafy person, and I do enjoy making things. This has come in especially handy when its time to give gifts.

For Christmas a couple of years ago, I printed several pictures of mu children and made my own calender. This was a great way to give a "year in review" of the grandkids. I was able to find pictures that i had taken through out the year that easily coincided with the months. This is very easy to do if you have a digital camera.

I used a template calender that had blank pages up top, and the days on the bottom. These calenders are available through most craft websites (stampin up carries the one that I used), and if you are extra crafty - you could make your own with a WORD document.

I created each month using a picture and scrapbooked a little design to go with it. I also filled in special days on the calender (ie, birthdays, anniversaries, etc). You can even add quotes to the calendar, "april showers, bring may flowers" etc. The design possibilities are endless.

My grandparents loved this so much. They still talk about the wonderful gift from that year. My grandmother was so excited about it, she told me that would not look at the upcoming months, only when it was time to flip to a new month did she see the page. She said it was like getting a new gift every month.

The following year, i decided to take it up a notch.

I went to the store and purchased a generic wall clock for less than $10. The cover easily pops off, allowing you to cover / recreate the design of your choice.
The clock arms will come off, just use caution as it can be a little tricky.

I used 4 small pictures (since there are 4 great grandchildren). I cut out decorative paper to cover the existing background. Then i adhered the small pictures at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 marks on the clock. I then took transparency paper and created a circle text in Word. I typed out "we love you all the time", then hit print. I cut it out and used spray adhesive to go on top of the paper and the pictures. Pop the cover back on, attach the clock arms and VIOLA! A custom clock!

These are just two small ideas that are perfect for gift giving. No one else will have these items and its a great way for the grandparents to brag about the family.

I promise that grandparents will love these items, and they are both super easy to make.