I found a wonderful post with a few ideas for making your own Christmas Presents which is not only inexpensive, but also heartfelt. Why make a gift rather than buy one? Well for one thing, it ultimately costs less and nothing captures the spirit of the holidays like a unique gift that’s been made with care and love.
The giver feels good about their gift because it came straight from the heart and the recipient feels touched that somebody cared so much to actually take the time to create a gift just for them! Its a win-win situation). Of course there are some people who you think would rather have a store bought gift, but if done right and planned out, you may learn a valuable just as I did…..
And I have a personal story to prove it:
Can I tell you that the year before last I had 2 aunts that I needed to buy for. My Aunt Connie is the Sporty,Vivacious type and my Aunt Maryann is the all around Christian, Italian cook who loves cozyness. Two different personality types, so 2 different gifts right?
I decided to crochet my Aunt Maryann a pretty blanket that matched her living room because I know that she is the sentimental type. I spents hours and days on that blanket I did and it came out beautiful! Now for my Aunt Connie, I didn’t think she would like a handmade blanket so we bought her a couple of things that were more her style.
On gift giving day, My Aunt Maryann was ecstatic with her present as I hoped she would be. But I think that my Aunt Connie would have liked one too by the look on her face! I felt so bad! Not only that, but my sister was even expecting 1 as her gift and was a little disappointed that I didn’t crochet her 1 too (do you know how much time goes into 1, and I had made 2 that year!) and my sister doesn’t strike me as the type who would appreciate a blanket, much less a crocheted one. So it just goes to show, that handmade isn’t necessarily viewed as cheap and someone who you think would rather have a store bought present just may surprise you!
Now on to that great post that gives you a few helpful ideas on what to make this Holiday season Compliments of Moms by Heart:
KITCHEN GIFT BASKETS
Create kitchen-themed gift baskets for the families on your shopping list. Check thrift stores & tag sales for baskets – expect to pay $1- $5 each. Some things you might include:
*Customized CookBook ($2-12 each)
Compile a mini recipe book of your families all-time favorites. You can do this using a FREE service at MIDWEST LIVING. You can even customize your recipes by adding your own digital photos. Or use their database of over 10,000 recipes.
Other options:
HERITAGE COOKBOOK
PICABOO Check out their 8″x6″ medium softcover (20 pages) for $9.99. Right now when you buy 2, you get one free – just use coupon code SEPCB at checkout.
COOKIE MIX IN A JAR
Be sure to buy jars NOW using the $3 coupon from 8/17 RP (expires 9/30). Look on endcaps and in the housewares department of your local supermarket for great deals as canning season nears its end. Most recipes call for quart jars. Expect to pay under $1 per jar. The next step is to find delicious & unique recipes. Here are a few:
CowBoy Cookie Mix in a Jar
CranBerry Hootee Creeks in a Jar
Oatmeal Cinnamon Chips in a Jar
To add a finishing touch to these jars, you can find lovely personalized hang tags at:
Be sure to stop by Moms by Heart as she will be posting about early Christmas Finds weekly!!
Another Great Weekly Holiday post worth checking out is The Holiday Gift Giving Guide at Mommies with Cents. This week highlights Deals & Steals, Christmas cards and more! Be sure to check back weekly for more great Before Bargains!
