Making Gifts: homemade with love
Making gifts saves money. But it's much more than a frugal tactic. A gift you make yourself is a remembrance created with love.
Food is a traditional homemade gift. You can make a wide range of wonderful gifts such as gingerbread men, delicate frosted cookies, buttery spritz, biscotti, fudge, pralines, jams, relishes, ice cream sauces, Christmas breads, a special dessert and even a container of your triple-strength chili.
But, as with all gifts, remember the recipient when you choose what to make. Last year I was planning to bake cookies to give as Christmas gifts, when I suddenly remembered that most of the people on my gift list were on a diet. Oops. Friends and family would not appreciate high calorie, high carb temptations. But dieters would welcome diet-friendly versions of their favorite goodies.
Of course, not every homemade gift has to be edible. Look to your favorite craft for quick gift ideas. For example:
- One-skein knitted or crocheted scarves
- Cross-stitch bookmarks or tree decorations
- A stenciled serving tray
- Hand dipped candles
- Easy-sew placemats
- A quilted tote
Photos can be turned into lovely gifts. Frame a beautiful picture. Make a photo collage. Give someone a scrapbook filled with shared memories.
Don't forget gifts of time and service. Make coupons that can be redeemed at a later time. Fit the service to the person. Perhaps you might give coupons for babysitting for a family with young children, backrubs for your husband or wife and home-cooked dinners for an elderly relative.
Your homemade gifts deserves a special presentation. You can find pretty plates and contains at the thrift store and dollar store. Make an unusual tag to decorate your package. Tie some greenery, flowers, bells or an ornament on your package.
Instead of fighting the crowds in the mall, make a gift that shows your love.