Celebrate the season with homemade gifts from the heart.

Ahhh…it’s that time of year when the Christmas carols are everywhere and lights are twinkling around rooftops and in windows. It is the season for giving, for celebration and gathering with family and friends. It is a time to remember our blessings and enjoy simple pleasures. However, if the holiday season seems a little too commercialized these days, why not try something different this year. Instead of rushing to the store to purchase gifts, homemade holiday gifts can be just the ticket to a memorable holiday. Here are several reasons to give handmade gifts this season. 

• You avoid the rush and stress of the Christmas season. You can make gifts in the comfort of your own home. Whether you are baking cookies or designing creative bookmarks, you can make gifts on your own time schedule and beat the crowds every time!
• Homemade holiday gifts let you set your own budget, not what the department stores dictate.
• Gifts are personalized to each individual – no two are alike!
• It gets the kids involved – letting kids make their own decorations and ornaments give them a sense of pride in the gifts they make.
• Sentimental value can’t be understated. A loved one will cherish your thoughtfulness for years to come.

There are so many creative ideas for gifts that are simple, inexpensive and fun to make. Here is a list of ideas that anyone can make and would be proud to give. The expression on your recipient’s face will be priceless.

Delicious gourmet gift baskets – No one will turn down a basket of goodies. From cookies and candies to homemade salsas and canned jams, a basket of treats is sure to make a hit at the holidays.

~

Draft blockers – Sew some material of your choice into a tube (or use a pair of women’s knit tights), fill with beads or sand and place at the bottom of drafty doors. Keep the winter chill out and the warmth in. You can give your draft blocker personality by adding animal faces, googly eyes and buttons.

Picture collage – Choose a frame that allows you to place several sizes of pictures in it. Select  pictures of precious memories for the person on your list. When they hang the frame on the wall, the pictures will bring fond memories and are a great conversation piece for family and friends.  Fun picture themes include weddings, graduations, family outings or vacations.

Jewelry and barrettes – With the assortment of beads and semi-precious stones to choose from, you can create necklaces, earrings and bracelets at a fraction of the cost in the store. Use your imagination and design a one-of-a-kind piece anyone will be proud to wear. For young girls –
glue sequins or butterfly appliques to the top of a barrette or bobby pin for a great stocking stuffer idea.

Wooden keepsake box – will be cherished forever and is destined to be a heirloom. Personalize your keepsake box by painting or staining it. You can also use a wood burning kit to burnish the person’s name or decorative accents into the wood for a nice touch.  

Ornamental mirror and frames – make great homemade holiday gifts. Bring some extra spice to small mirrors and framed pictures to decorate bathrooms, living rooms and bedrooms. Edge mirrors or frames with seashells, polished stones or other bric-brac to delight your gift recipient.  

Homemade holiday gifts are as much fun to make as they are to receive and avoid the rush and “push” of the holiday season! Put a smile on a loved one’s face and let them know you cared to make a gift from the heart meant just for them.