HOMEMADE PRESENTS

[trujillo33]

I never thought of making homemade presents, but it sounds fun and wont cost a lot of money. Good ideas!!

[mgarmstrong]

When I was a kid, I remember making candles.....I saw one at the store and it reminded me of what me made.
Get a milk box (not a jug) put in ice cubes, the wick and then pore in the hot wax.  After it drys, dump out the water and tear off the carton.  You have a great decorative candle and the ice left small holes (like cheese).

Also, anything knitted or croshed.....I can not do eather but love both.

Let kids paint rocks for paper weights.  They can make frogs or lady bugs.

How about a home made cake mix in a mason jar.  Put all the dry mixing in the jar and then include a recipe card telling them what to add (egg/oil/water) and how long to make/what temp to bake.

Scrap book pages if you have any family/friends that do scrap books.  Do up a page for them of your family/friend photo's.

I hope you have fun making gifs and I hope your family and fiends love them.  Christmas it too commercial and I think home made gifs are the best personally.

[Annella]

Just a thought, but do any of you know how to do crochett? I am making crochett things for some of my family and friends this year. I made some oven mits and also so doylees. Here in Iowa we can get a big thing of yarn for around 2.50 and that can make about 10-15 gifts depending on how large you make them.

I love to crochet and make many gifts.  Big pleasers are throw rugs.  The stitches are easy, and the project goes fast.  You use the thick cotton thread (not yarn) and a "G" or "H" hook.  You can also make rag rugs. Get some old colored sheets and cut/tear into strips 2", twist strips as you braid, and sew ends together to make long "snake". Sew in a spiral with darning thread/needle (use thimble!).  This also works with old panty hose.  Cut the panty part off and stretch the hose as you braid it.  Sew ends together to form long "snake".  Sew it together like above. Sometimes you can get all kinds of panty hose and nylons (all colors) at second hand stores.  These also make good pot holders.

Aprons are very easy to make for the ladies and a very welcome gift.  You can get very cheap fabric remnants at any sewing or kraft store. I've found some great material at Wal Mart for a steal. Again, this is where second hand stores come in.  Making beautiful throw pillows are easier than you think.  Even with nice "corded" edges.  Making some nice pillows for the bedroom takes a little bit more money for the materials, but are worth the effort. They make exceptional gifts.

Make pans of lasagna (in tin foil pans).  Freeze, and deliver on Christmas Eve, with a big bow on it.  Nice change from all the sweets.  I've made jars of homemade Spaghetti sauce (killer recipe), and gave it with various pastas in a basket.  Sauce needs to be canned so you need to know how to do this.  Making your own egg noodles is easy (just time consuming), and can be dried on a clean sheet on a large table as you make them.  These can be added with the sauce for gift giving (everything homemade).  Thing is, you can make these things way ahead of time. Lasagna can be frozen, the Spaghetti sauce canned in mason jars, and the noodles dried for long periods of time.

There's more, but I don't want to overwhelm you.

[vangabhargavi]

Who wouldn't love to receive one of home made crafts? Once you make your gift, you can also make a home-made card or gift tag ; then, you can use these creative gift wrapping ideas for the perfect finishing touch.

[franlee46]

Just a thought, but do any of you know how to do crochett? I am making crochett things for some of my family and friends this year. I made some oven mits and also so doylees. Here in Iowa we can get a big thing of yarn for around 2.50 and that can make about 10-15 gifts depending on how large you make them.

@emmasmommy09 Hi I also crochet and am frantically trying to finish 3 afghans for my 3 grandsons and hat scarf and if time permits some mittens and the younger grandson has asked for an orange hat I just might succeed this year, keep those hands busy If you would like I have lots of patterns and we could swap franlee46@gmail.com is how to reach me.  Happy crocheting 

[kenrachel1993]

homemade presents rule !! they mean so much more than the dollar could buy !!

[kapeh12]

I've been hosting a cookie baking party for years where I bake 20+ different batches of cookies, so I make many cookie gift bags for neighbors and clubs I attend.  I've made crocheted afghans for friends and family - regular sized and baby blankets are my specialty.

Scrapbooking, knitting, drawing/sketching, needlepoint, quilting are all great ideas.

If you are good with computer video editing, maybe find some pictures and music and create a DVD or CD slideshow.

I've also created gift baskets - this year I'm going to find some good deals on lotions or candles and put them in a nice basket with a low dollar gift card.  Few years ago, I bought a bunch of different flavored honey jars and honey candy, and made some homemade jam - then created jam/honey/candy gift baskets.