home made and memorable gifts

[ianria]

Hello - what is the most special and home made gift to give for Christmas? I am sure many of you can't recall what you had for Christmas 2 years ago if it was 'bought' from a shop like myself - I want to make everyone's Christmas present special without spending too much money i.e gift certificates for babysitting, etc. Any ideas?

[emmalee]

I have the past bought christmas tins only �1 or �2, and made mince pies, peppermint creams or truffles to put in them, a tasty treat and a keepsake tin, and also shows a real effort on your part!

[ChocClare]

I agree, home-made sweeties always go down well. If you're not a cook, though, and want some ideas, just type in "kids' crafts" in Google - I'm not implying you're a kid, by the way! I use lots of the sites which come up from this search for ideas for making things with my Rainbows/Brownies, but, amid the inevitable toilet roll craft, I've often come across things on the various sites which look really good and are easy/cheap to make. Also, some of the American sites, though sometimes a bit schmaltzy for British tastes, have good ideas - eg MarthaStewart.com (yes, I know she's in prison at the moment, but what the hey...). Hope this helps, anyway!

[smudge]

You could buy packets of lavender, small amounts of fabric, lace & edging to make lavender bags, for either a drawer or to hang in the wardrobe. Very pretty, lasts forever & you've made them yourself!

[zgma]

I have sometimes made mix tapes or CDs for people - tailoring them to the people I'm giving them to.

 

Also - homemade coupons for things like a home-cooked meal, a back massage, etc.  The babysitting one is a good idea.

 

And I am an artist, so often if I am low on money I'll give away a painting, or paint something especially for someone.

[Bangkok]

If you can Photoshop, take 12 great photos, design a calender and put all your family and friends' birthdays and anniversaries.  The cost then depends on what the local printer will do it for - limited print runs are not as expensive as you might think

[Dark Angel]

A friend once said that she gave a packet of curry powder with a card attached including one of her best recipes. Her gift  was well received.