Home Made Christmas (or anytime) Gifts

These days everyone's trying to pinch pennies wherever they can. Now that Christmas is coming some people may feel a lot of pressure when it comes to gift shopping. It might not be economically possible for some to even buy gifts this Christmas. Personally, I feel like most people are pushed into thinking they 'have to' buy, buy buy! That's commercialism whispering those sweet, meaningless words into the ears of many and like many others, I feel that it's really gone too far. 

Anyone can buy a gift, wrap it up pretty and give it to someone they love, but does it say the same thing that a home made gift would? Don't get me wrong, the thought of someone even thinking about me enough to go out and personally select a gift just for me is appreciated. I love it just as much as the next person, but a hand made gift is another thing.

Just to think that someone thought about me enough to sit and painstakingly, cut, sew, glue, knit, crochet or any other methods used, make a special gift for me is just so much more personal. Mothers love it when their little ones make their first ceramics in grade school, or the apron their daughter makes them in home economics. Hand made gifts are treasured for a lifetime. I have things in boxes that my children, students and others have made me over the years and I cherish them.

There are literally thousands, if not millions of craft and gift making sites on the Internet, you can get lost in searching because there are so many. I've found a few sites that I thought were really precious ideas, easy, economical and wonderful gifts to make for a special person in your life. Check them out and tell me what you think. I've tried to gather a few of the best in the sense that they wouldn't be too difficult or strap you economically. Click on the the picture to go to the site for instructions. Enjoy!

Zipper Bracelet - This bracelet would be the perfect gift for teens. Depending on the decorations and size of zipper, they could be for both him or her.

Marble Magnets – These could be made with Christmas images as shown here or with pictures of children, grandchildren or family pictures.

Pretty Lights – There are countless, different glass containers that could be used for these pretty lights, and they could be made for him or her, depending on the decoration.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix in a Jar  - Just about any nice glass container could be used for this and you decorate it as you like. A little card tag attached has the cooking directions on it. I’ve also seen these made with brownie mix, bean soup mix and many others. The ideas are endless!

Herb Infused Olive Oil – Simple as can be! You can use a single herb or you can mix herbs together for a unique flavor. This is a good gift for someone who loves to cook or just loves olive oil, period!

Gift Baskets – Who doesn’t love getting one of these? You can make them for a special person, filling it with some of their favorite things, whether it be snacks, foods or bath items. How about filling one up for dad with all his favorite football watching snacks!

A Home Made Trinket Box – These can be made for men or women, boys or girls. Everyone can always use a trinket box to keep their treasures in.

Home Made Salt Pouches – Easy to make and a great gift. Fill them with scented bath salts, sew them up either by hand or machine and put them in a pretty container.

Magazine Beads – These can be made for either sex. Make bracelets, necklaces, earrings or key chains, it’s all up to your imagination.

DIY Journal Cover – Decorate a journal for someone you know who keeps a diary. Again, this can be done for him or her.

Note: The pictures shown here are not my property, they belong to the site linked with them.They are displayed here to show what they offer and as a back link to the original site.