Holiday Handmade Gifts

Presents are a big part of the Christmas morning excitement.  Many argue that they are not the most important part of the holiday season.  No matter what you feel on that subject, it is the thought behind the gift that counts the most.  Handmade gifts provide a chance to say what’s in your heart with each creative step.

When deciding on what to make, think of things that the person you’re giving to may use a lot of. For example, avid readers use plenty of bookmarks to mark their place in the books they read. Gardeners love to display their flowers and they can never have too many pots for planting. What about pillows? If your gift receiver loves to recline on the couch or in bed, they would love plenty of pillows.   

All of these things make it easier to create a homemade gift for someone.  Bookmarks for readers can be made out of felt or cardboard.  Different decorations can be soldered to oversized paperclips to create metal bookmarks too.  Ribbon, with a charm added also make great place markers for book.   

Homemade pillows are easier than ever to create and inexpensive too.  Craft and sewing stores carry pillow forms that only need to be covered with fabric and sewn together.  You can embroider the cover or attach tassels if you want.  Pillows can be as big or as small as you wish. 

If you crochet, your presents could be blankets, bed spreads, sweaters, scarves, or hats.  Depending on how creative you wish to get, you can create several very nice things to give away as gifts.  Don’t let those special God-given talents go to waste during the holiday season.  What you spend in time you make up for in money saved on gifts. 

Handmade gifts work for the family pet as well.  Make your own plush chew toy or noisemaker for the cat or dog.  Pet lovers would appreciate a framed portrait of their favorite canine or feline.  You could even have a portrait of the owner and their prized pooch screen-printed on a T-shirt or a sweater. 

When it comes to homemade gifts you are only limited by your imagination.  Stores sell kits to make bracelets, barrettes, hair bows, and other accessories that girls like.  Beads in every color, shape, and size are available for costume jewelry making.  Find out the person’s favorite stone or their birthstone and create a complete set of jewelry using that stone. 

The mom or dad who has everything may lose their keys on a regular basis.  Build a key rack and personalize it with their names.  Add a slot for mail or a shelf for a small knick-knack. 

Homemade gifts require a bit of thought which is what makes them so great.  Amaze the people on your list this year with something they weren’t expecting, something that comes with a little thought, a bit of work, and tons of love and it’s sure to be a hit!