Homemade Gift Ideas Designed To Show You Care This Christmas
Posted: Saturday, November 25, 2006
by Stephany Springer
We all have that special gift that stood out in our minds. It is always the one where a loved one took the time and gave something personal. For me, it probably is the bookmark from my son when he was two with a poem, “Why I love my Mommy" that my husband helped create.
In a time when so many families live far apart, a personal gift can mean the difference in someone’s day, month or year. Personal gifts allow you to say I still care and know you even thought you are so far away. They also can mean a way for that person to be close to you not just the one day at Christmas but throughout the year. So here are a few gift ideas from the heart for this holiday season.
With technology, this is probably the easiest gift to do. I do this every year for my father. He does not live in the same state. It allows him to see how my kids were doing every month of the year as well as provide him with a year’s worth of memories. My favorite site to order from is kodakgallery.com. They allow up to four pictures for each month and the option to add captions.
Decorated Apron
Aprons are used by so many people not just for cooking these days, but in a variety of uses. Why not make a memory apron or one that is sure to turn heads. Hobby Lobby sells plain colored and white aprons. Buy fabric paint, stencil and decorate away. You can also put handprints of loved ones or personalize it. Say your mom loves coffee. Why not get some cool coffee stamps and make her an Expresso Diva. Get creative!
A Mosaic
So you aren’t crafty, you say. Mosaics are probably the easiest way to be creative. Just grab some wood be it cross-shaped, apple shaped, etc. from a local store. Go buy some tiles from Hobby Lobby along with some grout and poof you have an instant personalized gift. Be sure to include your recipient’s favorite colors.
Use Your Talent
Every one has a talent for something. My husband has many talents. He could write a song for the kids. Last year, he gave his grandparents a picture of the three crosses that he painted. We have given coffee mugs, hats, etc. with paintings from the kids. Your talent may be taking pictures. Offer a photo shoot. Or it may be fixing things, offer a free day of fixing things. Get creative!
Personalized Gifts
Does your boss love chocolate? Why not fill a cookie jar with homemade goodies. Does your child like playing with dolls? Why not fill a diaper bag with diapers, clothes, pretend bottles, etc. There are all sorts of kits that can be made that will surely delight anyone.
Make a Movie
With today’s technology it is so easy to make a personal gift that will keep on giving. We are currently working on a slideshow in which we scan in pictures, put them to music that means something to the person, then burn the movie to a dvd. These are great gifts. The one we currently are working on is a look back over 75 years of my husband’s grandfather’s life. It will be complete with his favorite songs, pictures from his childhood to present and newspaper articles. We have done ones of our daughters first year of life, a couple’s life together, kids years in school, etc. Become a director!
The Ultimate Christmas Card
Does grandma live far away? Why not show them how much you have grown each year. Have your child lay on a white sheet of butcher paper and outline their body. Then have them color in clothes, hair, eyes, etc. It becomes a great keepsake from year to year.
These are just a few suggestions. You know your family best. Do what you are good at rather it be cooking, necklace making, art, cleaning and come up with a well-thought out personal gift that is sure to delight your loved one this Christmas.
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