How to Have a Homemade Christmas

Instead of buying all your gifts this year, why not make a few? Homemade presents are a way to show the receiver how much you care about them. After all, when you take the time to create something entirely unique just for them, how can they help but to be touched by the gesture? If you’re looking for some ideas on what to make, here are a few to get you started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Dating scrapbook. If you’re in a relationship with someone, why not give him or her a scrapbook with mementos of your courtship? For example, did you pick up a book of matches at the last restaurant you visited? Or a coaster from your favorite pub? Paste them in. Have a favorite poem that sums up your feelings? Write it out on special paper and include it in the book. Don’t forget to include copies of emails you’ve exchanged, movies ticket stubs, theater programs, photos, and any other item you’ve saved along the way to make the book individual and unique.
2. Bake. Not very crafty? Homemade bread and cookies made a great Christmas gift, especially if you are sharing a unique family recipe. Remember with gifts of food that presentation is a must. So wrap up cookies in a pretty box with tissue paper, or bread in a bag sealed with a custom made tag. Find out your recipient’s favorite recipe that they don’t often make themselves and your gift is sure to be a hit.
3. Does your son or daughter have a favorite tee shirt they love but don’t fit anymore? How about making a pillow out of it? Their favorite jersey or even sweater can be easily cut up and made into a cushion for their bed. Simply cut along the seams to form a square, then sew edges. Leave a small opening to stuff with batting, and close.
4. Make a memory calendar. Craft and hobby stores sell blank calendars. Get out your markers or scrapbooking supplies and make a customized calendar especially for your recipient. Write out birthdays, anniversaries, and other special holiday specific to your family. Add in odd days that they’ll appreciate, such as the birthday of their favorite actress, the date a new book they’ll like goes on sale, or when they reach a milestone in their life, such as learning to drive or going off to college.
5. Make a recipe book. Hand down favorite recipes by placing all in a handy to use binder or scrapbook. Make sure you put the pages in plastic sheets to keep them fresh. Don’t forget to include stories about how you made the dish in the past, where it came from, and variations you’ve tried.
6. Hand down old potholders, pillowcases, or even jewelry by placing them in a shadow box. Use decorative pins to align objects in a pleasing way. The recipient will cherish the item and it will allow them a way to display it in their homes and appreciate it throughout the year.
7. Got old jewelry you don’t know quite what to do with? Update it by taking crystals or beads from an old necklace and making them into bracelets and earrings. Incorporate current embellishments with old gems. Your recipient will have something new to wear and yet still appreciate it for the historical value to your family.
8. Handwritten poems or letters. Gifts don’t have to be elaborate to have special meaning. Write about a moment you and your recipient have shared or why the person means so much to you. Be specific in your wording to highlight exactly what it is about that person you adore. If written right, these types of letters can be something your recipient will cherish for years to come.