Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Handmade Gifting


Who knew it would be so difficult to keep up with a simple blog! Things have been overly busy with school, vacation, sports.... that writing a new post sort of took the back burner. Which stinks because I really do enjoy writing this. 
Anyhow, with the Christmas season just around the corner, I've been making out my shopping lists, and have actually bought a few things already. Being a babysitter, I include my kids and their parents in my shopping list, so you can imagine just how long my list is! To help save a little, and make things a little more personal, the last few years I have been gearing toward handmade gifts. I like to make them myself, but if necessary, I will buy handmade. Last year I made sugar scrubs and apple butter and they were both hits! Making or buying homemade not only helps save a few pennies, it is also more economical, it really is a win win!

So, here is a list of some simple homemade items that make perfect gifts for just about anyone on your list!

1. Personalized Frame Wreath
     I made a few of these last year. You can hang them up in your home or on the front door. What made it better was that I was able to repurpose some old picture frames I had stuffed away in a closet. I knew I didn’t throw those away for a reason!  You can always find yarn for sale at any craft store, and I even scored a few rolls at the Goodwill! The letters cost $1-$2 at your local craft store. So, just a few dollars invested and you have very cute, personalized gift! Here is on of my favorites at Paper Wings.



2. Sugar or Salt Scrubs
            You can find numerous recipes for these out there. They are very simple to make, and with the ingredients you buy, you can make A LOT!  They really make your hands and feet smell and feel great! I didn’t bother with decorating my jars up a whole lot, I just tied a ribbon around making it look gift-y. Here are a few of my favorite recipes: Maybe Matilda and Under the Table and Dreaming.

3. Handmade Soap
            I haven’t tried this yet, but I hope to this year. Snappy Living has several recipes and instructions. They all seem like they have skin benefits, and would look very cute in a bathroom or kitchen.

4. Bottle Cap Magnets
            These little suckers are all kinds of cute! And if you are anything like me, you can keep enough magnets on your fridge.  You can personalize them, or make them wacky and random. You are in complete control! The instructions are here at Jader Bomb. Another idea, go flea marketing and find old, vintage bottle caps and glue the magnet to the backside!

5. Coffee Cozy
            Now on to sewing. I’ve made one of these already, and it’s really very simple! You can patch your fabric together or use solid pieces. They are perfect for any coffee lover. They economical and green because they prevent the need for those little cardboard ones at coffee shops! Here are the instructions at Patchy Apple.

6. Potholders
            Face it. Everyone needs these in their kitchen. And they probably need to be replaced more often than they are. This is another simple sewing project that you can add any personal touch to. Here are a few of my favs at Momtastic and Going Sew Crazy
There you have it! I’m sure I could find more, but chances are, if I keep going, I won’t stop! I hope I have helped you out with some great, simple Christmas ideas! And these don’t have to just be for Christmas, you can really gift them anytime!

How about you? Do you have any favorite handmade gifts you like to make?