give hand-made holiday gifts

I made a necklace for my mom and KISS sock monkeys for my younger brother. I didn’t make everyone gifts, but I did make some, adding some store-bought gifts.

Lately I’ve started making more gifts by hand… Well I usually buy a card (birthday or whatever the occasion is) but I make the present itself, and put it together.

I’ve gotten some real good reception, and I’m glad, because the worst thing you can do as a gifter is to give something the receiver doesn’t want… and being down $50. Instead, I spend 10-20 hours, use my brain and some creativity, and I can make a unique present that the person has never had before.

I made most of my gifts this past holiday. I had worried that though the gifts were from the heart, some of my family members might not appreciate them. I was so wrong! I received so much appreciation for what I made, that I plan on making many more gifts in the future, and even trying to make things to sell to other people. Hand-made gifts are great!

Now I just wish someone would make something for me…

I certainly didn’t give handmade gifts to every family member, but I got 3 done in time and I’m pretty happy with how they each came out.

Here’s one of them in the photo
The “Molly” cardigan from Debbie Bliss Junior Knits book.

I only have 2 things complete right now, a pair of socks for one nephew and a bib for the other. I’m just going to tell everyone that doesn’t get a finished gift that it will come in time with all the love and good intentions in tact.

i made record bowls for my friends one holiday season

most often when i can’t seem to find something that is really appropriate for someone in particular…nothing to buy that is, so i make things. i’ve made all kinds of different stuff….it can get really expensive really fast if you get carried away (which i tend to do). i still have things i’ve made for people and have yet to give them, maybe i should put giving them out on my list…

Not because you think it will save you money. I think it can end up costing you more!

But it’s nice, spending time creating something during the fall and winter that you end up giving away. You’re not just giving an object…you’re giving time.

and similar one for friends boy too.
Seen a great idea for making beanbags so may attempt this for them both for Christmas. If I start soon I might be able to do it – not good a sewing

Atarted to make my son abook for his first birthday – really he has too many toys and clothes so what else can I give him!!