Believe it or not, Christmas is right around the corner again. This year don't wait until the last minute and spend a fortune. Plan ahead and surprise friends and family with meaningful but inexpensive home made gifts. Here are a few ideas to try. Kids will enjoy giving these to teachers, neighbors, and relatives, too.
1. Brownie jar. Layer the following dry ingredients in a glass canning jar according to your favorite home made recipe: Flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda or salt. Put the cocoa between flour and sugar for a textured look. Type the recipe on a small, decorative card and tape it attractively or glue it to the front of the jar. After sealing the lid, cover with a colorful kerchief fabric, securing with a matching ponytail holder.
2. Sewing kit. Pick up a small wicker basket at the dollar store. Add a packet of needles, straight pins, and several colors of thread, most of which can be purchased for a dollar or less. Tie a cute ribbon around the handle for decoration.
3. Shaving set. In a pretty ceramic bowl put a few disposable razors, scented shaving cream, and a pretty hand towel. The bowl will make an attractive decorator piece for someone's bathroom.
4. Seal a specially-made Christmas torte, pie, or cookies in a Tupperware or Rubbermaid container; both will be appreciated by the recipient.
5. Pet gift. Fill a cosmetic bag with a pet comb, Skin-so-soft (to repel fleas), and a pretty collar accent, like a charm or bandana.
6. Using computer software, design personalized stationery and envelopes, then package them as a gift set.
7. Make a kid pack for an adult or child. Want someone to feel like a kid again? Make a decorator carton or box that you color yourself or cover with gift wrap. Place a bottle of bubbles, a coloring book and crayons, color forms if available, and other small childhood reminiscences. You might even include a card describing a favorite playtime spent with the recipient or something you've heard that person mention doing as a child.
8. Present a hand-made "gift certificate" for special services. Babysitting, house cleaning, running errands, or other helpful skills will be greatly appreciated by older, incapacitated, or busy people.
9. Deliver a dinner. Make pizza, lasagna, meatloaf, spaghetti, or anything else that's easy and tasty for your guest after phoning to arrange a convenient date and time. Include store-packaged salad and a few dinner rolls, along with a fresh-baked loaf cake and you have a complete, easy gift for several persons in one family.
10. Write a story about the person. Preserving a special memory in writing, perhaps accompanied by photos, is a lovely tribute for anyone. Print neatly or experiment with word processing font styles and colors. The gift will bring much pleasure and likely last quite a while.
The bottom line for home made gifts is to be creative. Think about the things that people like and give them a version of it, keeping in mind the best things in life are free, or cost very little.
