Most people will be celebrating some type of holiday soon, if the haven’t done so already. It seems that December is a busy month for many with Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, and others. Many of these celebrations are centered on gift giving, and I for one, think it’s gotten too commercialized. I’d like to talk a little about giving without having to fight the mall crowds & spending a fortune.
I think the best gifts are those that come from the heart. They can be bought in a store, and there is nothing wrong with that, but taking the time to make something can be much more fulfilling for both parties. My family and friends love the things I make for them, and they are very affordable for me to make too! I get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that whatever I make will be a treasured keepsake! I’ve given homemade, handcrafted gifts for a long time, and this year will be no exception. Let me show you a few of the things I’m giving this year.
First up, Name Frames!
These are pretty easy to make. All you need is some nice paper, a few embellishments (ribbon is my favorite!), and a frame. I get cheap ones for a few dollars at Wal-Mart! The example above is one I actually made for myself, but I have given several of these and they are always a hit. This one hangs above a doorway in my kitchen (if you’re wondering, Funk is my last name). Usually I just use the recipients first name. Cut out their name, decorate and you’re done!
The next gift is a new one for me this year. I found these great travel coffee cup mugs at Target that allow you to insert your own picture. The Custom Photo Mug is made by Aladdin and comes in both 16 oz. and 8 oz. size. I chose the 16 oz. size, and they were only $9.99. I used my digital scrapbooking skills and made my own little mini-scrapbook pages to put inside. For this one I used SuzyQ Scraps kit Thankful Hearts:
The last handmade gift I’ll share is the old standby: mini-albums! These are my go-to gift for my parents because they love to get little “brag books” filled with pictures of my son. There are so many ways to make them and I’m sure you already have your favorite way. I found this recently for $5.00 at my local Big Lots, and quickly grabbed several:
I’ll be using these this year, and maybe next! I love that they come in little boxes. So cute! I’m always on the look-out for new ideas for handmade gifts to give. Please leave me a comment letting me know what you’re making this year, or things that you’ve made in previous years. If you don’t make gifts, have you gotten one that you really appreciated? I’d love to hear about it, and remember each comment this month gives you a chance to win a $10 gift certificate to Suzy’s Store!!
Happy Holidays,
If I manage to plan in time, I like to cross-stitch things for people. Other things I’ve done… I bought a wide picture frame and decorated it, and put a special picture in. I bought all the dry ingredients for a meal I made for a friend that she raved about for months, and put them all in a basket with the recipe. I hope to see some other fun ideas on here soon.
What great ideas! I typically make calendars, ornaments and mini books using my scrapbook supplies and favorite pictures during the year.
i love that name-frame. i have been pondering on doing hybrids but i never get myself to actually do it =) maybe the next year, i would have the push to start at least making one. lol!
Great ideas Amber, thanks!