Update:
Made a little bit of progress...
1. Found two cool, fancy, red velvet lined Christmas baskets at the thrift store for $3.99 each and discovered I had a third, a plain gold basket suitable for re-gifting, once I spray it with glitter white/gold.
At the discount store, I found a white china bowl with gold antler handles perfect for packaging up baked goods and/or rum balls. Adding in some fun Christmas kitchen towels and one of my gifts and nice presentation is done!
(I know it will match her china and decor)
2. Still dealing with outdoor projects, so I doubt much will happen before the 15th of Nov - trying to have my studio work area set up by then, so I can start making the two, perhaps more, jewelry gifts. I don't like to be rushed when I design my jewelry, but I checked to see that I have everything, except I may need to pick up a couple of different closures-depending.
3. It will definitely not all be homemade, but I was happy to find some exquisite, quality scented candles at Marshal's at a good price. Scented candles and sweets are always appreciated by 80% of my friends and family. So there will be baking and caramels and rum balls for everyone along with the candles.
The other 20% is a little tougher to find appropriate gifts for.
4. Ordering a set of canvas shopping bags in three sizes to be printed with my photo of my friend's 1965 turquoise Mustang. Can't wait to see how that will turn out. It is from my own photography website, so I will get a discount, thankfully - since that is rather pricey, but I think the end result will be worth it. She takes her bags to Saturday market etc...
5. Found two serene, grey Buddha head planters for only $5.99, which I will plant with herbs (maybe lemon balm for tea or a spiky zebra grass for show). Maybe I'll add in new garden gloves and a couple of seed packets or a new windchime. We are all garden buddies, so I know that gloves, seeds and wind chimes are always welcome.
6. The third gift basket is also practically done, except for the baking - set of Christmas towels (her old ones are wearing out), found several brand new mystery books at the local thrift store for one dollar each-her favorite read:), a frozen casserole - she hates to cook:), but I love to cook:) and a bottle of Bailey's - decorated in a Christmas theme.
Pinterest had some amazing ideas, can't wait to give it a try - I love decoupage projects mixed with other art media.
Great ideas and some very talented people on this thread - enjoy the season:)
Each holiday season only comes around once in your lifetime...