The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Throw Down the Gauntlet => Topic started by: MelodysMustache on July 25, 2013, 09:48:24 PM
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Instead of getting into the shopping frenzy this year I am now starting work on projects for gifts. I think something made with love and by hand will have much more meaning than a mall trinket. I have already started knitting a scarf for my son, and I will have to think of other gifts I can make for my family. For the annual dept Christmas party I will make some baked goods or jams for the "white elephant" gifts we always exchange.
Anyone else want to join me?
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We may not get to that point this year but we are dialing back a lot. Our plan is to greatly limit gifts, use craigslist and consignment, and make grandparent/parent/etc. gifts. So I can join you for about half, which is a huge improvement for us!
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I'm in!
Knitting & sewing & crocheting are on the docket for fall. Spending the summer pickling & making preserves.
Was thinking of doing homemade bread or cake mixes to go with the preserves come Christmastime.
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i usually get my extended family biscuits or chocolates so i'm in for them. cake/preserves/something along those lines would go down well i'm sure. but i don't really like christmas planning before the end of september (birthday), seems too soon!
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It is very early, but I am a slow knitter. If I don't start now I will not be done in time. :)
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I'm in for this - I did it last year for the most part. Food and crafts can be made in bulk and doled out as needed :-)
I really like the mug recipe idea, except in little mason jars. I think that would be really cute.
Last year I did hot chocolate mix, and scarves for a few people before that.
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We may not get to that point this year but we are dialing back a lot. Our plan is to greatly limit gifts, use craigslist and consignment, and make grandparent/parent/etc. gifts. So I can join you for about half, which is a huge improvement for us!
This is me too!
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My wife and I had $10 Christmas a few years ago--that was the limit we could spend on each other. It was fun trying to squeeze the best gifts out of the money.
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I'm in! My goal will be to use up some craft supplies I have lying around to make these gifts, or at least some of them. I have ideas for crocheting blankets and making homemade cooking mixes or bath salts.
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I'm in! I have tons of yarn stashed away, and I recently invested about $30 in some basic canning supplies with an eye towards making some homemade jams to give out.
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Last year we scaled back a ton and also funded gifts solely from eBay and Craigslist sales. Will likely do that again this year.
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Good idea to get an early start! I want to get my mom a nice keyboard so she can learn the piano but will keep an eye out on CL for it. I have limoncello, grapefruit-cello, limecello, and vanilla fig rum in process of infusing for bottling and gifting.
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Good idea to get an early start! I want to get my mom a nice keyboard so she can learn the piano but will keep an eye out on CL for it. I have limoncello, grapefruit-cello, limecello, and vanilla fig rum in process of infusing for bottling and gifting.
The home made -cellos are such a good idea!! Do you have any good recipes?
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I made cakes in jars one time. People liked them.
I'm planning on making enormous batches of homemade granola and giving those away. My mom mostly wants photos, so I'll make her an album.
For SO, I am making some art--the shape of the state where we met cut out in cool-looking paper. I'll make it look good and frame it. I got the idea from Young House Love.
It might end up looking a bit like this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=younghouselove+state+paper+cutout&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=Ew_7Ufn3BJi84AOy4YGQAQ&biw=1038&bih=421&sei=Ow_7UbbLKIjB4AOj8YCgDg#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=GwmD8Q83NFSimM%3A%3BLjWYB4q3Spx3GM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fi39.photobucket.com%252Falbums%252Fe170%252FKttyracer%252FStateArt_6_zps057da7ba.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ftwoeverydaydivas.com%252Ftag%252Fart%252F%3B800%3B794
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Second on the -cello recipes!
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fruit in the freezer. now just looking at jars. is it worth buying 4x the number of jars i need this year to get them for half the price or less? i could try selling spares on ebay with pick-up only.
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fruit in the freezer. now just looking at jars. is it worth buying 4x the number of jars i need this year to get them for half the price or less? i could try selling spares on ebay with pick-up only.
Where are you finding jars at half price? I desperately need more canning jars.
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place on amazon but i'm in the uk. looking at 8oz jars with lids, rather than clip-top rubber-seal canning jars (though ikea do a good price on those compared to most places).
only need 15 or so this year but the best price is for 72 and i'm sure i'd use them or be able to pass them on to my mum or others.
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I have a ton of buttons I need to use somehow. Maybe I'll sew them onto shapes for cute Christmas ornaments or something. Heart, star, maybe a tree? I'm not very crafty but I can sew on a lot of buttons.
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Button ideas on Pinterest! (http://pinterest.com/scrapwedo/diy-ideas-with-buttons/) I'm sure there are plenty more, but wow, there are some ideas out there, that's for sure.
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Yeah, I totally geeked out for about 15 minutes looking at buttons projects on pinterest last night! I think I've got enough to keep me busy.
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I'm in! I knit a bunch of gifts last year. And this is the time I should start knitting for Christmas so this is a great reminder.
Haven't figured out what I'm making besides the ones I didn't finish last year...
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I'm In! Actually I've been burying my head in the sand at the thought of Christmas as we great up for our DIY wedding in Sept.
Here are my plans to keep me accountable:
1. Custom essential oil perfumes for all our female friends and family
2. Creating a "Star Gate" version of Settlers of Catan for my sister - depending on how in depth we go, this might not be done this year for Christmas but definitely for her birthday in June.
We try to do one over the top homemade gift a year. Last year was a painted wooden chest that housed 5 different perfumes representing the different temples from "Zelda Ocarina of Time" hubby programmed a chip to recreate the sound of the chest opening and in front of each perfume is a button that when pressed played the ocarina song from each temple in 8-bit and made the light tubing hidden in the chest change color.
3.Hoping to get some food gifts made. thinking about flavored salts, granola and whatever we have time to can.
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I hope folks share pictures of the gifts they are working on.
As a former jewelry designer I always end up giving necklaces/earrings to family members. I will also probably try and make some more shutterfly photo books. I made one for my in-laws for their vow renewal and they loved it and it cost a $1 because I had a coupon.
I am always stuck on what to give guys. Any thoughts on creative things I can make for the men in my life?
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I hope folks share pictures of the gifts they are working on.
As a former jewelry designer I always end up giving necklaces/earrings to family members. I will also probably try and make some more shutterfly photo books. I made one for my in-laws for their vow renewal and they loved it and it cost a $1 because I had a coupon.
I am always stuck on what to give guys. Any thoughts on creative things I can make for the men in my life?
Would you happen to know of any good resources for learning jewelry design? My SIL makes some great stuff, she is taking some courses through university. Unfortunately, not an option where I live but something I would love to get into.
Great idea on the photobooks! I have a whole bunch of photos sitting on my computer for my mom and in-laws I haven't had a chance to do anything with.
I always struggle with guy presents too. I have found food works, especially if you happen to know what kind of treats they like. I'm also going to pluck up the courage and try to make some soap this year and plan on making a couple of batches with "manly" smells
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Would you happen to know of any good resources for learning jewelry design? My SIL makes some great stuff, she is taking some courses through university. Unfortunately, not an option where I live but something I would love to get into.
Great idea on the photobooks! I have a whole bunch of photos sitting on my computer for my mom and in-laws I haven't had a chance to do anything with.
I always struggle with guy presents too. I have found food works, especially if you happen to know what kind of treats they like. I'm also going to pluck up the courage and try to make some soap this year and plan on making a couple of batches with "manly" smells
I really only worked in wire wrapping and some polymer clay. Never got into metalsmithing. I used to enjoy going to Barnes and Noble's and would look at the handmade jewelry magazines such as Bead & Button and Beadstyle. Check out the jewelry making section at the book store too. In many cases, I thought most of the designs were not too contemporary so I would try to learn the key skills and then go online and check out the jewelry designs at companies like the Sundance Catalog or Neiman Marcus to get inspiration.
It can be a big time/money suck if you are not careful.
Good idea on the soaps - keep us informed of the recipes you use.
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Just an FYI - LivingSocial has a free code for a 20 page Shutterfly book for new customers (it is under the section - shop deals on their website). I think you just have to pay shipping - which I believe runs $8 dollars. I created one for my in-laws (as I mentioned above) and they really loved it. Would make a nice gift for the holidays.
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This is a great idea!! I'm totally in.
For my parents/inlaws: photobooks and calendars with pictures of the kids. There is no gift they like better. I keep an eye out for coupons from the various online sites that do this - shutterfly/snapfish/etc. I realize this one isn't exactly a homemade gift, but it fits the spirit of what I like to give.
For my 4 year old son: I'm making him an angry birds game with plushie/rice filled birds, pigs made out of cans, and crates/obstacles made out of spray-painted pvc pipe. I'm also making him a buzz lightyear costume - if I can't get it made in time for Halloween, it'll be for Christmas. :)
For my husband: I ordered a large variety of beer coasters off of ebay. I'm going to mod-podge them together and mount them underneath a round glass coffee table that he has in our game room. I will also update the metal base of the table with new spray paint, etc.
For my 2 yo niece: I'm making her a princess costume.
My sister and I have an agreement where we don't buy each other gifts for christmas and birthdays. Instead, when we see each other, we go out to a nice restaurant together with just the two of us (no kids, no spouses).
For all extended family: this year we're making herb infused oils/vinegar for the adults. This website has great deals on glass bottles/containers in a huge variety of shapes: http://www.specialtybottle.com/
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For all extended family: this year we're making herb infused oils/vinegar for the adults. This website has great deals on glass bottles/containers in a huge variety of shapes: http://www.specialtybottle.com/
Oh dear, I don't know if I should say you saved the day or lead me down a very dark path :P
These prices are way, way cheaper then I can get in Canada, and doing Aromatherapy I am forever running out of bottles...and I happen to be going to the States at the end of the month...
I think I'll go with thank you, it will save me loads of money:)
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A few ideas for gifts for guys that I've given in the past:
- Valet trays made out of leather or wood
- Etched beer mugs and/or shot glasses. Last year I picked up several mismatched glass beer mugs at a thrift store and I used glass etching cream to etch the house sigils for some of the Game of Thrones houses. Those were quite popular :)
- Terrarium
- Food! *cellos, salsas, beef jerky
I like the manly soap idea, though I have never made soap before so it'll be something new to try. :)
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For all extended family: this year we're making herb infused oils/vinegar for the adults. This website has great deals on glass bottles/containers in a huge variety of shapes: http://www.specialtybottle.com/
Oh dear, I don't know if I should say you saved the day or lead me down a very dark path :P
These prices are way, way cheaper then I can get in Canada, and doing Aromatherapy I am forever running out of bottles...and I happen to be going to the States at the end of the month...
I think I'll go with thank you, it will save me loads of money:)
I'm sorry, and you're welcome. :)
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I did this last year! I made jarred mixes: cookies, brownies, hot chocolate, chai tea (everyone's favorite), spices, even laundry detergent!
I fully intend to do the same this year, as well as welcome any new ideas! I am IN!!
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Another food idea that I've done several times before is home made chex party mix. People always love it and it's quite inexpensive and easy to make.
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Would you happen to know of any good resources for learning jewelry design? My SIL makes some great stuff, she is taking some courses through university. Unfortunately, not an option where I live but something I would love to get into.
What major city are you near? There may be some folks or facilities in your area that provide classes that I might be able to recommend.
In the US, we have community colleges that offer low-cost adult continuing education courses. I've gotten some great (and very affordable) training going that route. I've attached a photo of a pendant that I made this year.
http://www.ganoksin.com (http://www.ganoksin.com) has a very useful set of articles, how-to videos, and helpful email group.
http://www.grainsofglass.com (http://www.grainsofglass.com) will give you some help learning how to enamel (which is a really cool jewelry art).
http://www.enamelistsociety.org/ (http://www.enamelistsociety.org/) is a professional group for enamelists, many of whom are jewelers.
There are other regional and city groups out there, too, but I would have to know what general area you're located in.
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Beautiful Pendant! Thanks for all the links, Swordguy, I'll spend some time checking them out.
I'm about a two hour drive (each way) outside of Prince George, BC. I would be interested in doing say a weekend class or something along that lines, but the universities here only offer evening classes, which is just not practical with that long of a drive.
I have been trying to find someone willing to come to our community to offer classes for years (You'd think as the Manager of the Art Centre, I would have some luck) We are just a little too out of the way to make it feasible for many people.
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Warning: I'm typing this under the influence of ambien so I make no promises as to clarity or really anything. That being said, I'm thinking of these:
My mom - gift cert to pedicure. Not a homemade one either. Easier that way. She's very consumeristic. Could do homemade soap or lotion in addition.
My dad - could do coffee or gift cert for hair cut at his barber.
Both- a photo book of the family and their grand kids
FIL- coffee pods for Keurig, homemade creamer of some kind, book
MIL- hand made cloth napkins, photo book, something else like homemade body wash or soap, book
Kids- we may shift to buying shares of stock along with a related physical item gift based upon each of their interests. Example, American Girl Doll or the company that creates my boy's favorite video games.
Did any of that make any sense whatsoever?
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I am making homemade vanilla extract for teachers, aunts, parents, sisters, friends,neighbors, etc. i went a wee bit over board when buying vanilla beans and made 4 qts, whoops. Once the vanilla is made I will use the leftover beans to make vanilla sugar.
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I am making homemade vanilla extract for teachers, aunts, parents, sisters, friends,neighbors, etc. i went a wee bit over board when buying vanilla beans and made 4 qts, whoops. Once the vanilla is made I will use the leftover beans to make vanilla sugar.
That sounds lovely.
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I am making homemade vanilla extract for teachers, aunts, parents, sisters, friends,neighbors, etc. i went a wee bit over board when buying vanilla beans and made 4 qts, whoops. Once the vanilla is made I will use the leftover beans to make vanilla sugar.
What kind of container do you put the extract in? Thanks!
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I am making homemade vanilla extract for teachers, aunts, parents, sisters, friends,neighbors, etc. i went a wee bit over board when buying vanilla beans and made 4 qts, whoops. Once the vanilla is made I will use the leftover beans to make vanilla sugar.
What kind of container do you put the extract in? Thanks!
I am going to put them in dark amber glass jars 2 oz. for my rarely cook friends, 4 oz. regular, 8 oz. super cooking friends. There was a site that I now can't find but it had cheap glass bottles similar to what was posted earlier in the thread. The vanilla sugar I will proably put in pint canning jars.
For those interested super easy to make. You buy vanilla beans I bought mine on sale at Olive Nation. You need good quality vanilla bean. You buy cheap vodka. Pour vodka in qt. canning jars and add 20 vanilla beans that you cut lenghtwise almost to the end. Make sure beans are covered. Store in dark place, shake it up periodically, store for 4-6 months. The longer the stronger. Mine will be pretty strong so I recommend using half the amount that is called for in a recipe. I use directions from heavenlyhomemaker.com. She will list when go on sale or offer code discounts. Hope this helps.
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I didn't originally post the citrus-cello post, but I have made some excellent limoncello in the past.
You need:
2 bottles 100 proof vodka (Smirnoff is fine and somewhat cheap)
20 lemons (or an equivalent amount of other citrus: lime, tangerine, whatever you've got)
5 cups sugar/5 cups water
Glass vessel (old sun tea jars are excellent and can usually be found at Goodwill for $3 or so)
Wash lemons to get any wax off of them and peel them. Try and get as little pith (the white stuff) as possible. Put the peels in the glass jar with one bottle of vodka. Let sit in a dark place for 40 days. Heat the sugar and water on the stove to make a syrup, then let it cool. Add it to the lemon/vodka mix, along with another bottle of vodka. Let sit in a dark place for 40 more days. Bottle and enjoy!
Lemon curd is also a good use for excess lemon juice. I don't have a recommended recipe for lemon curd, I'm sure a good one can be found through Googling.
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^ there is a yummy looking recipe for lemon curd in Canning for a New Generation, haven't made it but it looks pretty straightforward. has to be kept refrigerated though, so not good for mailing to people.
I started knitting a hat the other day and will probably finish it in a few days. Going to knit some booties for my friends' new babies for Christmas, anyone have a good, easy kniting pattern for booties?
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There's a pattern in one of the Stitch and Bitch books for booties, IIRC. They are tiny. They were not 100% practical but everyone gasped when they were opened at a baby shower, so I felt pretty good about that. ;-)
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PS: I would like to make a photo book too. Do you make them online or do you print the photos and put them in a book? If you use an online service, could you recommend one to me? I used to use ofoto and that got bought by Kodak Gallery, I think.
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PS: I would like to make a photo book too. Do you make them online or do you print the photos and put them in a book? If you use an online service, could you recommend one to me? I used to use ofoto and that got bought by Kodak Gallery, I think.
I usually use Shutterfly because I like the way the books turn out, and because they almost always have coupons available. :) (Don't buy a book there unless you have a 30% or 40% off coupon, often available right on their site.)
What you do is first choose all of the photos that you would like to include, plus a few extras, and then you'll upload them to their site. Then you'll choose a layout option for each page and drag your pictures to each picture square. They have layouts that range from a single picture per page to multiple pictures in a collage (in different arrangements). It's pretty intuitive when you start to use it, although the number of options can be overwhelming. Good luck!
ETA: I didn't answer your question, but the answer was obviously "online" for me. :) Printing out the photos and putting them in a book feels too much like scrap-booking to me, and I know that I would want to buy a bunch of accessories and tools that would be rarely used. So for me, online is far cheaper and faster.
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PS: I would like to make a photo book too. Do you make them online or do you print the photos and put them in a book? If you use an online service, could you recommend one to me? I used to use ofoto and that got bought by Kodak Gallery, I think.
I usually use Shutterfly because I like the way the books turn out, and because they almost always have coupons available. :) (Don't buy a book there unless you have a 30% or 40% off coupon, often available right on their site.)
What you do is first choose all of the photos that you would like to include, plus a few extras, and then you'll upload them to their site. Then you'll choose a layout option for each page and drag your pictures to each picture square. They have layouts that range from a single picture per page to multiple pictures in a collage (in different arrangements). It's pretty intuitive when you start to use it, although the number of options can be overwhelming. Good luck!
ETA: I didn't answer your question, but the answer was obviously "online" for me. :) Printing out the photos and putting them in a book feels too much like scrap-booking to me, and I know that I would want to buy a bunch of accessories and tools that would be rarely used. So for me, online is far cheaper and faster.
Thanks! My friend told me she started to make books of photos of her family. I want to do the same, and I think they would also make excellent presents for the grandparents!
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^ there is a yummy looking recipe for lemon curd in Canning for a New Generation, haven't made it but it looks pretty straightforward. has to be kept refrigerated though, so not good for mailing to people.
I started knitting a hat the other day and will probably finish it in a few days. Going to knit some booties for my friends' new babies for Christmas, anyone have a good, easy kniting pattern for booties?
Yarn Harlot's Cutest Booties Pattern (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cutest-booties). If you're a knitter and not yet a member of Ravelry, JOIN! It's free, and there is so much info there. There are lots of free bootie patterns (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#photo=yes&craft=knitting&view=captioned_thumbs&availability=free&sort=best&query=booties), too, but these look like they'd actually stay on (and I'm a big fan of the Yarn Harlot).
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- Etched beer mugs and/or shot glasses. Last year I picked up several mismatched glass beer mugs at a thrift store and I used glass etching cream to etch the house sigils for some of the Game of Thrones houses. Those were quite popular :)
I love this idea! I never realized you could do this at home. I think etched glasses are going to be everyone's Christmas gift this year. Maybe fill them with their favorite candy, wrap them up, and done. Thanks for the idea!
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If you happen to have a dremel tool, you can etch with that as well, works well for super detailed work and cheaper then the cream:)
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There's a pattern in one of the Stitch and Bitch books for booties, IIRC. They are tiny. They were not 100% practical but everyone gasped when they were opened at a baby shower, so I felt pretty good about that. ;-)
Excellent, thanks! They have some of the stitch n bitch books at my library, hooray!
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I'm in! A few years ago my extended family decided to start drawing names so we'd each only buy one gift for the big family Christmas celebration. Then we made a rule that the gift had to be either homemade or something we found at home. So no purchases. Now my immediate family has adopted the same rules. Since I don't knit and am not at all crafty I have done photographs and food gifts. I love canning homemade jams, compotes, or chutneys from my own fruit trees. I've also done cookies and treats for neighbors and offices. After seeing some of the ideas here I might try my hand at something else. Maybe soap making or even homemade candles.
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So I just had to vent here because no one else would possibly get it. In our families it is not uncommon to share wish lists for holiday gifts, as well as sizes, etc. This works well for everyone because there are a lot fewer returns. However, as part of that, we always included items in various price ranges, usually starting at $10 and going up or as to be so generic that price wasn't an issue (flavored coffee, golf shirt, kitchen gadget, etc.).
I got an email from my brother this week with a link to an item he wanted that, with shipping, would be about $50. It was the only option he gave me. In August. For Christmas. I probably didn't respond well, because I told him what our budget was for our parents, him, his wife and their children. I told him id be happy to get him a gift certificate for the budgeted amount to that store. There has been no reply.
Even with the budgeted amount, the total for all of the people for whom we get gifts is obscenely high. Luxurious, ridiculous amounts. I'd be fine with scrapping gifts for everyone but the kids but that won't be happening. And I honestly like getting gifts, but at least give me several options and don't assume what we have budgeted for you. Especially when the last three years we've gotten you a gift certificate for the exact same amount. Significantly less than $50.
He probably just saw something he liked and sent it to me without thinking, but still. Okay. Rant over.
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We have done that before when extended family has come but this year it's just our small families and our parents. Plus my mom likes gifts and wouldn't be happy with an exchange. For us it's more of the "they make a lot of money so it's not a problem" as compared to "they don't make as much and are forgiven for lesser gifts" where we are the former family, not the latter. Crazy.
I've been trying to do the half gifts to the kids in the form of toys and half in their 529 accounts for college to no avail. Works for the hubs family but not mine.
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Last year I managed to successfully propose to my siblings that we keep our gifts at "student budget" level even though we are now employed with real salaries. It mostly worked out so that was pretty good. This year, I would like to do a little more homemade stuff too. I've done quite a bit of knitting in the past (socks, shawls, hats, scarves, fancy lace tree ornaments for my mom), I'm trying to think of something different and not-knitted this year because knitting too many gifts stresses me out! For my brothers, I keep meaning to put together albums of old family photos from both sides of the family that I have scanned in. I made one of my mom's side a few years ago for my half-sister and she really liked it. Prints are cheap at Costco, so buying the album is the biggest cost. Still, should be <$30 each (so no more than I would spend on a "real" gift), and will hopefully be something they can enjoy looking at and perhaps sharing with their (still hypothetical) kids sometime in the future.
I'm not sure what to do for my parents, my brothers and I often just pool resources and get them a fancy-ass restaurant gift certificate, so we may do that again and maybe I'll make some small goodies to go with the envelope, like hot chocolates on a stick. They always seem to save the GC for V-day to take themselves out on a date, and again, the cost to me is usually not very high since I combine resources with my brothers.
Co-workers are where I am having some quandaries. Last year was my first year at this job and it didn't seem like the sort of place where people did much for gifts, so I just baked a plate of cookies and brought them in to share. However, one of the other guys I work with gave me a $20 gift certificate to a kitchen supply store (very thoughtful since I like to cook), and I think gave similar levels of gift to everyone else. He is a super nice guy and has helped me out a ton with learning the ropes, so I'm wondering if I should get him an actual gift this year, but I don't feel like getting gifts for everyone in my group. I like my co-workers and all, but I don't really feel like dropping $200 on them, especially when I actually don't like one or two of them that much.
I did use the gift certificate to get some silicone muffin cups (this one recipe I have *always* sticks to the pan, so they are great for that!), I was thinking I might just make him some muffins sometime this fall and be all "here's a serious thank-you for the gift certificate last Christmas", or is that just likely to be seen as fishing for a gift again this year? I don't think he really expects to get anything back (nobody else gives gifts), but I feel weird getting and not gifting back. Any thoughts?
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Co-workers are where I am having some quandaries. Last year was my first year at this job and it didn't seem like the sort of place where people did much for gifts, so I just baked a plate of cookies and brought them in to share. However, one of the other guys I work with gave me a $20 gift certificate to a kitchen supply store (very thoughtful since I like to cook), and I think gave similar levels of gift to everyone else. He is a super nice guy and has helped me out a ton with learning the ropes, so I'm wondering if I should get him an actual gift this year, but I don't feel like getting gifts for everyone in my group. I like my co-workers and all, but I don't really feel like dropping $200 on them, especially when I actually don't like one or two of them that much.
I did use the gift certificate to get some silicone muffin cups (this one recipe I have *always* sticks to the pan, so they are great for that!), I was thinking I might just make him some muffins sometime this fall and be all "here's a serious thank-you for the gift certificate last Christmas", or is that just likely to be seen as fishing for a gift again this year? I don't think he really expects to get anything back (nobody else gives gifts), but I feel weird getting and not gifting back. Any thoughts?
Personally I think that an autumnal gift of muffins for your generous co-worker would be perfect.
For years I have felt that I was waging a losing battle on the simplified Christmas front, but I think that others are starting to see the light. One interesting thing that has happened is that family members now ask me to sew things for them. Usually these are relatively simple items but something that seems challenging to a non-DIYer. (For example, I have a request to sew a Kitchenaid mixer cover as a gift this year.)
My son loves wearing handknitted socks so this is his regular request. (If anyone had told him when he was a tike that he'd be thrilled with socks in his Christmas stocking, he would have been horrified!)
Additionally I make jams in the summer to give as small gifts, again well received, as is my husband's homebrew.
I think the tricky thing here is not to stress yourself out by creating unrealistic production expectations. Knitting a dozen pairs of socks by December 25 might be impossible, but scheduling a Saturday to make a dozen packages of homemade ravioli to store in the freezer until Christmas is not.
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My gosh. I found the COOLEST idea. Okay, maybe you guys won't think it's as cool. I have a cat lover in the house. I was planning to make some wall art for the cat lover and searched Google for a cat outline. What I found led me to a page that shows how to embroider pillowcases with cat outlines.
http://thejunkdrunk.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/diy-cat-silhouette-pillow-cases/
I have never done any embroidery, but I am tempted after seeing the project above. As far as embroidery goes, it looks like it's beginner level (yet I don't really know).
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My gosh. I found the COOLEST idea. Okay, maybe you guys won't think it's as cool. I have a cat lover in the house. I was planning to make some wall art for the cat lover and searched Google for a cat outline. What I found led me to a page that shows how to embroider pillowcases with cat outlines.
http://thejunkdrunk.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/diy-cat-silhouette-pillow-cases/
I have never done any embroidery, but I am tempted after seeing the project above. As far as embroidery goes, it looks like it's beginner level (yet I don't really know).
Those are so cuuuuuuuuteee!!! I am tempted to make a pair for my house... Unsure as to whether my husband will like them as much as I do... Maybe one on a throw pillow would be more palatable to him.
I might try to make them for my sister actually. She just moved into her first apartment and is a huge cat lover!!
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That is great. Glad I shared the project then!
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I don't think anybody has mentioned this, but wrapping with "alternative" wrapping materials saves money and the environment, and a lot of times people who "get it" will think it's really cool!
Around October I start popping into Starbucks just to collect the funnies pages on Sundays that are lying around at the end of the day. I also save old maps (from free maps given out at trips or old bicycle maps for my city), large fold out brochures or anything else that comes on large pieces of paper that lends itself to wrapping. I've even done simple newspaper! Then I tie a bow around it and voila! In my view, the purpose of wrapping is mainly to hide the gift and make it a real surprise when you open it. Any opaque paper will do that!
If I have someone I'm giving a gift too who won't "get it," I save gift bags I get and reuse them. Even the paper. Most of the time they look like new.
The presents themselves, this year I'm hoping to make spice mixes and stir-fry sauces for my friends. I have to buy the spice jars, but they are not that expensive.
For cheap canning jars, I've seen lots of ads on freecycle and Craigslist.
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another wrapping tip i saw was to get a neutral colour (I have a nice silver) and use it for everything. no keeping tons of scrappy roles and you can use different ribbon to change it up if you want.
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i am so jealous of all of you. i hate homemade gifts only bc i suck at making them. even scented bath salts. all of mine end up looking tacky and hideous.
i now go with gifts of manual labor. i will be painting my bff's living room for christmas, i already know this.
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My gosh. I found the COOLEST idea. Okay, maybe you guys won't think it's as cool. I have a cat lover in the house. I was planning to make some wall art for the cat lover and searched Google for a cat outline. What I found led me to a page that shows how to embroider pillowcases with cat outlines.
http://thejunkdrunk.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/diy-cat-silhouette-pillow-cases/
I have never done any embroidery, but I am tempted after seeing the project above. As far as embroidery goes, it looks like it's beginner level (yet I don't really know).
Those are so cuuuuuuuuteee!!! I am tempted to make a pair for my house... Unsure as to whether my husband will like them as much as I do... Maybe one on a throw pillow would be more palatable to him.
I might try to make them for my sister actually. She just moved into her first apartment and is a huge cat lover!!
As an expert in embroidery, I can say with confidence that those cat pillowcases are a project that is well within the skillset of a beginning embroiderer. The stitch being used there is the backstitch, which is super easy and gives a nice solid line.
Here is a good backstitch tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQbPtXmNBBc
Embroidered pillowcases are a great gift idea, and you can embroider basically anything you want. If you go this route, be sure you get yourself some DMC cotton thread to work with, as it's colorfast and can survive multiple trips through the washing machine. Plus it's pretty cheap. And it comes in 454 different colors.
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My gosh. I found the COOLEST idea. Okay, maybe you guys won't think it's as cool. I have a cat lover in the house. I was planning to make some wall art for the cat lover and searched Google for a cat outline. What I found led me to a page that shows how to embroider pillowcases with cat outlines.
http://thejunkdrunk.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/diy-cat-silhouette-pillow-cases/
I have never done any embroidery, but I am tempted after seeing the project above. As far as embroidery goes, it looks like it's beginner level (yet I don't really know).
Those are so cuuuuuuuuteee!!! I am tempted to make a pair for my house... Unsure as to whether my husband will like them as much as I do... Maybe one on a throw pillow would be more palatable to him.
I might try to make them for my sister actually. She just moved into her first apartment and is a huge cat lover!!
As an expert in embroidery, I can say with confidence that those cat pillowcases are a project that is well within the skillset of a beginning embroiderer. The stitch being used there is the backstitch, which is super easy and gives a nice solid line.
Here is a good backstitch tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQbPtXmNBBc
Embroidered pillowcases are a great gift idea, and you can embroider basically anything you want. If you go this route, be sure you get yourself some DMC cotton thread to work with, as it's colorfast and can survive multiple trips through the washing machine. Plus it's pretty cheap. And it comes in 454 different colors.
Thanks! I am also thinking of creating a pillowcase for my sister. I had a feeling this was an easy project, and now you have confirmed it. =-)
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Speaking of cheap wrapping - I save a few paper grocery bags and use them as wrapping paper. Since I knit and crochet, I always have yarn around. I just tie that on and it looks great! I can also write on the grocery bag paper, so no need for name stickers :)
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Hubby's mom made quite a few cloth drawstring fabric bags in various sizes a few years ago and gave them to all the kids. We reuse them and they travel back and forth between family members.
Also, my sister and I have gotten into the habit of using Furoshiki to wrap homemade presents for each other. I wrote a post about it a while ago. http://growingcreativekids.com/furoshiki-and-creative-kids/ (http://growingcreativekids.com/furoshiki-and-creative-kids/)
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I really like this thread, it is giving me a lot of good ideas for the holidays!
Hubby's mom made quite a few cloth drawstring fabric bags in various sizes a few years ago and gave them to all the kids. We reuse them and they travel back and forth between family members.
I have a friend that used to make bags out of old hoodies, they were really neat!
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Speaking of cheap wrapping - I save a few paper grocery bags and use them as wrapping paper. Since I knit and crochet, I always have yarn around. I just tie that on and it looks great! I can also write on the grocery bag paper, so no need for name stickers :)
Nice idea. I use reusable bags, though, so would have to think of grabbing some. As someone mentioned, I keep around a "neutral" wrapping paper called... Kraft paper! Yep, put a piece of ribbon or yarn around it and it looks cool. Can also be decorated by kids or adults with stamps or drawings or whatever.
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Kraft paper is so great for wrapping! Some years I've gone a little crazy buying wrapping paper, but Kraft paper always looks nice. Maybe this year I'll just do Kraft paper with yarn/ribbon and holly from the holly bush in my yard.
I made a list today of what I'll plan to make as edible gifts, and printed out all the recipes. I'm going to just do edible gifts for everyone- people low on the list will just get maybe a small thing and some cookies, and for my parents and grandparents I'll probably give one of everything. The only people getting non-edibles will probably be my husband and sister.
I'm planning to make:
Spiced pear jam
Spiced plum butter
Meyer lemon curd
Vanilla extract
Vanilla sugar
Homemade marshmallows
Selection of cookies
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Whew! Just made homemade peach jam for holiday gifts. Unfortunately I did not have pectin in my cupboard so I had to make a quick trip to the grocery before getting started. Pectin in hand, I ran into an acquaintance who told me that one of her elderly clients has a productive fig tree and is happy to share figs with anyone. Looks like fig jam may be next on the list!
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For those of you jamming, I HIGHLY recommend Pomona Pectin.
www.pomonapectin.com
It is NOT sugar activated, so you can totally control how much sugar, if any, you will use. You can use other sweeteners if you like, such as honey or stevia or whatever. It is calcium activated (there is a little packet that comes with it), and it has worked great every time I've used it. I've made grape, apple, and cherry jam, and also used it in pumpkin butter. Fantastic stuff. I recommend ordering the pound package online if you do regular jamming, as it does not go bad and is a lot cheaper. Locally, I've found the small packets at Natural Grocers (more expensive!).
Jam on!
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Handmade presents I've made in the past that have gone over well: walnut sea salt caramels (recipe from Martha Stewart I believe), espresso caramels without the walnuts from 101 Cookbooks blog. Also, cashew brittle. If you're at altitude (since it seems that several people here are from CO) you need to adjust candy recipes for that.
A friend of mine made me a papercut that she framed matted in a simple frame. It's just a random design, but it's beautiful. I think that would be an inexpensive gift, and I found an outline of a chicken that I might do for a friend of mine who raises chickens.
Other ideas I'm thinking about: "bug off" lotion bars for my friends and family in the South (from the Wellness Mama blog), peppermint lip balm, sugar or salt scrubs, peppermint marshmallows dipped in chocolate. I'm still mulling over ideas... I have to get through my Halloween party before I think too much about Christmas!
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Good idea to get an early start! I want to get my mom a nice keyboard so she can learn the piano but will keep an eye out on CL for it. I have limoncello, grapefruit-cello, limecello, and vanilla fig rum in process of infusing for bottling and gifting.
The home made -cellos are such a good idea!! Do you have any good recipes?
Just bottled up my first batch. The recipe I followed is here:
http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2012/09/27/diy-homemade-limoncello/
The -cellos did come out very delicious. I think about them at work which is probably not so good. Here are some notes from this batch:
- I choose to use 190 proof grain alcohol because I was standing in the liquor store staring at a bottle of grain alcohol in one hand and a bottle of vodka in the other (at 10am in the morning) and an older gentleman passing by said to me,"I bet you're going to make limoncello! Use the grain alcohol - it will be much better."
- The simple syrup in the recipe made the -cellos a tad sweeter than I would have liked. Other people have mentioned making a simple syrup with 2 cups sugar to 4 cups water which lets the zest flavor shine more and I'll try that next time (already have another cupboard full of jars of grain alcohol and zest). It's important to have high enough alcohol content that the -cello doesn't freeze in the freezer. One can calculate it here:
http://limoncelloquest.com/limoncello-calculators/limoncello-alcohol-percentage-calculator
- The lime-cello rocked! I used a microplane zester to do the limes as their zest is too thin for a potato peeler.
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knit slippers are my current plan for all the ladies I have to give presents to (mom, grandmothers, sister, close friends). I found some fabulous ideas on Pinterest and am testing out patterns now. Bought an old cotton sweater off ebay for 99cents including shipping to use for yarn recycling, so hoping to buy some more of those and my yarn costs will be quite low (already have some in my stash that will work).
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I'm a bit nervous about the holidays. Of all of our family, two couples said they want to cut back. One has. A third couple is a bit spendy and may expect that in return. Another couple said they don't need gifts, but I am going to give them some photo books and maybe some food items. I am most concerned with the spendy ones as I have felt in the past like they think I am cheap because I have made homemade items. One of them LOVES a food I make, and I have given that.
Any thoughts? I am wondering if I should talk to the spendy ones about our plan to give homemade gifts. I have told them before they can give me used items, but I don't think they've taken me up on that. They are not the kind--thus far--to create homemade gifts. To be quite frank, I'd be delighted with a picture drawn for me by their child. That would be worth more to me than anything they could buy.
Perhaps, there's clash of values? Or expectations?
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I've been collecting some pictures of inexpensive wrapping ideas mostly using newspaper and craft paper- thought someone else might like some of these ideas too!
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I've been collecting some pictures of inexpensive wrapping ideas mostly using newspaper and craft paper- thought someone else might like some of these ideas too!
Love these ideas!
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I'm a bit nervous about the holidays. Of all of our family, two couples said they want to cut back. One has. A third couple is a bit spendy and may expect that in return. Another couple said they don't need gifts, but I am going to give them some photo books and maybe some food items. I am most concerned with the spendy ones as I have felt in the past like they think I am cheap because I have made homemade items. One of them LOVES a food I make, and I have given that.
Any thoughts? I am wondering if I should talk to the spendy ones about our plan to give homemade gifts. I have told them before they can give me used items, but I don't think they've taken me up on that. They are not the kind--thus far--to create homemade gifts. To be quite frank, I'd be delighted with a picture drawn for me by their child. That would be worth more to me than anything they could buy.
Perhaps, there's clash of values? Or expectations?
Is there any chance you could suggest something experiential instead of gifts? Like you plan a fun family outing for all of you and they do the same? Then you get two guaranteed visits with them and get to do something fun that doesn't "need" to be expensive and lessons the burden if they aren't DIY.
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Good idea. Thanks!
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I thought I'd try making these homemade tea towels using my 92 year old mother's handwritten recipes and I even have some of my grandmother's recipes. Nice gift for the relatives and it preserves some family history in a unique way.
Here's the website with the directions
http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/07/turn-recipes-into-tea-towels.html
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I thought I'd try making these homemade tea towels using my 92 year old mother's handwritten recipes and I even have some of my grandmother's recipes. Nice gift for the relatives and it preserves some family history in a unique way.
Here's the website with the directions
http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/07/turn-recipes-into-tea-towels.html
Awesome idea!
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^^ That is SO COOL!!!!
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I thought I'd try making these homemade tea towels using my 92 year old mother's handwritten recipes and I even have some of my grandmother's recipes. Nice gift for the relatives and it preserves some family history in a unique way.
Here's the website with the directions
http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/07/turn-recipes-into-tea-towels.html
I love this idea! Too bad I'm the first in line of cooks in my family (mom hated cooking!) I think my SIL might have some interest in her family recipes, though.
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I scored 6 pounds of overripe peaches at the farmers' market for $1/pound. Made 8 half pint jars of jam from them, going to make homemade biscuit mix or scone mix and give the mix + a jam jar + an antique hand mixer (i have been collecting them) as x-mas gifts. Hooray!
Hope they have more overripe peaches this week, cuz I'd love to make more jam.
I used the recipe in Canning for a New Generation.
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Our budget is around $150 this year for 12 people. How about you guys?
I am wondering if the above budget is realistic or not.
To organize myself, I listed out all of the items I'm making and then put them under each person. Then, I went through and listed out how much each item cost. For things like relishes and jellies, I estimated around $1-$3 per since I'm buying canning jars.
My plan--if the spouse agrees--is to sprinkle in a few store bought items, such as books.
We were reading Little House on the Prairie, and the Christmas scene is lovely. The family members each receive 1-2 gifts, and they are so grateful! It seems like a good example of how less is more.
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I just thought of a fantastic homemade Christmas gift idea for my dad. This is worth celebrating, because he is extremely hard to buy for. He's been making homemade beer for the past year using the Mr. Beer kit. The other day, he made the comment that it would be nice to have labels for the bottles. So that's what I'm going to do, make beer bottle labels!
I'm pretty into design, so I think this could be fun for me too. Plus, this will help me figure out how to use Photoshop for something other than picture editing. Yay!
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Any ideas for making gifts for your own children?
The past several years I've made gifts for other people, but none for my own children. The challenge here is to make things without them finding out, but thanks to school being back in session, I think it's possible.
In the past I've made delicious spice mixes to give as gifts. My BILs particularly enjoyed the barbecue spice rub (and I supplemented that gift with a manly apron).
I've made throw pillows, placemats, stockings and hot pads.
I'm just having a hard time coming up with ideas that would be appreciated by children.
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I don't have children but I put together a fort kit for my friends' kids. Instructions here: http://www.armommy.com/ideas/build-a-fort-tutorial/
One of the most well received kids gifts was a bag of freeze dried mangoes from Trader Joes.
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Any ideas for making gifts for your own children?
The past several years I've made gifts for other people, but none for my own children. The challenge here is to make things without them finding out, but thanks to school being back in session, I think it's possible.
In the past I've made delicious spice mixes to give as gifts. My BILs particularly enjoyed the barbecue spice rub (and I supplemented that gift with a manly apron).
I've made throw pillows, placemats, stockings and hot pads.
I'm just having a hard time coming up with ideas that would be appreciated by children.
My preschooler received a homemade apron from a relative which he just loved. It was a simple pattern with a train theme and had his name on it. He wants to put it on and help me every time I'm cooking. It's so cute! She also gave him some kiddie kitchen tools to go with it. This same person has knit him sweaters and gloves which he thinks are very special. It probably depends on the age of the kid what they'll appreciate but something personalized is always nice. Also, food treats are popular with kids.
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I had forgotten that I'd made aprons for nieces before (and included a children's cookbook). A couple of years ago I made felt food for young nephews (I had plenty of time to hand sew the items -- I was pregnant and spending hours in the OB waiting room).
I want to do a combination of old fashioned (wood/tin) gifts - and homemade. I think I'll make a throw quilt for my oldest son based upon some artwork he's done, and make a few little felt or sweater monsters for my little one. I might even be able to get my husband to make some wooden toys -- the oldest would probably love a handmade chess/checker board. I need to get busy.
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Any ideas for making gifts for your own children?
The past several years I've made gifts for other people, but none for my own children. The challenge here is to make things without them finding out, but thanks to school being back in session, I think it's possible.
In the past I've made delicious spice mixes to give as gifts. My BILs particularly enjoyed the barbecue spice rub (and I supplemented that gift with a manly apron).
I've made throw pillows, placemats, stockings and hot pads.
I'm just having a hard time coming up with ideas that would be appreciated by children.
- Individual little cakes in jars. This was a hit with kids and adults.
- Knit stuffed animals.
- Decorate a cigar-sized box with beautiful pictures and make a label that says, "Suzy's Story Box." On the inside, add a label that says, "Tell Suzy a Story About..." Then, include prompts from you and the lives of other adults that say things like "the trip to Idaho," "the time Mommy rode an elephant," "How Aunt Joanne met Uncle Bill." Kids love stories and attention.
- Make stuff for American Girl dolls. I have made leg warmers, a purse, and am making a hat for a doll for the holidays.
- Cookie making kit
- Hot chocolate kit
- Wall art (I making my daughter a framed wall hanging with a cutout of a girl and a cat. She saw one like it in NYC, so I am taking the idea and doing my own thing with it.
You can also make play dough and give it with cookie cutters or melt down partial crayons to make multi-colored crayons in whatever shape you want. Add a sketch pad to the crayons, and you've got a gift!
Aaaand, I am probably making this:
http://thejunkdrunk.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/diy-cat-silhouette-pillow-cases/
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For the last couple of years I've been making:
Jam and sweets for adults - it's easy to make rumballs, candied pecans, caramels etc and package them up in cute containers.
Crocheted toys for my nieces and nephews.
One of my goals for the next little while is to learn skills that will both lower expenses and potentially lead to small amounts of side hustle income. Sewing and jewellery making are on the list. When she was a broke uni student, my sister learnt how to make basic dangly earrings and made a few pairs for everyone (or at least the girls!) for Christmas. They were very cool and I believe they were cheap and easy to make.
I'd also like to try my hand at vanilla extract, vanilla sugar and limoncello. Yum!
I'm still buying some components of presents to go with the homemade parts, but I want to wean my family off the need for us all to buy crap for each other at Christmas.
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Just curious--if you are in a hetero relationship, is it usually the female who takes on the task of planning all the gift giving?
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Yup. To the point of populating my Amazon wish list for his ease.
We do have that sort of arrangement, though. He brings in the money, and I do virtually everything else. Works for us, but I can see that it wouldn't work for others.
I always make stuff for the nieces and nephews (and money, that's all they really want). But when they get out on their own, they'll have some one of a kind ornaments for their first Christmas tree.
I've made vanilla (talk about easy) and am working on getting caramels right for this year for the adults. Tryouts are tasty, just not quite the right consistency yet.
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jars bought with credit card points / internet survey vouchers.
first batches of jam made (blackberry, black forest).
now to pretty them up so i can resist using them!
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Just curious--if you are in a hetero relationship, is it usually the female who takes on the task of planning all the gift giving?
Not here. I carefully kept from falling into that trap after seeing how my mother did all the work.
This year might be different because I am planning *now* and DH has not given the presents any thought yet. (Not a judgment.) My concern is DH will start to buy stuff if I don't plan/make things.
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Just curious--if you are in a hetero relationship, is it usually the female who takes on the task of planning all the gift giving?
i do but i like it. i also take charge on all birthdays and holidays for his family too. otherwise they would get nothing ever. he does handle the gift buying for me, and likes it but thats it.
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Any ideas that travel well? I am single and fly out to my dad's family most Christmases. That means a single suitcase, or perhaps just a carry-on. Also, most of my family (on that side at least) is pretty health conscious and older.
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Just curious--if you are in a hetero relationship, is it usually the female who takes on the task of planning all the gift giving?
Yes.
Though this works well, as I'm sort of crafty and will make some homemade gifts, lowering our costs for presents. If I didn't plan the presents, they would all be store bought.
But it's a small price to pay for having a man take out the bin for me!
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Any ideas that travel well? I am single and fly out to my dad's family most Christmases. That means a single suitcase, or perhaps just a carry-on. Also, most of my family (on that side at least) is pretty health conscious and older.
how much before christmas do you get there? could you order gifts online and have them delivered there, wrapping them once you arrive? I often do this with my family and it works quite well for making holiday travel easier.
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I'll probably get there the day before or the day of Christmas Eve. We exchange gifts on Christmas Eve.
Having the gifts shipped there though is a good idea - thanks!
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I got a fantastic book last year called Vegan Food Gifts. It has recipes for baking mixes, soup mixes, ready to eat treats, jams, liqueurs, etc. Plus ideas for themed gift baskets and inexpensive wrapping ideas for those of us who aren't so creative.
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A couple years ago, my sister who is NOT crafty wanted to join in the homemade stuff the rest of my family loves. She sat down with my nephews and made fleece blankets for a few people, and they ROCK! We keep ours on the couch in the winter time, and humans and dogs alike battle over it. :)
Later, when my dad had surgery, we made him a Marine Corps one, and he also loves it. You can buy fleece in all kinds of prints: military, camo, cartoon characters, sports teams, etc. So you can totally customize them for any person. They may not be worthy of a Pinterest board, but they are great if you're a northerner! ;)
http://familycrafts.about.com/od/nosewfleeceprojects/ss/fleecetieblank.htm
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Here is the project that got me started on my homemade Christmas. This is a scarf for my son made from grey merino wool. I have about 10 more rows then it will be done.
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/melodys/Scarf.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/melodys/media/Scarf.jpg.html)
Next up, I am going to try my hand at making some jewelry. The jewelry won't save me much money over what I would normally spend because I am using high quality materials. I put in the order for the materials today. The ladies in my family will be getting necklaces in colors and materials that I picked out to specifically to suit them with crystals, silver, freshwater pearls, and/or handmade centerpieces.
I still have to figure out what to make for the rest of the gentlemen in my family.
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You guys. I need advice.
What do I tell the spendy person in my family about spending on Xmas? I will go ahead with my plan, yet.... Maybe my question really is how do I not feel like a cheapskate when she shares her copious expensive presents with family members...while our presents are homemade and/or more modest?
Someone tell me just not to worry about this. =-)
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It's fine and you don't need to worry. The important thing about Christmas is not how much you spend, but that you give (within your own comfort level) with a loving heart.
To give an example - My family ranges from poor to wealthy, with me somewhere in the middle, and we simply do not compare. The holidays are about family and good times. I like to give things that are thoughtfully created for the specific person, and at a price point I am comfortable with. I often receive things that are out of my price range or below it, and that's ok because the giver was simply happy to see that I liked the gift, and love the person who gave it. I have never had anyone think any less of my gifts because they were homemade. Usually it is just the opposite because they know that care and love went into the gift's creation, even if the raw materials were inexpensive.
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Thank you. I appreciate it!
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Lemon curd is also a good use for excess lemon juice. I don't have a recommended recipe for lemon curd, I'm sure a good one can be found through Googling.
Oooh, lemon curd is a good idea for gifts, too. It's really easy to make but those little jars they sell of it in the grocery store are so expensive. Thanks!
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I've been toying with the idea of cooking some good freezable dinners and giving them to my busy sisters for Christmas. It's cheap, easy and so helpful when you don't feel like cooking after a long day of work.
But I'm not sure how to package this in a way I can wrap up and give to them.... Any suggestions?
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I've been toying with the idea of cooking some good freezable dinners and giving them to my busy sisters for Christmas. It's cheap, easy and so helpful when you don't feel like cooking after a long day of work.
But I'm not sure how to package this in a way I can wrap up and give to them.... Any suggestions?
How about creating and printing out a menu in a fancy font that describes the dishes? You could also include your heating directions and side suggestions.
This way you could arrange a time to drop off the meals and won't come up with space problems like "I just bought a bunch of on sale meat, or shot a moose, and have no room in my freezer" If you package it nicely, maybe in a fancy scroll or folio (with the recipes?) then she will have something to open as well.
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I don't think anybody has mentioned this, but wrapping with "alternative" wrapping materials saves money and the environment, and a lot of times people who "get it" will think it's really cool!
I wrapped gifts in cloth one year. On the little card with their name on it was an explanation of the furoshiki style of wrapping, in which the wrapping is also a gift. You could use it as a table cloth, a scarf, whatever. They appreciated my explaining it. That made it special.
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Does anyone have ideas for ornaments? I would like to make ornaments for 10 children (son, nieces, and nephews) -- most are under 6, but there are 2 teenagers. I pinned some ideas (http://www.pinterest.com/staplerconfesh/frugal-giving/) but I would love to get more ideas. In my teenage years, I embroidered stockings and tree skirts from those kits you get at craft stores. I looked to see if I could find the same kind of thing now, at least to give me a template that I could copy 10 times, but the craft stores these days appear to just have glue-together projects. I like the felt animals / angels, like this, but with an animal (no one here would know figgy pudding): http://folksy.com/items/1022113
Any suggestions for ornaments?
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Does anyone have ideas for ornaments? I would like to make ornaments for 10 children (son, nieces, and nephews) -- most are under 6, but there are 2 teenagers. I pinned some ideas (http://www.pinterest.com/staplerconfesh/frugal-giving/) but I would love to get more ideas. In my teenage years, I embroidered stockings and tree skirts from those kits you get at craft stores. I looked to see if I could find the same kind of thing now, at least to give me a template that I could copy 10 times, but the craft stores these days appear to just have glue-together projects. I like the felt animals / angels, like this, but with an animal (no one here would know figgy pudding): http://folksy.com/items/1022113
Any suggestions for ornaments?
If you do needlework at all you can find a book of small patterns and put them in some sort of frame to hang. The pre-made ones in the stores are cheaply made, but it can't be hard to DIY or fine an alternate solution. Something like this http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2011/12/4/sweet-stitching-with-erin-cross-stitch-ornaments.html but not necessarily a pillow.
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i'm in! some of these may be stretching the "homemade" definition a bit, but they are all heavier on thought/work then cost.
jamie pants, recycled crayons for the kids and nieces/nephews
playsilks (bought the silks, dying myself) and wool rattles for the baby
vanilla cookin away for grandparents (will do photos/frames, photo books too)
wool dryer balls for all the ladies/mamas in the family
some placemats with aplique for my boys (to learn how to set the table)
converting all the old VHS home movies to DVDs for my dad
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What sort of homemade gifts have you all made for men? I have plenty of ideas for the women in my life - bath salts, pretty scarves, etc. - but what about the men? And teenagers?
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What sort of homemade gifts have you all made for men? I have plenty of ideas for the women in my life - bath salts, pretty scarves, etc. - but what about the men? And teenagers?
Food. I might be doing a Harry Potter themed gift basket this year. Technological help (years and years ago, I bought my dad a CD and copied it onto a tape along with a few others so he could listen in the car driving to work).
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Does anyone have ideas for ornaments? I would like to make ornaments for 10 children (son, nieces, and nephews) -- most are under 6, but there are 2 teenagers. I pinned some ideas (http://www.pinterest.com/staplerconfesh/frugal-giving/) but I would love to get more ideas. In my teenage years, I embroidered stockings and tree skirts from those kits you get at craft stores. I looked to see if I could find the same kind of thing now, at least to give me a template that I could copy 10 times, but the craft stores these days appear to just have glue-together projects. I like the felt animals / angels, like this, but with an animal (no one here would know figgy pudding): http://folksy.com/items/1022113
Any suggestions for ornaments?
If you do needlework at all you can find a book of small patterns and put them in some sort of frame to hang. The pre-made ones in the stores are cheaply made, but it can't be hard to DIY or fine an alternate solution. Something like this http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2011/12/4/sweet-stitching-with-erin-cross-stitch-ornaments.html but not necessarily a pillow.
Those are great. Thanks!
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What sort of homemade gifts have you all made for men? I have plenty of ideas for the women in my life - bath salts, pretty scarves, etc. - but what about the men? And teenagers?
Ideas for men: The Purl Bee blog has a nice tutorial for a men's Dopp (toiletry) bag: http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2010/7/16/mollys-sketchbook-zippered-dopp-kit.html. My guys love also homemade socks but this is certainly a greater time commitment. I am making my husband some hand hemmed linen handkerchiefs for Christmas. Not exciting but useful for him.
Have you considered making some sort of flavored alcohol? The fabulous Northwest Edible blogger (who is also a Mustachian) recently had a great article on this: http://www.nwedible.com/2013/10/infuse-your-booze-a-complete-guide-to-diy-flavored-liquors.html.
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I've just remembered that my three year old niece is obsessed with pearl jewellery. What could be easier than some freshwater pearls beaded onto kid-friendly elastic? This will be great!
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lgannon, thank you for sharing the fleece blanket idea. My cousin's little girl is very attached to having a soft blankie for comfort, so I showed my kids your link and we're going to make her (and maybe her mom, too) a blanket for Christmas. I love finding something the kids can help make!
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It's definitely time to get cracking on these homemade gifts! I found these cute felt superhero masks on this site http://www.cutesycrafts.com/2012/07/superhero-party-masks.html
I'm going to make them for my 2 boys and my nephews. If I have time I will make them the capes too!
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Infused alcohol! What a great idea! The only thing is I am flying home for Christmas - is it possible to bring something like that on the plane?
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Infused alcohol! What a great idea! The only thing is I am flying home for Christmas - is it possible to bring something like that on the plane?
Checked bags.
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Infused alcohol! What a great idea! The only thing is I am flying home for Christmas - is it possible to bring something like that on the plane?
Checked bags.
Yeah, I try not to check bags. But maybe in this case I will have to.
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I just arm-knit my first scarf (http://www.simplymaggie.com/arm-knitting-how-to-updated) and it came out amazing! I don't have pictures, but I'm very happy with how it turned out. The yarn was $6, and it made a nice, long, soft scarf. And it only took me two hours! I'm sure the next one will go quicker. I think that's what all my female friends will be getting!
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I just arm-knit my first scarf (http://www.simplymaggie.com/arm-knitting-how-to-updated) and it came out amazing! I don't have pictures, but I'm very happy with how it turned out. The yarn was $6, and it made a nice, long, soft scarf. And it only took me two hours! I'm sure the next one will go quicker. I think that's what all my female friends will be getting!
Very interesting - I'll have to try that!
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I just arm-knit my first scarf (http://www.simplymaggie.com/arm-knitting-how-to-updated) and it came out amazing! I don't have pictures, but I'm very happy with how it turned out. The yarn was $6, and it made a nice, long, soft scarf. And it only took me two hours! I'm sure the next one will go quicker. I think that's what all my female friends will be getting!
That is SOOOOO cool! Is it cheaper to make it yourself? It looks very cute though.
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I just arm-knit my first scarf (http://www.simplymaggie.com/arm-knitting-how-to-updated) and it came out amazing! I don't have pictures, but I'm very happy with how it turned out. The yarn was $6, and it made a nice, long, soft scarf. And it only took me two hours! I'm sure the next one will go quicker. I think that's what all my female friends will be getting!
That is SOOOOO cool! Is it cheaper to make it yourself? It looks very cute though.
Yes, it definitely is cheaper to make yourself. Since I didn't have to buy knitting needles, that $6 was my total cost. The scarf itself ended up about 6 feet long. I did take pictures today, and if I can attach them properly, you can see the width of the scarf and how big the stitches are when you use your arms, and then how it looks on a person when it is looped once around the neck. I used 2 skeins of Charisma bulky 100% acrylic yarn. Each skein was 100 m and I used the whole thing.
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I would really love to try this. Where's the best place to buy cheap practice yarn?
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5 jars of strawberry jam sat on the side ready for labelling and wrapping.
can't believe how much fruit it takes to make so little jam but i think i have enough!
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I don't have children but I put together a fort kit for my friends' kids. Instructions here: http://www.armommy.com/ideas/build-a-fort-tutorial/
I really like this fort idea. I have a 6-7 year old nephew who I'm pretty sure would be all over this. I need to figure out what to get my 8-9 year old niece - I was just talking to my sister about how they get a ton of gifts and don't even use most of them, they're spoiled rotten. Unfortunately they live several hundred miles away so I feel like I need to buy their love (I know, I know) because I rarely get to see them.
I'm thinking I'll do the fort tutorial, as cheap/nice looking as possible (thrift store sheets maybe, well washed?), something similar for my niece, and then a little cash for both of them because when I saw them last they liked talking about how much money they had. Is $10 a laughable amount for elementary schoolers these days, or would they be into it?
My niece currently wants to be a chef, so something kitchen-related might be nice, but all those DIY play kitchens seem maybe a little young for her. Any other suggestions for a 4th grade girl? (Or is it 3rd grade? I'm the worst.)
We have a total of 19 people to get gifts for, I'm trying so hard to do this cheaply but it is HARD.
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I would really love to try this. Where's the best place to buy cheap practice yarn?
I bought my yarn at Michael's. If you don't have them in your area, try Hobby Lobby or any craft store. You can also buy online, but I like to feel how soft the yarn is before I buy it, so online is not for me.
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I would really love to try this. Where's the best place to buy cheap practice yarn?
I bought my yarn at Michael's. If you don't have them in your area, try Hobby Lobby or any craft store. You can also buy online, but I like to feel how soft the yarn is before I buy it, so online is not for me.
Yeah I wanna do that too. I might drop by Michael's then. Did you knit before this? I have never knitted before so I want to practice first. I saw a video of a guy doing this but on a much larger scale and he's using old shirts, sheets and whatever fabric just cut up in strips.
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I taught myself how to knit from a book that I bought at JoAnn fabrics (about 10 years ago). My first project was an acrylic scarf that I gave to my bf at the time. I'm sure he tossed it! :)
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You guys. I need advice.
What do I tell the spendy person in my family about spending on Xmas? I will go ahead with my plan, yet.... Maybe my question really is how do I not feel like a cheapskate when she shares her copious expensive presents with family members...while our presents are homemade and/or more modest?
Someone tell me just not to worry about this. =-)
I don't think you should worry about it, at all, but I do think that if you are deviating from the way things have been done in the past, it will make everyone more comfortable if you mention it. "We are really trying to keep holiday spending down this year, so we are going with more modest, homemade gifts, but I think you are all really going to love the things I've got planned!"
That way, if they are people who are into tit for tat giving, they can adjust accordingly. If they continue to spend extravagantly, then they are doing so with full knowledge that they can't expect the same in return. I think a heads up just decreases the awkwardness on Christmas morning and prevents everyone from wondering if the reason for lesser (expense-wise) gifts is personal in some way.
I made wine charms a few years back and they were extremely popular. I bought assorted glass beads in bulk on ebay (many bead stores sell mixed lots as well, or beads by the pound), sorted them by color, and then put them on wire circles made for making hoop earrings (found at a local craft store). I used a small pliers to make a hook on one end. The other end came with a loop. That's it! Super easy! I put them in tins and jewelry boxes I collected from other gifts and purchases, and made sets of 8 or 12, depending on the kind of entertaining the recipient did.
I don't know if it counts, but I also like to do Kiva gifts. I pick out a cause and/or location that is near and dear to the recipient, and make a donation in their name, with the promise to keep reinvesting the money in similar causes, as it is paid back.
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I am also going to throw down the gauntlet on this Christmas challenge. I usually spend at LEAST a $1000 on Christmas presents (husband, 2 kids, nephew, 2 sets of parents, SIL, the odd friend), plus whatever my husband spends on me, and then the extra for random xmas crap. Tons of cash for stuff we don't need. The issue has always been that I love Christmas. I love Christmas decorations, food, and giving gifts. I will generally try and make something for my girlfriends, last year it was awesome wide infinite scarves made out of scraps of really nice wool material that I had kicking around with flowers from different material sewn on. Turned out really sharp, and of course I made one for myself.
This year my challenge is to spend $200 on gifts. That’s it. For many that might seem like a lot, but for me it’s a huge drop. Ideally I would have even cheaper but there are some tough ones out there, mainly my dad and my husband to a lesser extent, plus I need to get some supplies for crafts. Anyone with ideas for men are greatly appreciated. My dad is a horder, disorganized, if he can’t find it he buys a new one, has tons of stuff, has zero financial control etc…you’re probably getting the picture. I like to get him something nice, but am always unsure. One year I got him a Canadian tire gift card, cause he always shops there, but he just gave me this “WTF look..and said what do I need a gift card for I can just pay with my visa…”. He does get semi-regular massages from a massage school tho, so I thought a few prepaid visits to that and a bottle of baileys (which I already have stashed away in a cupboard from a recent trip through the US – duty free).
These are some of my ideas for gifts:
Felted wool bowls for my lady friends. I have a few skeins of cowichan wool from ages ago that I can use. I would love a gift like this. http://www.heavydutydesign.com/alicethelma/2009/03/free-pattern-felted-nesting-bowls/
Stenciled beer glasses for my husband (he loves skeletons and bones, we have weird spine sculptures in our home) so I will stencil skeletons on them. http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=314891.0#axzz2jnC2AGid
My husband also loves metal, so I’m thinking this for him as well. http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Clock-out-of-a-Bicycle-Brake-Disc/
I’m going to do a few batches of melt and pour soaps – I did this a few years ago and it was a hit with everyone. Bath bombs etc as well.
Some stuff out of cement, because we have a few bags that are just sitting around, so free free free
http://www.papernstitchblog.com/2012/06/22/9-cool-things-you-should-make-with-cement-this-weekend/
We also do calendars every year for parents, grandma, SIL. Generally we just do this at Walmart and they cost us about 20$ per calendar, so we spend about $100 on them. I would like to do this myself, by designing it and then printing it at Staples or something and binding myself or using staples. Maybe not as nice, but definitely cheaper.
The kids are a hiccup to the plan – haven’t thought too much about them. But we may introduce them to a toned down Christmas this year, since we’ve had big expenses moving this year and we are planning a big family vacation in the spring with my inlaws to cuba or something for their 50th.
Any other cool knitting projects or crafty gifts ideas for men would be greatly appreciated.
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Check Apple and Shutterfly for calendar prices as well.
Would you be open to charitable gifts? You could spend a day working on X charitable project in the name of a friend, so it is a "free" gift but that person knows that good was done in their honor. As I get older and most of my friends are well-enough off that they have everything they need, I find these types of gifts are extremely appreciated. Frankly, a lot of people are probably relieved not to get kitchy or gimmicky or just-not-quite-right stuff that they have to figure out how to deal with.
Similarly, you could knit scarves or blankets out of any leftovers you may have (or yarn you pick up cheap) and donate to a local children's or veterans' hospital in the name of a friend.
If you think you dad would appreciate something like that, it sounds ideal since it is less for him to hoard.
I love charitable gifts and spend hours every year researching charities, trying to match up a friends interests with a great charity. (MMM did a piece on how to select a charity, I believe, which helps with the money side of things). Educational charities for a teacher friend, breast cancer charities for a survivor, charities that donate books to kids for a reader, etc.
Also, because you mention duty free, be aware in the future that those are often not especially good prices and you can frequently do better at a large liquor store, especially when they do specials, which you can track year round if you are looking for a specific item (like Baileys). Even many grocery stores put stuff like that on sale occasionally, and that may well beat a duty free shop. (Too late for this year, but in the future...)
And since you mentioned felt and soaps, you could also make felted soaps, which are a nice consumable item.
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Not quite all homemade, but meaningful and inexpensive: we're doing "instagram gifts". Calendars with a photo of an appropriate family event/birthday person each month for the grandparents, various other things for different folks. Mismatched tiles with prints mod lodged to them as coasters, etc.
I loved the superhero masks idea, but my nephew is obsessed with one thing: Trains. Anyone have an idea/pattern for something similar but train-themed?
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And since you mentioned felt and soaps, you could also make felted soaps, which are a nice consumable item
I have never seen this before!!! It looks so beautiful and easy and unique, great project for the kids to help with. Thanks for the headsup, I want one for my own. As for the duty free, we actually bought the booze at the grocery store not at the actual Duty Free, and trust me it was WAY cheaper than what we can get it in Canada for.
I've chatted with a design friend regarding the calendars, and I think I've got a DIY plan figured out. But geez, it's already November 6, time is a tickin!
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My niece currently wants to be a chef, so something kitchen-related might be nice, but all those DIY play kitchens seem maybe a little young for her. Any other suggestions for a 4th grade girl? (Or is it 3rd grade? I'm the worst.)
FallstoClimb - my son (he's 8) loves to cook and help in the kitchen. A couple of years ago I made him a skull apron, black apron with a felt skull and cross-bones on it, and give him that as well as some smaller kitchen utensils, think small whisk, flipper. They were all handy gadgets to have in the kitchen, not toys, so I didn't feel like I was wasting money and I get to use them all the time.
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I am thinking I spread myself too thing. I have a leather jewelry project I want to make, a knitting project, food projects, etc.
As I think this over (and feel overwhelmed), I am thinking I would be more relaxed about this if I focused on two areas, such as food and knitting or food and paper craft.
Thinking out loud...
Also, where are you guys finding time for this? My family is always around so it's hard to work on their gifts. Maybe I need to hide myself away to get their gifts completed.
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oldtoyota, I don't know about anybody else, but most of this is in my head for stuff that I plan to do. I've barely started. I have my craft weekend with a friend in a couple of weeks which will hopefully jump start it all, but other than that evenings after the kids are in bed, i'll put in an hour or so, or knit while watching a movie with the hubby..
As I think this over (and feel overwhelmed),
Try not to get overwhelmed, that's a great way to get to the point that you throw your hands in the air and say I can't do it. I've been there. I have tons of things I want to make people, realistically I will probably make a quarter of them. What I plan though is to do large batch things (the soap, hand painted linens etc) things that I can make a bunch of at the same time and parcel out for gifts and then a few specialty items.
This should be about doing something that we enjoy and have fun at, while also saving money and making something meaningful for someone.
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I may have mentioned this before, but all knitters should follow the Yarn Harlot (www.yarnharlot.ca) She's a fabulously funny knitter who knits a lot for Christmas (and generally goes a bit nuts). Today's blog (http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2013/11/07/maybe_it_was_allergies.html) will bring a tear to your eye (even though it's not about knitting OR Christmas).
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I am sensing some stress in some of these posts. Makes me glad that I no longer give gifts.
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These are really great ideas. I will have to try the Lemoncello. I am going to make some s'more infused vodka and this http://allrecipes.com/recipe/grandmas-apple-pie-ala-mode-moonshine/. I also want to make some solid perfume for my mother in law and sisters in law. I am hoping to pick up some old jewelry to put it in. http://www.crunchybetty.com/handmade-solid-perfume. I also am knitting some pot holders. It is about all I can knit.
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I am sensing some stress in some of these posts. Makes me glad that I no longer give gifts.
I'm adopting a hybrid approach this year. Make approximately half of my gifts and buy the rest. This way, I won't get super stressed about it.
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I am sensing some stress in some of these posts. Makes me glad that I no longer give gifts.
Do you mean me? If so, I am not feeling stressed exactly. I am feeling overwhelmed by my grand ideas though. I think it'll all work out if I narrow down the craft types to one or two. I am really good at making food gifts. Leather work is a stretch. =-)
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Perhaps I was projecting a bit. Back when I was in touch with my sibs and nieces and nephews (14 folks total), it was stressful trying to figure out what to get for everyone.
I like the idea of homemade gifts, but I wonder if some folks still might be stressed about the upcoming "deadline" of 12/25 (or whatever other holiday they might observe). I much prefer MMM's approach of no gifting, although I think he said that he and his family will occasionally make a gift for someone?
Anyway, have fun, and I'm sure your creations will turn out nicely!
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Perhaps I was projecting a bit. Back when I was in touch with my sibs and nieces and nephews (14 folks total), it was stressful trying to figure out what to get for everyone.
I like the idea of homemade gifts, but I wonder if some folks still might be stressed about the upcoming "deadline" of 12/25 (or whatever other holiday they might observe). I much prefer MMM's approach of no gifting, although I think he said that he and his family will occasionally make a gift for someone?
Anyway, have fun, and I'm sure your creations will turn out nicely!
I agree with you a bit. I floated the idea of no gifts for the adults to my mom. She thought about it and then realized that would mean not getting gifts for her kids. That idea bothered her, so we're back where we started with a few changes.
She wants photos of my kidlet. Her present is going to be a photo book. She loves them and doesn't care that we gave her photo books of other years in the past. They make her happy. My dad loves key lime pie, so he will get that. I am making granola for my sister.
My mom is old, and I decided she is getting her way on this one. And, if she gives me a gift, I feel like I have to give her a gift. I also buy the gifts for her to give to my family (strange to some but seems normal now) and I have to say that I do not enjoy acquiring these things. I try to get as little as possible and then she says I should spend more. I also tend to stick to items I need anyway (or think I will need) like some clothes for work or something utilitarian.
Eventually, I think I'll get to a point where I don't bother with the gifts yet I probably won't do it while she's alive.
One neat outcome of all of this is that I am a lot less stressed than past years. Up above, I sounded overwhelmed by all my grand plans. The good news is that I am "out of the matrix" in terms of shopping in crowded stores, getting frustrated in mall parking lots, freaking out that I did not get the right thing, having to return items that do not fit, etc, etc. That is all behind me. Yay!
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I understand regarding your mom. I would do the same thing--unfortunately she died a few years ago.
Actually, sort of the reverse was happening when she was still alive--I saw HER get stressed every year about what to get for her several kids and several more grandkids. I tried to encourage her to just give $$, but she wouldn't do it. Well, she no longer has to deal with that stress!
And it sounds like you have definitely taken most of the stress out of the holiday for yourself. I'm happy for you that you no longer have to deal with the malls, the parking, the pressure!
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I do think that when going homemade, it's best to limit yourself to 2-3 items, and give those to everyone, especially if you aren't starting until November.
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I'm a bit stuck on my parents this year. They are retired and thanks to a very MMM life, they have everything they need and then some. They buy what they need and what they want (though their wants are well-restrianed). I want to get them something, but have no ideas, and they are very anti-stuff.
My sister and I are going to ask a cousin (who my parents love and who has a small graphic design business) to design a couple logos for them, which we are going to use to make pads of paper, something they seem to go through quickly. My dad makes beer so his will be a logog for a pub, as soon as we come up with a name, and they love to entertain (and my mom to cook), so hers will likely be a fake Bed and Breakfast with their last name.
So they aren't homemade, but they'll be fairly cheap and will support a struggling cousin. That may be all they get, but I think (hope?) they'll appreciate it.
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Is there anyone making jewelry? I'm trying to make some faux pearl bracelets and lanyards for co-workers I like but I don't know what I need like right now I'm just knotting the ends and they look horrible. I got a few lobster clasps but how to keep the beads from coming off?
I also bought 2 skeins of softee chunkee yarn and am trying that arm knitting later today :D
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I don't make jewelry, but I've seen crimp beads (http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Crimp-Beads) used by friends. They also swear by Fire Mountain - there are some how to videos and such here (http://www.firemountaingems.com/jewelry-making-instructions.asp).
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I don't make jewelry, but I've seen crimp beads (http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Crimp-Beads) used by friends. They also swear by Fire Mountain - there are some how to videos and such here (http://www.firemountaingems.com/jewelry-making-instructions.asp).
Thanks! :D
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Is there anyone making jewelry? I'm trying to make some faux pearl bracelets and lanyards for co-workers I like but I don't know what I need like right now I'm just knotting the ends and they look horrible. I got a few lobster clasps but how to keep the beads from coming off?
I also bought 2 skeins of softee chunkee yarn and am trying that arm knitting later today :D
If the clasps are attached properly the beads shouldn't come off... But yes, I'm making jewellery (in fact today I'm wearing a bracelet that I made myself!) and I've found that google is my best friend. There are loads of tutorials, especially on youtube :-)
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This all sounds like a ton of fun, so I'm in! I may buy a couple of presents, but for the majority they'll be handmade. I'm thinking crocheted ornaments, shortbread, Xmas cards with thoughtful letters :) Better get started!
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I would love to do this. Not sure I have time. I'd like to make jewelry for my nieces, some crocheted finger puppets for my toddler, and I dunno for the hubby and big boy. Socks? I mean, I'm in So Cal, they don't need scarves.
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Any ideas for my partner? I can't think of anything. 35 yo female, if that helps.
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Any ideas for my partner? I can't think of anything. 35 yo female, if that helps.
Jewelry, knitted scarves, chocolates and truffles and candy, soaps, lotion, bath bombs and bath salts... Women are much easier than men!
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One of those jpegs that's getting passed around - Stop saying I'm so hard to shop for. Surely you know where the liquor store is…
But it depends on the person in question. In my group, consumables - (good) chocolate, (good) beer, fav liquor, something related to a hobby (but get input from someone else who does that same hobby). Or experiences - cooking class (for both of you), weekend at a B&B, if that's in your budget.
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Any ideas for my partner? I can't think of anything. 35 yo female, if that helps.
As a 35 yo mom, I have to admit that it's hard to think of things specifically for me that aren't related to housework! I would love a new frying pan and a stick vacuum, but those aren't really holiday gifts (although, this year they might be, because we're not buying much of anything except groceries these days)
But now that I think of it, there are a few handmade or homemade things I would love: A photobook of the last year, a thoughtful ornament (maybe with my son's hand or footprint), a framed family photo, a video interview of my spouse asking my son some fun questions or even questions like "what makes your mom special?" etc (like that semi-viral video that went around about how moms view themselves and how their kids view them. Did you see it? Tearjerker!)
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So today I got crafty! You have to understand with a FT job and two kids (one only 16 months old), yeah, that doesn't happen. Plus I'm sick, haven't slept in a few days, and my husband just got back from a business trip.
First, I made a Tee Pee Bag as an exchange gift in my quilting group. It's a beginner project and it took me 1 hr and 30 minutes. 1 hour and 15 minutes to clean off the kitchen table, pull out my fabric, find my zipper foot for my sewing machine, and look up instructions on line on how to install it.
15 minutes to make the actual bag.
Then I decided to try some jewelry for my nieces. I made a crocheted/ beaded necklace, took about 30 minutes after I looked up how to do it on-line. I don't have much in the way of jewelry supplies besides beads and clasps, so I had to wing it (I used nylon thread as the base). It turned out well!
I'm really inspired by The Prudent Homemaker and her Gift a Day series.
Now it's off to bed.
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One of those jpegs that's getting passed around - Stop saying I'm so hard to shop for. Surely you know where the liquor store is…
My girlfriend showed me that one just the other day! I think half of her wanted to share a laugh, and the other half was telling me to get my ass to the liquor store to buy some more wine.
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My sister and I are going to ask a cousin (who my parents love and who has a small graphic design business) to design a couple logos for them, which we are going to use to make pads of paper, something they seem to go through quickly. My dad makes beer so his will be a logog for a pub, as soon as we come up with a name, and they love to entertain (and my mom to cook), so hers will likely be a fake Bed and Breakfast with their last name.
I love this idea so much, I am stealing it! (Hope that's OK.) My sister is a recently-graduated graphic designer who would probably (hopefully) have a lot of fun with this project. Thanks for the idea!
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My sister and I are going to ask a cousin (who my parents love and who has a small graphic design business) to design a couple logos for them, which we are going to use to make pads of paper, something they seem to go through quickly. My dad makes beer so his will be a logog for a pub, as soon as we come up with a name, and they love to entertain (and my mom to cook), so hers will likely be a fake Bed and Breakfast with their last name.
I love this idea so much, I am stealing it! (Hope that's OK.) My sister is a recently-graduated graphic designer who would probably (hopefully) have a lot of fun with this project. Thanks for the idea!
We are also going to do notecards as my mom still sends a lot of hand-written letters. We're actually trying to come up with other items we can slap the logo onto. Notepads, notecards, a computer file of the graphic (which my dad might find use for), but what else?
Coasters are a possibility, as they do a great deal of entertaining.
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Here is my first try at making the felt ornaments! It *looks* homemade, so no one's going to doubt that I put love and care into it :) Hopefully that will save it from the fact that it's not perfect and Pinterest-worthy ;)
IDK why it's upside-down and IDK how to fix it. Sorry!
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The ornament looks very cute!!
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Yesterday I made earrings and bracelets with pearls bought via etsy. Such a low cost, easy and gorgeous Christmas present! I am pleased.
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I'm not sure about the rest of us, but youngest in our extended family will get gifts - I knit a sweater for my 10 month old great niece.
http://ravel.me/geekette/x0k4q
No, it's not itchy!
I like the idea of logo stuff for adults (if I can figure out what to put on them).
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Yesterday I made earrings and bracelets with pearls bought via etsy. Such a low cost, easy and gorgeous Christmas present! I am pleased.
Pictures please? And which etsy store you got the pearls? Thanks!
I have made a scarf for my mother-in-law and myself using the arm knitting method. I plan to make 2 more for my friends at work.
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The etsy shop was called "Loose Pearl", if you search for that in etsy you should find it. The seller is in China so shipping isn't super fast (i.e. order now if you're trying to make Christmas presents) but they're the best I've found for genuine freshwater pearls. Pearls are smaller than you think when you're judging them on mm size and pictures, so go for 7mm+ if you can. One strand is two bracelets, or a bracelet and a LOT of pairs of earrings. A necklace would need at least two strands. So in terms of cost, earrings are the way to go to keep it lean, but a bracelet shouldn't set you back more than about $3 of materials anyway.
If you haven't made jewellery before and need help with findings, instructions etc then let me know and I'll PM you :-)
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OMG gorgeous! :)
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Oh, they are lovely! Here's one of the shapes I'm crocheting to give to grandparents for Christmas as tree ornaments. I just got a voucher in the mail for a craft store, so I'm going to make use of that and see if I can get most presents/supplies from there in one trip (voucher is $140 of stuff for $100).
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OMG gorgeous! :)
Thanks!
Oh, they are lovely! Here's one of the shapes I'm crocheting to give to grandparents for Christmas as tree ornaments. I just got a voucher in the mail for a craft store, so I'm going to make use of that and see if I can get most presents/supplies from there in one trip (voucher is $140 of stuff for $100).
Any chance you have a link for the pattern? I love those and I'm pretty keen on crochet generally :-)
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I normally don't give Christmas gifts beyond possibly baking. My family did not do a lot of gifting for christmas after we were no longer small children, beyond giving cash. As an adult I didn't have any money at first and we still didn't do gifting. After reading the thread this week I am thinking about doing some mango infused alcohol trying out dried and fresh mango to give some as gifts to my bf's family. I won't be seeing my family for the holidays. Kinda unsure about the gifting because I don't know them enough to know what they would like, but I know alcohol will go over well, and I will probably bake some cookies/sweets for the kids.
I'm not sure how much I am going to spend on rum or vodka yet, it will probably cost me a bit but I will take it out of my alcohol budget instead. It will be a little more unique.
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Kids projects for grandparents idea...our trial run just finished drying (took 5 days). My boys made sun catchers for their grandparents using white glue (that turns clear) and those cheap glass 1/2 marbles from the dollar store. They made a design using yogurt container lids with the glass and then we dumped LOTS of glue on them and let them dry. I tested one out this morning and they look pretty cool.
Great home-made gift from the kids I think.
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I normally don't give Christmas gifts beyond possibly baking. My family did not do a lot of gifting for christmas after we were no longer small children, beyond giving cash. As an adult I didn't have any money at first and we still didn't do gifting. After reading the thread this week I am thinking about doing some mango infused alcohol trying out dried and fresh mango to give some as gifts to my bf's family. I won't be seeing my family for the holidays. Kinda unsure about the gifting because I don't know them enough to know what they would like, but I know alcohol will go over well, and I will probably bake some cookies/sweets for the kids.
I'm not sure how much I am going to spend on rum or vodka yet, it will probably cost me a bit but I will take it out of my alcohol budget instead. It will be a little more unique.
Just an FYI - if you're going to give infused alcohol gifts you should start as soon as possible. They require a fair amount of "sitting" time. For example, my Limoncello recipe takes about 8 weeks.
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I'm in the process of making a gift for my DH right now, and I love the idea so I thought I'd share here. :)
He is very into amateur photography and he took a ton of pictures on our vacation this past summer, so I'm going to choose one of the best and frame it for him.
I bought a large 32"x40" framed print (of a picture I don't care about) for $12 from a moving sale this past week. The frame is fairly dinged up, but I filled in the gouges with wood putty and sanded it smooth, and I'll spray paint it an oil-rubbed bronze color. It came with one mat that I can re-use, and I will buy two more mats from Michael's and cut them myself. And then I will order a large print of the picture I want and frame it all up!
There's definitely cost involved in this, but getting a picture professionally matted and framed is ridiculously expensive. My DIY version will look great and cost far, far less. Plus it'll be made with love, and that's priceless. ;)
I feel like this idea would work on a much smaller scale for less money as well. Buy a cheap frame, clean it up if it needs it, cut the mats yourself, and get some kind of inexpensive art/picture to go in it.
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Here's one of the shapes I'm crocheting to give to grandparents for Christmas as tree ornaments. I just got a voucher in the mail for a craft store, so I'm going to make use of that and see if I can get most presents/supplies from there in one trip (voucher is $140 of stuff for $100).
Very nice! I wish I could crochet, or this would be on my list for next year. I love snowflake ornaments :)
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Here's one of the shapes I'm crocheting to give to grandparents for Christmas as tree ornaments. I just got a voucher in the mail for a craft store, so I'm going to make use of that and see if I can get most presents/supplies from there in one trip (voucher is $140 of stuff for $100).
Very nice! I wish I could crochet, or this would be on my list for next year. I love snowflake ornaments :)
Since we don't get snow, I'm wary of making too many actual snow flakes :) the pattern is here:http://jellywares.blogspot.com.au/2010/11/jelly-xmas-star-tutorial.html?m=1
Be aware it's written in american terms, so you'll need to translate. I will be retyping it later for myself. I also added a line of dc (american sc) around the edge in the contrasting colour. And now I'm feeling confused about the terms so I better go and rewrite it...
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My husband is a home-brewer, and I found this wooden six-pack holder idea online! I just finished it last night, and I'm really excited about it, so I'm sharing it here rather than blowing the surprise. Oh, and I made it entirely from stuff that was already lying around the basement. :)
http://beer.wonderhowto.com/how-to/carry-your-beer-style-with-these-diy-wooden-six-pack-holders-0140286/
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I am making origami flowers to put in vases for all the females in my and my husbands close family... so 6 bunches of them. I just started a couple days ago but I am not worried since I made all the bouquets for my wedding out of origami flowers... over 250 of them :-) I will update with pictures when I am done with one of them. If anyone wants tips on how to do 6 bridesmaid bouquets and 1 bride bouquet for only $50 let me know :-) It takes a lot of paper folding but they will last forever! I am hoping to do something with my flower talent one day, have several ideas..
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I always give the gift of nothing. My family has way too much crap in their homes, and I refuse to contribute.
Bah! Humbug!
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I always give the gift of nothing. My family has way too much crap in their homes, and I refuse to contribute.
Bah! Humbug!
Haha, I have nothing against your solution! But there's always perishables if you want to give a non cluttery gift... Some condiments from Korea would make me sooooooo happy if I was your family!
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I always give the gift of nothing. My family has way too much crap in their homes, and I refuse to contribute.
Bah! Humbug!
Haha, I have nothing against your solution! But there's always perishables if you want to give a non cluttery gift... Some condiments from Korea would make me sooooooo happy if I was your family!
My family isn't very adventurous when it comes to eating. My grandfather wouldn't touch any of the snacks I sent before. So nope! Nothing for everybody!
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The first picture is the bouquet I made for my wedding. For xmas I am trying for more like the second picture in terms of size, so more like 20 flowers for each person instead of 70. I already have 30 flowers made and plan on hitting up the dollar store for some cheap vases.
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I always give the gift of nothing. My family has way too much crap in their homes, and I refuse to contribute.
Bah! Humbug!
I'm giving my family (2 parents, 2 brothers, 4 kids) and 2 friends a donation to charity :) My brother's 4 kids have way too much stuff, and this is nicer. And it's smaller for me to travel with :P
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The first picture is the bouquet I made for my wedding. For xmas I am trying for more like the second picture in terms of size, so more like 20 flowers for each person instead of 70. I already have 30 flowers made and plan on hitting up the dollar store for some cheap vases.
Stunning work! Definitely share an how-to if and when you have some time.
I'm making infused booze for my husband (cranberry liqueur, akvavit) and for a girlfriend (spiced pumpkin liqueur), and I am also working on a couple of rather large frames for him. There will be salted bourbon caramels for many. That's where my talents stop I'm afraid...
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My husband is a home-brewer, and I found this wooden six-pack holder idea online! I just finished it last night, and I'm really excited about it, so I'm sharing it here rather than blowing the surprise. Oh, and I made it entirely from stuff that was already lying around the basement. :)
http://beer.wonderhowto.com/how-to/carry-your-beer-style-with-these-diy-wooden-six-pack-holders-0140286/
Your project reminds me of something that my husband the homebrewer did recently. He wanted some cases in which to store his bottled beer. An elderly neighbor has a complete workshop. My husband bought plywood and other supplies and together the two made some lovely cases.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3730/11015799736_59a6da6557.jpg)
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Ooooh! Worsted Skeins, now I know what to make for his birthday this spring! Although, I guess I will have to buy some of the materials this time. :)
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Ooooh! Worsted Skeins, now I know what to make for his birthday this spring! Although, I guess I will have to buy some of the materials this time. :)
My husband spent about $25 for the materials needed. The inserts are removable particle board. You could use these boxes for other storage too.
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For my DD and niece, I am decorating cigar boxes. On the inside will be some pretty stamped cream-colored cards with parts of stories. One might say, "Tell me about the time when you first hiked a mountain..." The rest of the story won't be filled in. The idea is that the child will ask the adult relative the next time they see them.
I just sent notes to some relatives asking them to include stories for the kids. Hopefully, the relatives I ask will provide the story prompts. If they lived close, I would have the relative write their own card. Since everyone is spread out, I am going to write them based on what folks email me and then put the name of the person on the card.
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Found these neat Barbie doll knit dresses via Pinterest.
Knitting some right now for my nieces.
http://www.stickatillbarbie.se/Sida%20951-1000.html
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What a great idea!
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This is from a super not frugal home decor blog, but I would have loved homemade gifts like this as a kid:
http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/12/diy-childrens-flannel-story-board.html#more (http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/12/diy-childrens-flannel-story-board.html#more)
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I'm joining in. Been planning this for several weeks.
I am making:
--salted caramel hot cocoa mix: http://www.seededatthetable.com/2011/12/22/salted-caramel-hot-chocolate-mix
--malted milk hot cocoa mix: http://www.thekitchn.com/hot-and-milky-malted-cocoa-fro-1-97615
--flavored butter
--Peppermint patties for my Mom since she love chocolate and peppermint
Logistics-wise, since I am flying to another state for the holidays, I will be traveling with the hot cocoa mixes in double-bagged ziplock bags. Once I get to my destination, I will buy some mason jars and package everything for giving. I will also make the flavored butter once I get to my destination.
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This is from a super not frugal home decor blog, but I would have loved homemade gifts like this as a kid:
http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/12/diy-childrens-flannel-story-board.html#more (http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/12/diy-childrens-flannel-story-board.html#more)
It reminds me of the travel books my mom made for each of us when we were little. It kept us quiet for many hours on car trips to visit families. I remember there was an abacus with beads, "hair" to braid, a ladybug that unzipped open with little ladybugs inside, felt characters to pull out like that storyboard, shapes to match and button to each other, and so much more.
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I forgot to take pictures of this, unfortunately - but I made a bunch of "Christmas Potpourri" kits for my husband's extended family. (I backed out of my previous plan for infused olive oil and vinegar because I wanted something less expensive.) They aren't ready to let go of gift-giving for adults yet, and there are a lot of aunts and uncles and cousins. The one good thing is that a lot of them have been in the habit (as have we) of making inexpensive home-made gifts for everyone.
For the Christmas potpourri gifts, I packaged up an orange, a lemon, several cinnamon sticks, a tablespoon of cloves, a few bay leaves, and half a cup of fresh cranberries in a clear cellophane bag. I created pretty labels with instructions to quarter the fruit, add the other ingredients and cover with water, then simmer in a pot. It makes your house smell very nice and Christmas-y. It was quite inexpensive, because the oranges and lemons came from trees in our yard, and I ordered cinnamon sticks and cloves from amazon (10x cheaper than buying them at the store).
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DIY vanilla extract question:
So I started homemade vanilla a couple months ago, and I think it might be ready to bottle into gifts. For those who make it, do you strain off the vanilla pods and seeds or leave them? I read that if the pod isn't constantly covered with the extract it can get moldy or otherwise nasty. The people I'm giving them to don't drink and won't be able to add more vodka to the bottle. I think what I'd like to do is strain off the pods, but leave the seeds to continue to impart more flavor. What do you think?
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I leave mine in. Have never had an issue with mold, and I'm in coastal California. I think it is pretty with the pods, and I do think the flavor is better. Have been making my own vanilla for years. Just make sure you use only alcohol (don't add water) and you should be good.
I have added fresh vodka after it's been mostly used up, given it a few weeks, and used again with excellent results. Have also made some with bourbon that was very good.
Made several of these for Christmas gifts this year. Very inexpensive, useful, and people love them!
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I sometimes give my homemade curry dip mix for Christmas. I got the recipe from a friend 30 years ago, and have no idea where he got it.
Mix equal parts curry powder, celery seed (whole), onion powder, and garlic powder. Put in a pretty little jar with instructions: One heaping tablespoon mixed into a cup of Miracle Whip. Add a 1/4 cup of sugar (or equivalent), a tablespoon of vinegar and a dash of hot sauce or horseradish (if desired).
It's one of the only ways I enjoy a veggie platter, but I've known people to dip all sorts of things in it.
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I leave mine in. Have never had an issue with mold, and I'm in coastal California. I think it is pretty with the pods, and I do think the flavor is better. Have been making my own vanilla for years. Just make sure you use only alcohol (don't add water) and you should be good.
I have added fresh vodka after it's been mostly used up, given it a few weeks, and used again with excellent results. Have also made some with bourbon that was very good.
Made several of these for Christmas gifts this year. Very inexpensive, useful, and people love them!
Thanks, that's great to hear!
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We've been planning our homemade holiday gifts since summer.
Picked a lot of free fruit this year: pears, plums, tart cherries and apples. Have turned them in to wine, fruit roll-ups, dried fruit, preserves, jams, sauce, and grenadine - all to be used as gifts.
Also made vanilla extract and caramels.
The adults get a bottle of wine, two preserves, vanilla extract and grenadine. The kids get fruit roll-ups, dried fruit and some caramels (and a pair of store-bought slippers).
We'll see if everybody likes their gifts soon!
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The adults get a bottle of wine, two preserves, vanilla extract and grenadine. The kids get fruit roll-ups, dried fruit and some caramels (and a pair of store-bought slippers).
We'll see if everybody likes their gifts soon!
Sounds awesome!
Mostly have everything delivered, except for the Stargate Catan game for my sister, which is still in progress and way behind schedule. Lucky for me she only gave me last years Christmas gifts in Sept, so I have a bit of time without feeling too guilty :)
I ended up making:
Perfume for my sister-in law
Organic Coconut Soap
Sugar scrubs
Lip Butter
Cantuccini for my mom
Coconut Dulce De leche Hot cocoa
Pomegranate Jellies - super easy and very pretty and one batch made a ton! I was able to put them in tiny cupcake liners and three into a self-sealing bag with a label that made a whole bunch of cute single serving baggies that I added to gifts as well as have been giving out to all those people I want to give a little something to, like our mail ladies. I made an extra batch and broke it into bigger boxes for hubby to take into the office to share and as a treat for my volunteers. They went over so well at Hubby's office, I may start taking orders and selling them.
How did everyone else do?
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I didn't get around to making as many gifts as I'd planned this year, but did make batches of fruit-infused vodka (black cherry, papaya, banana, blueberry, and mango), several batches of flavored popcorn (Szechuan 5-spice, Cinnamon Sugar, and Sweet Ginger), and sugar scrubs (coconut, brown sugar vanilla, and blueberry-lavender). I also found an original poem that my maternal grandmother wrote out in her lovely, old-style cursive; I blew that up on the Staples copier onto heavy paper I had at home, then matted & framed it for my mother. She hasn't opened it yet, but I'm pretty sure she will love it!
Pomegranate Jellies - super easy and very pretty and one batch made a ton! I was able to put them in tiny cupcake liners and three into a self-sealing bag with a label that made a whole bunch of cute single serving baggies that I added to gifts as well as have been giving out to all those people I want to give a little something to, like our mail ladies.
What are these? The name sounds like a jam, but the the size & description sounds like some kind of candy?
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Love this thread! I'll be sharpening my parents' kitchen knives for them
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A lot of what I am making has to be done within a few days of the gift exchange. I am making:
chocolate chip cookies;
a photo album;
two "story boxes" filled with story prompts from various family members;
key lime pie;
granola;
hot chocolate mix.
The above is pretty easy, so I might add making homemade luna bars and wrapping them individually in parchment paper with a ribbon.
I was going to make bath salts, and it seemed like it'd be less expensive just to buy a jar. So, I did that.
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What are these? The name sounds like a jam, but the the size & description sounds like some kind of candy?
http://theviewfromgreatisland.com/2013/12/all-natural-homemade-pomegranate-gumdrops.html (http://theviewfromgreatisland.com/2013/12/all-natural-homemade-pomegranate-gumdrops.html)
The recipe calls them gum drops, but I don't think they are quite firm enough or waxy. They are more like Turkish delight, but a thousand times easier to make and much more stable.
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A lot of what I am making has to be done within a few days of the gift exchange. I am making:
chocolate chip cookies;
a photo album;
two "story boxes" filled with story prompts from various family members;
key lime pie;
granola;
hot chocolate mix.
The above is pretty easy, so I might add making homemade luna bars and wrapping them individually in parchment paper with a ribbon.
I was going to make bath salts, and it seemed like it'd be less expensive just to buy a jar. So, I did that.
Sounds delicious and very similar to mine. I'm making key lime pies for our dessert on the 24th but my gifts will be home made granola, cookies, dulce de leche and framed photos.
What's a story box?
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Finally done with my Christmas crafts! Here are the things I made:
-A poncho for my mom from this design: http://mybarefootfarm.blogspot.com/2011/11/hand-made-holidays-easy-knitted-poncho.html . I finished it in one day with yarn I purchased on sale for $3
-A scarf for my sister with her favorite university colors-with free yarn
-A wine making journal for my dad complete with conversion charts, wine terms, charts for ad ins and places for his recipes. I used an antique looking nice journal from Amazon for $9. I wish I could have found a cheaper one.
-Homemade Amaretto for my mom and Candy Cane Vodka for my sister.
-Homemade Coffee Liqueur for our friends and some fresh eggs from our chickens.
-Homemade solid perfume for my mother in law
I was also lucky that my like minded husband said he did not want any gifts and I agreed that I didn't either, making shopping much easier!
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A lot of what I am making has to be done within a few days of the gift exchange. I am making:
chocolate chip cookies;
a photo album;
two "story boxes" filled with story prompts from various family members;
key lime pie;
granola;
hot chocolate mix.
The above is pretty easy, so I might add making homemade luna bars and wrapping them individually in parchment paper with a ribbon.
I was going to make bath salts, and it seemed like it'd be less expensive just to buy a jar. So, I did that.
Sounds delicious and very similar to mine. I'm making key lime pies for our dessert on the 24th but my gifts will be home made granola, cookies, dulce de leche and framed photos.
What's a story box?
The story box is filled with story prompts on small pieces of paper.
A prompt might be: "Tell me about the time you milked a cow" or "tell me about the time you climbed XX Mountain."
The idea is that each child can go the adult who wrote the story prompt and ask them for the rest of the story. This way, the child and adult get to talk about a story from the adult's life that might not have come up in conversation otherwise.
For the boxes, I bought unfinished cigar-style boxes and decorated them with paper. I stamped "A Story Box" on the outside lid and then coated the decoration with Mod Podge to seal it and protect it from wear and any moisture.
I had a good time thinking up stories with my parents. I got to learn some family stories just by asking relatives for their stories!
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What's a story box?
The story box is filled with story prompts on small pieces of paper.
A prompt might be: "Tell me about the time you milked a cow" or "tell me about the time you climbed XX Mountain."
The idea is that each child can go the adult who wrote the story prompt and ask them for the rest of the story. This way, the child and adult get to talk about a story from the adult's life that might not have come up in conversation otherwise.
For the boxes, I bought unfinished cigar-style boxes and decorated them with paper. I stamped "A Story Box" on the outside lid and then coated the decoration with Mod Podge to seal it and protect it from wear and any moisture.
I had a good time thinking up stories with my parents. I got to learn some family stories just by asking relatives for their stories!
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Sounds great! Thanks for explaining!
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How did all the lucky recipients like their gifts? Updates would be awesome!
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How did all the lucky recipients like their gifts? Updates would be awesome!
The salted caramels were received with awesome appreciation... The rest is still to be unwrapped, I have a Xmas in many stages!
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How did all the lucky recipients like their gifts? Updates would be awesome!
My crocheted star ornaments were well received. Particularly when the reply to "are these handmade?" was "yes, by me".
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My husband and I gave homemade gifts to our family. He made cutting boards from the leftover butcher block we had from our kitchen update. I made artisan bread and also sewed bread bags that were tied with ribbon. This along with some flavored oil for dipping the bread was a well received gift.
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I am appreciating hearing the follow-up reports of how well received your gifts were! I am kind of planning what to do for next year.
After I made our very cute bath salts, I realized that a lot of people don't take baths. That limited who I could give them to (such as our g-ma's can't get in bathtubs anymore and MIL has a shower only). So, I will continue to put in salts and essential oils into my kids' baths, but won't give these put again unless I know the person is a "bather". Lol.
Awesome updates! If you find people shower instead of bath, a really simple and cheap option is to make sugar scrubs. I made a bunch last year and my DH's aunt posted on facebook a couple months later asking where I bought it, said it was the best bath product she ever used and would like to buy more :)
Love the idea of the cutting boards and bread bags, Angie!
I am contemplating next year too, perhaps we have to start a 2014 thread. I discovered by happy accident today that brined green peppercorns are dead simple to make, incredibly cheap if you buy dried green peppercorns in bulk and way tastier then the canned variety. I am going to can some for Christmas presents next year as everyone in my family loves peppercorn sauce/gravy but hate the cost of the peppercorns!
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Here's how my homemade items went:
Homemade 1/2 pint raspberry jam jars to neighbors/friends- awesome! Especially since the work was done in october instead of December.
Homemade vanilla- a hit! Great flavor and I'm thinking about starting some more since we are using so much!
Wire wrapped necklaces- stone beads and sea glass from a beach trip.-Loved them! Got the necklaces for $1.50-$2 1/2 off at hobby lobby, stone beads were $ .50 ea. and wire was $2.40 using a coupon and will last me forever. Total per necklace was $1.60-2.60 per necklace. I also made a wire wrapped seaglass ring for my daughter to go with her necklace.
I also found a round knitting loom set at goodwill and gave it to my 13yr old for Christmas. It's so much fun and so versatile that now three of us are knitting scarves, hats, and pot scrubbers/holders. I can see these will be items for next year. Super fun!
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Awesome updates! If you find people shower instead of bath, a really simple and cheap option is to make sugar scrubs. I made a bunch last year and my DH's aunt posted on facebook a couple months later asking where I bought it, said it was the best bath product she ever used and would like to buy more :)
...
I am contemplating next year too, perhaps we have to start a 2014 thread. I discovered by happy accident today that brined green peppercorns are dead simple to make, incredibly cheap if you buy dried green peppercorns in bulk and way tastier then the canned variety. I am going to can some for Christmas presents next year as everyone in my family loves peppercorn sauce/gravy but hate the cost of the peppercorns!
It is my first time even considering homemaking presents, and I loved doing it--so much more personal. Both sugar scrubs and brined green peppercorns would be good ideas that I can definitely see being well-received!
My husband and I gave homemade gifts to our family. He made cutting boards from the leftover butcher block we had from our kitchen update. I made artisan bread and also sewed bread bags that were tied with ribbon. This along with some flavored oil for dipping the bread was a well received gift.
Wonderful idea, would have loved being a recipient :)
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I think my family was a little baffled by my homemade gifts. My cousin seemed to really appreciate the no-sew blanket we made for her daughter and the healing salve I made for her. The other cousins (all male) seemed not to know what to think of their homemade shaving cream, but they were polite enough to say thank you and at least pretend they are excited to try it. My cousin's ever-rude total jerk my god I can't stand him husband immediately told me he uses and electric razor so he had no use for my shaving cream. Classless. I didn't want to give him a gift; I was just being nice. I won't bother next year. And my husband seems skeptical of his sleep-aid salve that I made for him, but he's going to try it tonight.
Oh well. I'm not giving up on homemade. I think I'll make limoncello for my husband's birthday in March. I know he'll love that!
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aww Freckles, that is frustrating! I always find guys the hardest, especially when it comes to making nice, practical, chemical-free stuff for them - sometimes they have to be shown how much better it is before they accept it, which creates the problem of getting them to try it in the first place!
I make my hubby an after-shave oil, since he has really dry skin. An aftershave splash might go over well too. If I'm at a loss, I go with food.
What is in your sleep-aid salve? Sounds awesome!
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Yeah, I was just thinking that. I should stick to food. It seems from the others' reports that food items went over well. My family already sees me as an excellent cook so they will probably be more excited about my food gifts than body products.
Well, I can't say for sure if it works. I haven't tried it because I have NO trouble sleeping. My husband tried it for the first time last night and he said he didn't sleep any better, but I think he wants to believe in for my sake so he suggested maybe it has a cumulative effect. :) Here is the recipe I used: http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/12/make-your-own-dream-sticks-an-essential-oils-giveaway.html/comment-page-31#comment-223500
I did put it in a washed-out deodorant container for ease of getting it onto his feet. I made another one, with just lavender essential oil for my friend's no-good-at-sleeping baby, but I haven't heard yet if it helps.
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Yeah, I was just thinking that. I should stick to food. It seems from the others' reports that food items went over well. My family already sees me as an excellent cook so they will probably be more excited about my food gifts than body products.
Well, I can't say for sure if it works. I haven't tried it because I have NO trouble sleeping. My husband tried it for the first time last night and he said he didn't sleep any better, but I think he wants to believe in for my sake so he suggested maybe it has a cumulative effect. :) Here is the recipe I used: http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/12/make-your-own-dream-sticks-an-essential-oils-giveaway.html/comment-page-31#comment-223500
I did put it in a washed-out deodorant container for ease of getting it onto his feet. I made another one, with just lavender essential oil for my friend's no-good-at-sleeping baby, but I haven't heard yet if it helps.
Took a quick look, and I can't for the life of me figure out why they would have used the essential oils they chose.
Cinnamon Bark, Ginger, Peppermint, Lemon, Grapefruit ALL have stimulating & refreshing properties. Some do relieve stress, which might be what they are going for, but I personally wouldn't use them in a sleep blend. Sleep is a hard one to treat that usually requires some experimenting as there can be so many different causes and symptoms of poor sleep. FYI I am in my final year of schooling for a diploma which will give me my Registered Aromatherapist designation - so while I don't know everything, I have learned quite a bit :)
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I ended up making fisherman's pants for DH, plus a pair of silly slippers. It's so hard to find silly slippers in a size 13, and my DH is pretty silly!
This is my second try making puffy slippers, the first set I made were 2 different sizes, but the second try worked!
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I made this present for my sister this year (it's a snow man for her fridge). I used felt, magnets, and a glue gun. Because I had most of the supplies already, it only cost me $0.36.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/75998312433537933/
She loved it!!!!!
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My reindeer ornaments were well received. People really loved that they were homemade, and because the kids are young they loved playing with them before putting them on the tree. Here's a picture of a few of them:
(http://staplerconfessions.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Reindeer-Ornaments2-1024x332.jpg)
I loved using my downtime to make them, and I'm thinking of making more for next year and selling through etsy as a side hustle. But I think the best part about them are the personalization, which is one of the first things that has to be done, so I'm not sure I want to take on that kind of big project before Christmas (people would probably order in November, and then I'd have to get them all done at that point).
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Those reindeer are super cute! You could put it on Etsy now with a customization option and then make them throughout the year as they are ordered. I bet there are lots of people out there who would order them before Christmas -one less present to buy, cuz I stashed awesome reindeer away in March? yes Please!
Actually, I'd take two! unless you would want to barter? perhaps for some custom blended, one of a kind all natural perfume?
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I made about 80 decoupaged tile coasters, which people went crazy for. Some of them I made as photo coasters with photos I got from Facebook, made b&w, printed on white tissue paper, and put on beige natural-looking tiles. The rest were all just pretty scrapbook papers on plain white tiles. They all turned out really, really well. I looked on Etsy and the scrapbook paper on white tiles go for $14 to $18 for a set of four. Considering how little work it is, and that it costs less than 75 cents in materials for a set of four, this seems like a good side hustle.
I saw that someone above mentioned selling stuff on Etsy. Can anyone point me to resources on making money on Etsy? There are already a lot of people selling these coasters on Etsy, so I'm wondering what would set me apart.
Thanks!
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I made about 80 decoupaged tile coasters, which people went crazy for. Some of them I made as photo coasters with photos I got from Facebook, made b&w, printed on white tissue paper, and put on beige natural-looking tiles. The rest were all just pretty scrapbook papers on plain white tiles. They all turned out really, really well. I looked on Etsy and the scrapbook paper on white tiles go for $14 to $18 for a set of four. Considering how little work it is, and that it costs less than 75 cents in materials for a set of four, this seems like a good side hustle.
I saw that someone above mentioned selling stuff on Etsy. Can anyone point me to resources on making money on Etsy? There are already a lot of people selling these coasters on Etsy, so I'm wondering what would set me apart.
Thanks!
I am not sure about your Etsy question. Could you post a link to a photo of the coasters--yours or those by someone else? I would love to see what you are describing!
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From here or somewhere, I got the idea to take old family recipes (written by hand by grandparents or great greats) and have them printed onto linen dishtowels. This was about the coolest idea ever.
I asked FIL if he could send me handwritten recipes. Unfortunately, he sent me *typed* recipes, which removes the whole point. Since I was going to give these to MIL and DH, I did not want to ask MIL. Well, finally, after the holidays, I asked MIL if she could find **handwritten** recipe, scan them, and send them to me. I said it was for a secret project for which she would be a beneficiary. She said she'd look. I think I have a better chance of her doing it than a guy. If she sends them, then I will work on the dish towel idea for next year.
This year, I am going to make things throughout the year. DD already wants me to make things for a doll she has, and knitting doll clothing is fairly easy and doesn't take a lot of yarn (so it's cheap).
Also, I saw a cool project for a leather wrist band/bracelet. It looks gorgeous. I am just not sure who would want it. Maybe I do. lol
I have been collecting corks for a bathmat project. I'm getting them from freecycle and from friends on FB. Every day, I get another package of corks in the mail! It's fun.
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As a final update, the alcohol infusion (I made Aquavit, cranberry liquor, and spiced pumpkin liquor) went over very well, as did the art I made (this one made me super nervous, so I kept it simple with an abstract pattern, but I think the recipient saw the trust it took me to give something so personal and enjoyed that... And I could adjust the color scheme to go perfectly with the decor it was intended for, always a plus!)
And my mom has decided to hand-make me a tablecloth and napkins, so homemade holidays are spreading!
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I suspect the coasters are something like this: http://www.marthastewart.com/266306/gift-wrap-coasters Here's someone else blogging on doing them: http://chandarasthreads.com/making-diy-gift-wrap-coasters/
I am thinking of making some for my mom for next year, as she has some holiday wrapping paper she adores. I am just not sure where to find cheap tiles.
Oldtoyota, where were you going to get the linen towels printed up? That's such a great idea - we have some old handwritten recipes from my (great or) grandmother still I think. Will have to ask my mom about them.
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We get tons (literally) of tiles donated to us from stores who sell tiles, they usually have sample boards that go out of style every season and they have no use for them. They usually come on a stiff board backing that you'll have to pry off - but even the back boards are useful - we use them to create signage or give them a coat of paint and let the kids use them for canvases. It doesn't hurt to call them and ask if they have any samples they want to get rid of.
Otherwise, Habitat for Humanity usually ends up with boxes of surplus tiles from peoples build jobs.
Or there are always people remodeling, if you put the word out that you could use and recycle some non-broken tiles, you should be able to find some
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I suspect the coasters are something like this: http://www.marthastewart.com/266306/gift-wrap-coasters Here's someone else blogging on doing them: http://chandarasthreads.com/making-diy-gift-wrap-coasters/
I am thinking of making some for my mom for next year, as she has some holiday wrapping paper she adores. I am just not sure where to find cheap tiles.
Yup -- those are the ones! You can get the tiles at Home Depot for 16 cents a piece or, as swick says, get them at Habitat even cheaper.
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Otherwise, Habitat for Humanity usually ends up with boxes of surplus tiles from peoples build jobs.
I'm glad you mentioned this! I am going to check there for some other things we need around the house (just bought a new house and the sellers took some fixtures they shouldn't have, like a bathroom room mirror, that weren't worth fighting over, plus the usual "stuff" for new home buyers).
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I suspect the coasters are something like this: http://www.marthastewart.com/266306/gift-wrap-coasters Here's someone else blogging on doing them: http://chandarasthreads.com/making-diy-gift-wrap-coasters/
I am thinking of making some for my mom for next year, as she has some holiday wrapping paper she adores. I am just not sure where to find cheap tiles.
Oldtoyota, where were you going to get the linen towels printed up? That's such a great idea - we have some old handwritten recipes from my (great or) grandmother still I think. Will have to ask my mom about them.
Brilliant! Love this idea.
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Oldtoyota, where were you going to get the linen towels printed up? That's such a great idea - we have some old handwritten recipes from my (great or) grandmother still I think. Will have to ask my mom about them.
Here is the link with all of the instructions--and a link to the place that prints them. I think it's called Sunflower.
http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/07/turn-recipes-into-tea-towels.html