I love this idea! My husband and I have been frustrated with how stressful and expensive Christmas has become for the past 3-4 years. Last year was completely out of control. It doesn't help that our daughter was born on Christmas in 2012! So last year we had her first birthday combine with Christmas and enough was enough! We've already talked to my mom about downsizing this year and she and my brother are on board. I'm not sure if we can get my in-laws to agree or not because we've tried before to no avail.
So handmade gifts are just the thing! I'm an avid knitter (I have a side business hand-dyeing yarn) and I also love to cook and bake, and I'm very into essential oils - I make a healing balm that's amazing as a diaper cream and antiseptic for cuts, rashes, etc.
My list this year, to be filled in as I think of things, and probably refined as I procrastinate and run out of time:
Mom - bath salts/sugar scrub, handknit socks, homemade vanilla
Brother/SIL - homemade vanilla, spice mixes, bath salts/sugar scrub
Nephews - hacky sacks
http://diagnosisknitter.wordpress.com/2011/07/10/im-so-lazy-heres-a-hacky-sack-pattern/Grandma - homemade vanilla, spice mixes, healing balm
MIL - handknit scarf?
FIL - painted coffee mug, picture calendar
Aunt - paint bucket garden seat
http://themicrogardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DIY-Garden-Seat-Tool-Storage-e1386752856892.jpgCousin - homemade vanilla, spice mixes
Cousin's husband - no clue
Our kids will probably get clothes and one toy each, plus some stocking stuffers.
Coworkers - homemade vanilla, cookies.
Yay! I'm excited for Christmas for the first time in a while! I need to dust off my knitting needles and pick some patterns! Just getting my knitting time back now that my "baby" is 18 months.