Homemade Christmas gift ideas?
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
United States
May 26, 2007 10:39pm CST
I'm trying to save money this year on Christmas gifts and would like to try some hand crafted stuff. I'd like to get started on some things now, so I have six full months to get everything right.
Do you have any craft ideas or homemade gift suggestions you'd like to share. Emphasis on saving money.
2 people like this
7 responses
@twilight021 (2059)
• United States
28 May 07
Do you know how to kint or crochet? Sugar and Cream cotton yarn is super affordable and you can use it to make up some dish cloths or wash cloths. I often give people hand knit gifts...scarves, mittens, hats and the like.
Caron "pound of" acrlyic yarn is also a really good deal. A pound is a lot of yarn!!!! This is especially good if you are knitting for any kids. it's a soft, durable and importantly, machine washable yarn.
You aer so smart to be thining about this so far ahead of time. i usualy don't focus on this until October or something...that's a lot of knitting for me in a little time!
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
1 Jun 07
I always have to get my crochet projects started earlier in the year if I want to have time to get them done. And, then when Christmas time hits, I do have some things already accomplished.
Thanks for the ideas. I don't think I've tried anything so ambitious as mittens, though.
Just smaller blankets.
1 person likes this
@peavey (16936)
• United States
1 Jun 07
You can sometimes find photo albums inexpensively. Put some special photos in them and/or memorabilia (greeting cards, movie tickets, etc.) that have special meaning.
Also, keep an eye out at thrift stores and garage sales for craft materials and kits. It's a good idea to start early and now's the time to find bargains, before others think of Christmas.
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
1 Jun 07
A walk down memory lane! That sounds perfect. And very sentimental. I think it's a gift that will be much appreciated.
1 person likes this
@AnythngArt (3302)
• United States
27 May 07
I like to sew, so I usually make some of my gifts. My way of double-dipping is that I make the item, enter it into the local country fair (during the summer), hopefully win a ribbon and some prize money for it (nothing big, $2-5 per item), and then give it to the person for Christmas. I also use the 40% off coupons that they regularly have at Joanne's to save on fabric, thread, and trim.
@AnythngArt (3302)
• United States
1 Jun 07
As far as coming up with ideas, I often buy patterns (for sewing) or get ideas from magazines like "Martha Stewart Living" (or other decorating magazines) or see something at a craft fair I think I can make myself or visit Etsy.com for ideas. Etsy is a wonderful group of crafters (there must be thousands on the site) who sell their crafts (usually for very reasonable prices, too). I like to see an idea, but adapt it to my own taste and style. For example, I like to make cat toys, and always have a lot of extra felt around, so I was wondering what else I could do with it, after trolling around Etsy, I see that some people make felt food (for children to play with). That seems like fun to me, so I am going to try making my own this summer. Often crafters on Etsy sell patterns or instructions (like ebooks) on how to do certain crafts. A lot of crafters sell supplies there as well, such as for soap making, for example. My sister just bought some soap-making supplies from someone who owns goats and makes goat's milk soap.
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
1 Jun 07
That is such a clever idea! Double dipping on crafts. I wouldn't have thought of that.
Where do you find your ideas for the actual crafts themselves? I mean, what inspires you.
2 people like this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
27 May 07
We have bought Aida cloth and little plastic hoops and stitched up Christmas ornaments for everyone.
The 12 days of Christmas etc. You can get little gold hoops for next to nothing and the fabric goes along way as does the floss. But they take time to make.
Also dig around here, there are a lot of wise ladies who do great gifts...like cake mixes or cookie mixes in a bottle...I will check my links and see what I can find.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
27 May 07
http://www.mylotdiscussions.com/w/discussions/735726.aspx - check out this lady, go to her profile...she can point you in the right direction
1 person likes this
@Michele21 (3093)
• United States
27 May 07
I have a few web-sites that I have saved becasue i love homemade gifts!! I will listn them and hopefully they will help give you ideas! My favorites are the theme gift baskets with homemade things in them.
Chocolate Spoons http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf707322.tip.html
Frugal Christmas Gift Ideas http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf933280.tip.html
Gel Potpourri Jars http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf664642.tip.html
Lavender Sachets http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15044947.tip.html
S'mores Gifts http://www.hersheys.com/smores/crafts/crafts.asp?id=46
Puzzle Ornaments http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24068511.tip.html
Cookie Cutter Gift http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75940156.tip.html
Hope those help to five you some ideas!!
1 person likes this
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
1 Jun 07
Thank you Michele21, you always have such great ideas. And, links to the good stuff, obviously. Everytime I see your picture and name on a post, I know I'm in for fun reading!
Best wishes.
2 people like this
@Michele21 (3093)
• United States
1 Jun 07
Thanks so much, I am glad you like my posts and things =) I know I feel that way about some people so it is nice to know other people like me =) (like we are in high school or something-silly me)
1 person likes this
