Homemade Gift Giving
A small holiday budget means nothing when it comes to giving gifts from the heart. When you make and give homemade gifts to others, you're making a lasting impression that physically demonstrates your love.
A gift that comes from your heart - and is the product of your love - is better than anything store-bought. Keep this in mind when planning the gifts you will give this year. This can be even more memorable with small ones to help.
Choose a gift that suits each recipient, because that level of customization and creative thought will shine through. Each loved one will know that your gift came from the heart and will cherish and appreciate it accordingly!
Try these ideas for homemade gifts with style:
Reed Diffuser. The materials for a homemade reed diffuser are purchasable in large quantities, allowing you to make several at once, which is always a great deal. Purchase glass bottles or containers, wooden reeds and a favorite potpourri scent. Decorate the bottles and containers as desired and package with reeds and liquid scent.
Decorate each diffuser bottle to suit the gift recipient for a completely customized gift from the heart. Use paint, stickers, scrapbooking elements, or other decorations as your heart desires.
Bath Salts. Purchase decorative bottles or jars, food coloring, essential oils and Epsom salts. Combine the Epsom salts and food coloring and mix well. Add the desired scent and mix again. Spread your completed mixture over wax paper and allow it to dry completely before placing in the jar. Be proactive in knowing allergies or even favorites.
Try creating corresponding scents in different colors and layering them in the same jar. Experiment with different essential oils, perfumes, and different colors to create relaxing bath salt recipes.
Start this project early, as the scents turn out better when they are allowed to "cure" for a week or two before use.
Jar Cookies. Create decorative cookie recipe packages by combining the ingredients for cookies or other baked goods in canning jars. Use ribbon and fabric to decorate the lids and write the recipes out neatly on cardstock. Experiment with different recipes depending on the intended recipient. Have fun with this, you can use your favorite recipe, a family recipe, their favorite recipe or even something that brings back a good memory for the person you are gifting.
For example, a recipe for chocolate chip cookies calls for 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 3/4 cup of white sugar and chocolate chips. Layer these ingredients in the jar and include the baking instructions with the gift.
Another good recipe is mocha coffee mix. Combine 1 cup of dry milk powder, 3/4 cup of sugar, 2/3 cup powdered creamer, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/3 cup of instant coffee, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. Recipient should mix 1/4 cup mixture with 3/4 cup boiling water.
Flower Petal Soaps. Purchase fabric flowers or flower petals and "Melt and Pour" glycerin soap. Melt the soap according to the manufacturer instructions. Using tweezers, dip fabric flower petals into the soap. Let excess soap drip off, and then allow to dry and to harden on wax paper.
Arrange these "guest soaps" in a decorative bowl or container. When guests wash their hands in a bathroom, they only have to use a single petal. These soap petals also work well in the bathtub, making them a dual-purpose gift for many occasions.
Children’s Crafts. Somethings never go out of style & are treasured forever..
Handprint art
Homemade magnets
Photos! Picture frames, photo memory or album/scrapbook
Homemade gifts don't have to appear pricey or professional to tug on the heartstrings of the recipient. The gift recipient will know that you put thought and love into the gift that you created. Handmade gifts can be significantly more meaningful than store-bought gifts. It's a good idea to make your own gifts even when you can afford something commercial. The is the bonus gift of the memory and traditions you will make with those you love.
It is all about the little things in life, don’t lose sight of what matters. Be intentionally focused, and the rest will come together.
