Dec 08 2008
5 Easy, But Creative Handmade Gift Ideas for the Holidays
In a poll recently done by a popular magazine, statistics show that the majority of people would prefer a handmade gift that means something to them, rather than some store bought gift that will eventually collect dust. This is great for those of us who tend to be a bit frugal, but also wish to give something that the recipient will treasure. Here are five ideas for things you can make.
- A Recipe Book - Create a book of treasured family recipes, or use a theme (chocolate recipes, strawberry recipes, peanut butter recipes, chicken recipes, etc.) If they are family recipes, consider adding some journaling telling the story behind the dish, or when it is primarily prepared.
- Mini Scrapbook - Create an album with a theme perhaps like “10 Things I Love About You”, or “5 Reasons You Make Me Smile” or “Why I Love My Daddy”. Include photographs of the recipient with various people or in various situations tailored to fit the theme.
- Altered Composition Notebook Turned Journal - You can purchase the traditional black and white composition notebooks from just about any place that sells office supplies. Using pretty scrapbooking patterned papers, cover the book and create a personalized journal just for the person. Add embellishments to make it unique.
- A Memory Box - Following essentially the same theory as the above, run to the craft store and purchase a wooden or cardboard box, and then alter it using paints, papers and other fun elements like ribbon or fibers and inside the box you could add special photos, slips of paper with special messages, treats, candy or other things.
- Coupon Books - These are always a cute idea. You can write out things like “Good for 1 night out on the town.” “Good for one night of babysitting”, “Good for a special day to get your nails done.” and for the male in your life “Good for one day of uninterrupted fishing/hunting/tv-watching/etc.”
I have plenty more ideas where those came from, and sometime in the next 24 hours I am sure you will see something up crop up with some more terrifically frugal gift ideas. Next hour - recipe.
