Now that Thanksgiving is over the rush to get Christmas gifts has official begun. Before you start spending make a list of who you need to buy for and work up a budget. If money is a little tight, or you have almost no budget but need gifts for many, one option is to give homemade gifts. A homemade gift is from the heart, and can make the receiver of the gift feel extra special.
Easy, Quick, and Thrifty Homemade Ideas:
Gift mixes in a mason jar. There are hundreds of web sites out there with directions for gift mixes in a jar. Buy a case of mason jars from Walmart and use up fabric scraps from the craft basket. I’ve given out both chocolate chip cookie and sugar cookie mixes, but you can give out mixes for pancakes, soups, bread, cakes, or something completely different. Mixes in a jar go together super quick and people love to get them!
Personalized feed sack towels. Stores such as Walmart sell packs of 5 ot 6 flour sack towels super cheap. They white, soft, and are what our grandmothers used. Pick up a bit of stabilizer and use fabric scraps to appliqué on initials, fruit, little birdhouses, or anything you think the receiver might like. If you can’t appliqué you can embroider the towels, cross stitch on the, or even dye them. Get crafty, the possibilities are endless!
Baked goodies are a traditional homemade gift. Whip up a batch of cookies or banana bread but consider allergies and special diets.
Quick sewn items. Fabric coasters, coffee cup sleeves, table runners, aprons, potholders, valances, and more can be sewn up in less than an hour. If you have fabric on hand it’s almost like a free gift.
Quick Homemade Gifts For Kids:
Handmade no-sew tutus! What little princess wouldn’t love a new tutu. Type in “no sew tutu” in your search bar and you’ll get everything from simple instructions to elaborate videos. All you need is scissors, elastic, and tulle. They’re cheap and can be made in less than an hour.
Felt play food. There are tons of free patterns out there. Whip up everything from play pizza to play donuts. Felt is super cheap and simple to work with.
No Sew Gift Ideas
-A set of handmade cards and envelopes from scrap booking paper.
-A personalized wreath.
-Personalized address label made on your computer.
-Homemade magnets made with photos, buttons, or anything you want to make into a magnet with glue.
Homemade gifts made with love and the recipient in mind can be just as great, or even better, than store bought items. Making gifts at home can also keep your stress levels under control as you won’t be overspending, fighting crowds, or have to worry about keeping receipts organized for returns. If you have a great homemade gift idea or just want to say hi be sure to leave a comment! We’d love to hear from you and hear what kinds of gift you plan to make this holiday season.
