Homemade Christmas Presents

Greece
November 11, 2015 2:40pm CST
I am going to give some homemade Christmas gifts again this year. Last year I made jewellery - earrings and necklaces, but this year I intend to go for something more practical. I have not decided yet what that might be. There is something special about a gift that a friend has taken the time to make, it is much more personal and often quite unique. I have a birthday card from a friend that I have kept for years because she added some embroidery to the design and I have a very special painting that my husband gave me for a birthday present that I value above anything I might have bought from a shop. I am sure I will find lots of suggestions on the internet by imaginative people who will inspire me with some very good ideas.
15 people like this
16 responses
@jstory07 (137351)
• Roseburg, Oregon
11 Nov 15
You should go into a craft store and look around there to see if you can come up with any ideas.
3 people like this
• United States
11 Nov 15
So many things in a craft store to get ideas...good suggestion
1 person likes this
• Greece
13 Nov 15
Unfortunately I do not know of any craft stores near me. This is one of the things I really miss from the old days back in England.
@Missmwngi (12915)
• Nairobi, Kenya
11 Nov 15
Cool idea,i hope they like them when you give them
2 people like this
• Greece
12 Nov 15
If it is practical I am sure they will like it.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (467179)
• Switzerland
12 Nov 15
This year I am going to make food gifts (cookies, gingerbread men, chocolate truffles). I would like to make some nice fabric bags and embroider something on them. I think I can do this.
1 person likes this
• Greece
13 Nov 15
I made some fabric bags once for a charity sale, they sold quite well and cost very little because the fabric was usually pieces left over at the end of the roll so the cost was low and often they gave me more than I needed because they wanted to get rid of it.
1 person likes this
• Greece
13 Nov 15
@LadyDuck If my friends tire of their strings of beads they give them to me, I change the design, shorten them or turn them into earrings or bracelets for them and then they let me keep the leftovers. My friends are pleased, a new piece made from the old, and I am pleased because semi precious stones do not break or fade and only need a wash and they are as good as new.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (467179)
• Switzerland
13 Nov 15
@41CombedaleRoad I also buy fabric leftover, they can always come handy.
1 person likes this
@wetnosedogs (1533)
• United States
11 Nov 15
Oh, that is wonderful. Just the right touch.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (334404)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Nov 15
Home-made gifts are certainly special and there are many options open to you. I was once given a jar of cookies with a big red bow round the container. I thought it was a lovely gift.
1 person likes this
• Greece
12 Nov 15
That is two recommendations for cookies. I am really warming up to that idea.
1 person likes this
• Greece
13 Nov 15
@JudyEv I'm not overkeen on shaped biscuits but I could decorate round ones with silver balls or something else Christmassy.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (334404)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Nov 15
@41CombedaleRoad You can buy biscuit cutters in Christmas shapes too. Christmas trees or bells, probably even a Santa.
1 person likes this
@mrsg1981 (133)
• Exeter, England
11 Nov 15
I would love to receive home made Christmas presents. The thought and effort far outweighs the cost of a shop bought gift. I have so far made pickled onions, a sweet apple and sultana chutney and some blackberry jam. If I have the time I am hoping to do more. Next year I will make proper food hampers but this year we were late starting with our allotment and own homegrown goodies.
1 person likes this
• Greece
12 Nov 15
You appear to be halfway through making your Christmas gifts already, probably a necessity as you are such a busy girl.
1 person likes this
@mrsg1981 (133)
• Exeter, England
11 Nov 15
I also love crafting, but again I need some more free time, my youngest son has only just started nursery so I have a bit more time to do things but I have been busy with the cooking so far when I haven't been booked for photoshoots.
@mrsg1981 (133)
• Exeter, England
12 Nov 15
@41CombedaleRoad It is good to keep busy :) keeps my mood levels up.
1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
12 Nov 15
I guess it depends on the person. I have no use for jewelry or paintings or anything of that nature. What I'd really like are practical things.. some more towels, some more dishes, things I never seem to have enough of around here. Although of course I always appreciate the handmade things the kids make me at school.
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Nov 15
@41CombedaleRoad I suppose. I guess I'm just not quite to that point in my life. I have 5 little kids. so I would appreciate a large pack of towels more than I'd appreciate a single embroidered towel. Know what I mean?
1 person likes this
• Greece
12 Nov 15
Practical things are always acceptable, perhaps an embroidered name on a towel would be a gift that would personalise such a gift.
@celticeagle (164045)
• Boise, Idaho
12 Nov 15
I can remember some very nice gifts friends have made for me. One year it was a tin of several types of cookies. Another it was homemade soap. So many things can be homemade and mean so much to the receiver.
1 person likes this
• Greece
12 Nov 15
I like the idea of cookies, I might take that one up. I did once make some soap but I hadn't the best equipment although the soap last for ages.
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
12 Nov 15
i make jewlry also. you might try crocheting around a kitchen towel at the top and add a button to hang it on stove or frig handle. i have some my friend have me like that one christmas.
1 person likes this
• Greece
12 Nov 15
That is unusual and also very practical. My teatowels often end up on the floor which is not the best resting place for them.
• United States
12 Nov 15
Homemade gifts are very thoughtful and made with love. I am sure the ones receiving the gifts made by you will cherish the gift! Happy Holidays!
1 person likes this
• Greece
12 Nov 15
One of the byproducts of making a gift is the pleasure one gets from doing so. I like receiving them too.
• United States
11 Nov 15
I always treasure gift that is homemade and comes from the heart
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Nov 15
Me too! Handmade gifts are very sentimental. :)
@sherryeb (580)
• Duncan, Arizona
12 Nov 15
I make home made gifts for friends and family each year, as they do me. It has become a custom for all of us to make gifts and share. Gifts like these are timeless.
1 person likes this
• Greece
12 Nov 15
You and your friends have certainly touched the heart of present giving for Christmas. Making it traditional makes it all the more fun.
@boiboing (13153)
• Northampton, England
11 Nov 15
I hope you'll let us know when you decide what to make this year.
1 person likes this
• Greece
13 Nov 15
I will, but at present I have had so many ideas put my way from my friends here that I am spoiled for choice.
@dorianna (509)
• United States
12 Nov 15
I agree that making gifts is a lovely idea..it is giving a little of yourself..The time involved, the care and thought tells the receiver of the gift that you care for them, that they are important to you. You might check Pinterest for ideas. There are many craft boards and household hint boards where you can find ideas both fanciful and practical.
• Greece
12 Nov 15
I will check out Pinterest, I have a vague idea about a wall hanging so this may be the place to get a better idea.
1 person likes this
@ria1606roy (2797)
• Kolkata, India
13 Nov 15
Maybe some decorative lantern shades, or containers like boxes and vases. They could be beautiful and also come in handy.
@T_gray (7774)
• Salina, Kansas
12 Nov 15
I agree. I think hand made gifts are so much more special. I try to make at least one gift for everyone I give to each year
1 person likes this