by Linda L Kinyon

Created on: September 09, 2008   Last Updated: September 17, 2008

With the holiday's just around the corner. Its time to think about gift giving. If your budget is tight and you are considering boycotting Christmas gifts altogether, remember that the true meaning of Christmas is not the amount of the gift but rather the thought of the gift. Here are some great homemade gift ideas that don't have to break the bank and you will be remembered with love throughout the year for your thoughtfulness. Homemade Christmas gifts are always treasured by family and friends.

If you are handy with a crochet hook or knitting needles, you could make a great hat or scarf, or both for that special someone. You could even go so far as to make coasters or an afghan. Whatever you choose to make the recipient will know they are loved and treasured because you took the time to make something just for them. You can even choose to use their favorite colors or a theme if they collect certain things.

Recycle. I once fell into a great deal of brown packing paper. I was pretty broke at the time so I patiently and painstakingly ironed it and folded it in half and took a quick stitch along the spine and created my own scrapbooks. Then I took some great photos and made a beautiful scrapbook for grandma. I added in photos of the grand kids and bits of ribbon and other such treasures. She treasures it to this day. This can also be done with paper bags (you can even purchase lunch sized bags at your local grocer). Or you can just give them to your gift recipient plain along with some favorite stickers and miscellaneous bits of ribbon and such and let them create some treasured memories.

Make your own soaps. Buy glycerin soaps on sale and then add your favorite scented oils and bits of flower petals or oatmeal and create a beautiful soap gift basket. Add in a wash cloth or loofah sponge for more fun. You could even add in some scented bath oil (easy to make yourself with a non scented oil such as safflower oil or a non scented baby oil combined with your favorite essential oil). Put in a pretty basket and tie with a ribbon and you have another great gift idea.

Buy picture frames on sale and decorate with buttons or beads or other trinkets and put in a photo of yourself or family for them to treasure. Photo's are always a treasured gift and the recipient will be delighted.

Check out local second hand stores. Often you can find books and videos there that have never been opened at a fraction of the retail price. Be selective and you can be done with your shopping again in no time. If your recipient collects certain items like tea cups for example, you might find some really treasured items in a second hand store. Clean them carefully and find a box to fit and you have a wonderful gift to add to their collection.

If you are handy with rubber stamps you can make a card set or stationary for your favorite auntie or grandmother. Offer services such as babysitting for a harried mother or housekeeping for an invalid or busy new mother. Yard services are a great value also to someone who is too busy to care for their yard. With so many ideas you are sure to find something to suit your budget and each of your family members. Happy crafting and creating and may you have a wonderful Holiday Season!

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