by Annie M Manzi

Created on: September 21, 2008   Last Updated: October 15, 2008

I like to give homemade gifts to extended family members and friends at Christmas. It shows them that I care enough to make them something with my own two hands. I have a large family and it is financially impossible to buy a gift for anyone besides my immediate family. Every year I come up with something new to give and I would like to share some of my favorite things to make.

Crocheting standard or funky fun scarves are eay to do gift ideas and everyone loves them. I sit in front of the television and crochet away. My kids thought I was being "an old lady", but before I knew it they were crocheting scarves for their friend for Christmas. My one daughter has went on and crocheted a blanket for her bed and she has taught some of her friends the art of basic crochet.

Canned or preserved goods make great gift ideas. I have given gifts of canned spaghetti sauce, pears and peaches, jams, jellies, salsas, and relishes. They are greatly appreciated and most send the empty jars back to me to be recycled for next year. I think some people would miss their treat of homemade canned food.

Fabric photo albums make for nice presents at Christmas. They are fun to make and they turned out nice. Many relatives got them from me one Christmas a long time ago. I saw that they had put them to good use whenever I went to their homes and saw the albums chock full of photos. Also make a scrapbook that details their life and relationship with you. I am sure they would love that!

Make homemade fudge, candies, cookies, fruit torts, glazed nuts, and special chocolate novelty shaped candies. People love the sweets this time of year. They are fun to make. The problem with making them is that I had to taste test every batch, it was not good for my weight. But they were a big hit with most people.

Homemade candles are also fun to make and you can be very creative with them. Essential oils can be added to produce delightful scents that can be individualized for each person. You can make them with trendy decorations that go with the person's home or room. They too are quite fun to make. We actually made candles in fresh snow one year and they turned out fabulous.

Take plain glass ornaments and fill them with confetti like materials and or fun holiday items and ribbons. You can also decorate the outside of each with good crafting glue and anything that is related to the season, such as artificial snow, small pine cones, or anyother small interesting seasonal items. Hand paint a scene if you are artistic. I have personalized great blown glass ornaments with the recipients name. They are well received.

I plan on making homemade bookmarks and jellies this year. I am going to try my hand at making sweet red pepper, garlic, and plum jams. I am sure they will be a hit at Christmas time.

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