by Pamela Kay

Created on: November 18, 2008   Last Updated: November 29, 2009

Homemade Christmas gifts convey to the recipient that long before others were out searching for a bargain, you were thinking of them as you crafted this special gift just for them. Tell someone how much you care this Christmas with one of these homemade Christmas gift ideas.

1-Arts and Crafts

*Garden Art

Using a pizza box for a mold, pour in cement and press marbles or pebbles near the edge. Then write a name, date or verse in the wet cement. When it dries, you have a personalized stepping-stone.

*Desk Sets

Use a cigar box and a can to create a unique desk set. Cover them with handmade paper, fabric or paper mache. Paint them to match and embellish with beads, braid, photos, clip art or free hand drawing.

*Stationary

Make homemade paper and turn it into stationary and matching envelopes for the letter writer on your list. Learn how to make paper in ten easy steps.

2-Gifts From Your Needle

*Pocketbooks

Turn that always-in-style denim into stylish pocketbooks with shoulder straps and bead or fringe decorations.

*Stuffed Animals and Dolls

Use old towels or sweaters to create soft, cuddly stuffed animals for the little ones on your Christmas list. You can also make a rag doll and her wardrobe from discarded clothing.

*Braided Rug

Tear old fabric into long strips and braid together to create a one of a kind braided rug. Make it as large as you like, roll it up and tie it with a big bow.

*Quilting and Applique

Make a nine patch quilt from clothing you no longer wear or cut designs and applique them on cushions, clothing or pocketbooks.

3-Gifts From Nature

*Wreaths

Gather vines and weave them into wreaths decorated for holidays or seasons.

*Dried Flower Arrangement

Gather and dry weeds and flowers to create lovely floral arrangements for free! Thistle, baby's breath, Queen Anne's Lace, straw flowers, bachelor buttons and cockscomb are just a few you can choose from.

*Twig Furniture

Twig furniture is stylish, fun to make and almost free. Make shelves, chairs, benches, chairs and rockers. Learn how to make it here: http://www.canadianhomeworkshop.com/proj/twig_furnit ure.shtml

*Seashell Picture Frame

Use collected seashells to create beautiful picture frames or jewelry.

*Pressed Leaves and Flowers

Create stunning gifts with dried flowers and pressed leaves brushed with gold. Glue them to homemade paper; add a mat and frame and you have a nice piece of art or use them to decorate a lamp shade.

4-Gifts From The Kitchen

Recipes for the first four gift ideas can be found here: http://www.allfreecrafts.com/giftinajar/index.shtml

*Make bone shaped Dog Biscuits for that pet lover on your list. Find a Recipe here.

*Spiced Tea Mix in a jar is a welcome gift during the cold holiday season.

*Mint Jelly goes well with lamb and pork and makes a beautiful emerald green gift.

*Flavored Vinegars and Oils presented in decorative jars and bottles are easy to make. Learn how here.

*Learn how to grow some old fashioned rock candy here.

5-Gifts From Your Computer

*Calendars and planners

Everyone needs a new calendar shortly after Christmas and planners are welcomed too. Make them free here.

*Coloring Books

Create coloring books for all ages with downloaded coloring pages.

*Recipe Card Set

Create a set of Favorite Family Recipes cards. Find them here: http://www.countryclipart.com/recipecards.htm

No one wants to start a new year deep in debt, but we all want to give gifts at Christmas. That's why making your gifts is a smart thing to do and whatever homemade Christmas gift ideas you come up with, they will be recognized as a gift of love and thoughtfulness.

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