by Raven Lebeau

Created on: February 05, 2010

Creating your own hand made gifts is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Picking out a project, choosing materials, and customizing each gift for the recipient all add to the fun of gift-giving.  Receiving a creative, custom made gift will brighten anyone's holiday.  Here are some ideas for home made holiday gifts that your friends and family are sure to love.

1. A no-sew tie blanket.

A fleece tie blanket is a useful gift that anyone will enjoy receiving, and making one is easy. Start with two pieces of fleece that are several inches longer and wider than you want the finished blanket to be. Make sure the two pieces are the same size. Lay them on top of each other, cut your fringe, and then tie knots in the fringe to hold the two pieces of fleece together.

Make sure your blanket becomes a treasured keepsake by choosing colors or prints the recipient will appreciate. College students or sports fans will love a blanket made in their favorite team colors. Pet lovers might enjoy an animal-themed print, and you can even make a smaller blanket for a dog or cat.

2. A or EW56Bhttp://www.ehow.com/how_5329344_make-cornfilled -foot-warmers.htmlWH6PDrecipe or use your own. After making your cocoa mix, pour it into a mason jar and put the lid on. Using pinking shears, cut a square out of some pretty holiday themed fabric, and tie the square of fabric over the top of the jar with a ribbon. For a finishing touch, add a hand made label or use a silver or gold Sharpie pen to write something nice on the jar.

4. Hand-poured soaps.

The beauty of soap pouring is that it allows you to create scents in addition to choosing shapes and colors for your soaps. Visit your local craft store and stock up on glycerin soap, soap coloring, and soap scents. Glycerin soap can be melted either in a double boiler or in the microwave. Once the soap is melted, you add your fragrance and color, pour it into the mold, and let it cool. The result is a beautiful, practical gift.

The projects above are just a few of the simplest home made Christmas gifts. Other fun gift ideas include do it yourself candles and bath salts or embroidered dishtowels and oven mitts. The possibilities for creating your own gifts are limited only by your imagination.

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