by Judith Campanaro

Created on: February 17, 2010

HOMEMADE GIFT IDEAS FOR PEOPLE WITH LIMITED BUDGETS

With a little bit of inspiration and the right mix of enthusiasm and love a homemade gift might be just the thing to bestow on that special friend, teacher or family member.  Whether you buy it or create it yourself a homemade gift somehow brings back the nostalgia of happier times.  Things that are handcrafted seem to contain a personal touch that sends the message all is well.  It’s that personal touch that reminds us we are not alone in a time of economic upheaval.  But keep in mind when giving a homemade gift the thoughtfulness of the creation is a key ingredient to making your expression of friendship, affection or esteem most memorable.  And those expressions don’t have to be expensive or time consuming.

 I remember a weekend trip a few years ago with two special friends.   We had a great time filled with laughter and just plain fun.  After the trip I received a small journal simply made on the copy machine but filled with all the memories of that weekend.  One of my friends had collected things from everywhere we visited and make copies of them for each of us.  Her thoughtfulness and the delight at receiving her gift will never be forgotten.

Anything made by children is most always well loved.  Think of all those doting grandparents with a framed picture of themselves holding a grandchild or two.  And it really adds to the package if the frame is decorated by the child maybe with old puzzle pieces or even colored tissue.  As a teacher my favorite gifts from students were the ones they made themselves especially the greeting cards and drawings.  In fact home made greeting cards are more likely to find a place on my mantle than the store bought ones. 

And speaking of hand made cards.  One of the most memorable gifts I’ve ever received was a poem written by my daughter.  She framed it and gave it to me for Mother’s Day one year.  Talk about something I will never throw away.  I did the same thing for my father one father's day.  After he passed away I found the poem tucked away in a box among his special treasures.

And don’t forget homemade cookies.  Not everyone loves pickles or jams and jelly but it seems almost any age enjoys cookies.  I will never forget the day when my son who was away at college called and said “Mom what do I do?  I was just going to pop the question and she broke up with me.”  So what does a mom do when her son has a broken heart – of course she sends the gift of “snickerdoodles!”  I used to make snickerdoodles for him when he was a little boy and for my son that box of cookies was a reminder of some happier times.  Every year at Christmas my aunt sends my mom a box of cookies made from all the recipes their mom used when she was alive.  That box of cookies is always a never to be forgotten gift.

But first and foremost, whether it’s store bought or homemade it’s the thought behind the gift that means the most.  When you give a gift that fits the person it lets them know you took the time to notice who they are.  When you give a homemade gift it doubles the meaning because not only do you acknowledge who they are but you are also saying I cared enough to spend my time creating this just for you. 

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