by Pamela Kay

Created on: November 05, 2011   Last Updated: November 22, 2011

You don't need to spend money to give a nice gift to loved ones at Christmas. Even in a bad economy, you'll have wonderful gifts to place under the tree with the following ideas for unique homemade Christmas gifts. None of these ideas are expensive or difficult to make, they just require a little of your time, which in the end, is the best Christmas gift of all.

*Foot Warmers

You can use an old flannel shirt or buy new fabric for these nifty little foot warmers. Just cut the fabric into nine by eleven, place the fabric with the right side facing each other and stitch three sides. Next you pour about two to three cups of rice in and stitch the last side shut.

You won’t even need to wrap this gift, just tie a big bow around it and add a tag that gives directions for use; “Heat in microwave for two minutes and tuck under the covers to warm your feet.” These can also be used to ease the pain of arthritis in your joints or to keep a dish of food warm.

*Gifts From The Kitchen

-Potato soup mix is easy to make and is a great gift for co-workers. Just combine the following in a large mixing bowl, and then pour into a quart jar. Add a tag with these directions; Mix one-half cup of mix with one cup bowling water, stir and allow to stand for one minute.

2 cups instant mashed potatoes,1½ cups instant milk powder, 2 tsp chicken bouillon, 2 tsp dried minced onion, 2 tsp dried parsley,
1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme

-Jams, jellies, preserves and even dried fruits also make a lovely gift at Christmas because they say you care. Mint, apples, grapes and muscadines make delicious jellies and apples are also perfect for apple butter. Strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are great for jams and peaches, pears, oranges and figs make delightful preserves and marmalade.

*Grape Vine Wreath

This wreath can also be made from honeysuckle vines or any vines you find in the woods, if you have no grape vines. Remove any leaves and form the vine into a circle. You can use several vines to enlarge it. Decorate it with holly, or evergreen sprigs and add a bow. You can also decorate it with silk flowers, which will allow the recipient to use it year round inside the home.

*Trinket Box

Cigar boxes make wonderful trinket boxes for boys and girls. Just a little imagination and a few supplies from the craft store are all you need… The box can be painted inside and out or covered with fabric such as denim or with leather. You can cover the box with batting

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