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Thursday, October 23, 2008

Handmade Christmas Challenge

photo by Wolfiewolf
I have been bookmarking ideas for Christmas presents for several months now. I'm planning to make personalized coloring pages, tutus, fairy wings, and some knitted goodies to name a few things. I can't disclose my full list, because my mom reads this blog! {{hee hee, are you wondering what you're getting, mom?!}}

I love the idea I saw in Amy's notebook from Handmade Homeschool for a totally handmade Christmas. What I liked best about this post is the idea of brainstorming ideas based on the type of gift. I've started my own list with categories for knitting, kitchen/baking, crafty, indulgent, and imaginative/artsy.

The scarf I'm making for Sweetpea obviously falls under knitting, and we will be baking and decorating cookies for several of our friends. Under the indulgent category, I'm going to try and make a peppermint scrub that I have bookmarked, and some scented sugars.

I'm not trying much out of my comfort zone, because I don't want to add to the stress of an already busy time of year - but for things I enjoy making, something that can be made quickly and easily, or something that is unique and that I think would be especially meaningful, I think it makes sense.

I'll also be checking out Tip Junkie's Mom Preneur Shop a Thon for goodies I don't know how or don't want to take the time to make. Have you checked it out? There are some great goodies to be had!

Are you making anything for friends or family this year? I'd love to hear your ideas! Anyone (besides mom) that would like to see my list, I'd be happy to email it to you.

For more handmade gift ideas, visit TipJunkie's roundup of ideas!

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14 comments:

carrhop said...

I always enjoy doing a few handmade items during the holiday season--usually some special baked goods an also some bath products--you're getting me all motivated to get started!

The new header is darling--I love the pic of Sweetpea in the chair!
Blessings!

Mommy2Twinkies-Deb said...

What a great idea. I'm definitely going to do the baked goods, but I also like your indulgent ideas and I'll take a look. Not sure how I'll do with knitting...

Rebekah said...

In the past I've made ornaments for friends. The last two years I haven't got it done. I have an idea for this year so I hope to get to the craft store soon

Elle Charlie said...

I think cookies are a great holiday gift. It's a neat idea to make all your own gifts! I wish I were more crafty!

Amy said...

What great ideas, Steph. I am trying to do the same thing this year and what I can't make, I am looking to Etsy to help me with. Although I didn't make a commitment to buy handmade everything, I am really trying to do more of that this year.

Thanks so much for the link!!

Sandra said...

I LOVE your ideas, I'm trying to cut down on spending this christmas too. I do a lot of baked goods baskets for the kids teachers and friends.

DEHausfrau said...

Personally, I love the idea of personalized tea towels either embroidered or stenciled using fabric paint. I keep seeing really neat ideas for reusing old sweaters but they all seem to involved sewing and I am a complete ninny in that arena...

Steph at Problem Solvin' Mom said...

Rebekah, I think ornaments are a great idea! It would be fun to have something that my daughter can help make for a keepsake as well.

Mommychicky, I think tea towels are a great idea too, though I've never been very good at embroidery...maybe stenciling would work for me.

I would love to hear all of your favorite baked goodies to give away at Christmas, maybe I'll host a baked giveaway roundup, if I can figure out Mr. Linky ;)

Anonymous said...

I love this idea of handmade gifts. Now you have me thinking!

Martha said...

I love handmade/homemade gifts. Mine are usually some kind of food items. Thanks for the reminder - it's really past time to start thinking about these things for the holidays this year.

Hope you've had a great week! TGIF :-)

CC said...

I have no ideas besides the jam I often give out. I have a post/movie on making things for Christmas instead of buying. It's also at adventconspiracy.org

Extraordinary Ordinary Life said...

I do love this. It is a great idea and I need to start thinking now!

Just me said...

I really like the idea of making homemade things for Christmas! Last year was the first year we started doing this for Christmas and it was a big hit with everyone! I got some of my ideas from www.familyfun.com

I'll definitely check out your links for more ideas and e-mail you too! :)

Missy said...

You have some wonderful ideas. I especially like the idea of doing personalized coloring pages. How fun! Thanks for sharing.