As I am finishing my catnip mice for my friends’ furry kids, dipping some pretzels, and bagging up the biscotti and lavender bath bags, I am thinking about all of the wonderful homemade/handmade gifts I’ve received over the years. I love homemade presents. I love to make them, receive them, and buy them for gifts.
My brother John always made presents for Christmas. Every year I looked forward to his gift. One year it was Humpty Dumpty beanbag toy – not sure if that was a message or not for me, but I loved it. The insulator candle holders were a hit, and my favorite of his gifts were the dime earrings. You can see them sitting on top of this jewelry box. Johnny pounded two dimes, punched holes in them, and then added ear wires. Pretty unique and so sweet!
The other jewelry hanging out of this box, was made by my friend Barb – a necklace and earrings to match my wedding dress, birthday gifts, and one she gave to me because I saw it in her jewelry box and said, “Oh, that’s so pretty!” They are all resting in this beautiful jewelry box handcrafted by my hubby.
Other gifts from the past include embroidered sheets with our initials from Marsha that we use on our bed daily, a cross stitch picture Deb made many years ago with the saying “Blessed are they who are pleasant to be with,” and the beautiful wood tray crafted by Barb’s hubby Ken.
There is something special about receiving homemade gifts. They come from the heart. However, as for giving these gifts, I still have trouble feeling that they are enough and often buy something to add value to my gifts. Sometimes, if I can find the right gift, it will be homemade by someone else. This year I bought several of those including a beautiful basket and candle holder from vendors at the local Christmas fair.
I’d like to take the pledge to buy only handmade for gifts (or make them myself), but I’m not quite to that point. Maybe next year.
I think handmade gifts are the ones that last and with them come the memories of the person that made them. The stuff we buy to go with them doesn’t last as long and fade from our memories. I like the idea of trying to go totally handmade, but I have 3 small children and they would definitely want the latest toy included with their handmade gifts.
Noelle, Yes, it would be hard with kids. Also, I love books, giving and receiving books, so I wouldn’t want to give that up. Thanks for dropping by.
Every year I try to make something for my siblings for Christmas. This year it was my version of “The Elf on the Shelf”. Although they may not think much of something handmade, it gives me a chance to be creative…and is always a challenge to come up with something different. Sometimes I include a favorite christmas cookie along with the gift, and I KNOW they like those! Instead of gifting on Christmas, I deliver, under the cover of darkness, on the eve of the feast of St Nicholas which is December 5. It is a nice way (I think) to get the holiday season off to a good start.
I agree. I love the handmade gifts, they are the ones I remember best. My five siblings and I do a gift exchange every year. One year the theme was handmade. You’d thing teeth were being pulled. (For some, there is just a resistance to creating something, though I admit, if one has a super arty, talented sibling, that would be intimidating.) I think it’s fun!
Christine in Alaska
Jane, Your Elfs were so cute! Who wouldn’t want to have one of those. And I love your idea of delivering them at night on the eve of St. Nicholas. Thanks for dropping by.
Lynda, your gifts will be perfectly great! And look at the jewelry draped across the handmade chest your husband made! Lovely!!
Maybe I could nudge you towards a hand-crafted book or journal (altered book in art form), made during the winter months for next Christmas? Or perhaps I could convince you that a small scrapbook of precious memories would make a beautiful gift.
Then again, what about a few canned goods made from produce from your garden???
Just a few ideas to help my craft-minded garden-sister along…. 😉
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Lynn, That’s just what I need – another nudge from you! 🙂 I always make a book for my friend Marsha from pictures I take at their home on Christmas Eve. I’ll post this year’s book after Christmas (concerned she might look at my blog between now and tomorrow night although don’t think she gets on the computer much). Keep the ideas coming!
Excellent thanks for your information