Gifts Made From The Heart

Some people are very wary of giving homemade gifts at Christmastime. They fear that others might consider them to be too frugal, or even miserly, for doing so. However, if properly considered, and made with care and attention, a homemade gift can rival what can currently be bought from most stores.

On the surface of things, craft items tend to be anything that involves a glue gun and some glitter. However, look behind what is quickly offered in the magazine racks, and see what else might be gifted as a welcome treasure. Some of the old trades--like candle-making, and quilting--are making a comeback, and there are many lovely inexpensive items that can be made to exchange during the season of giving.

Artists can find wonderful supplies in many variety stores to help them create something of worth. Zentangle (1) seems to be all the rage at the moment, and it would not take much to create a themed piece of Zen art. Perhaps a Christmas subject could be chosen, or the work done in a festive color scheme. The small canvases and accurate methods that is involved in this form of doodling creates lovely mini-masterpieces that many people would enjoy having as murals at home or in the office. Of course, art is not limited to Zentangle, and imagination is the only limitation as to what might be acceptable.

Those whose skills lie in the kitchen might want to consider turning them into edible gifts. Jams, jellies, and other preserves can make wonderfully tasty treats to give to loved ones. Recently many books have hit the market on just this topic, from making homemade marshmallows, to individual cupcakes, to desserts in jars, and more. A quick inspection of the local bookseller can provide many ideas for the culinary artist. It might be prudent to think of something that has a fairly long shelf-life, though. The holidays can be a time for over-indulgence, and many appreciate a gift that can be consumed once all the perishables have been used.

The needle-worker also has plenty of opportunity to make things during the holidays. It might be an embroidered card that is also a keepsake, or a cross-stitched caricature to hang as an amusing token of friendship. Knitted items don't have to be large; a pair of knitted socks, a cover for an iPad or a tablet, or maybe even just a hand-knitted stocking to hang over the chimney, shows that love and care went into the gift. For those who crochet, a shawl, a toy for a child, or perhaps placemats or doilies for the home can be made. Those who are handy with a sewing machine can piece together all kinds of magic, from tree skirts, to toys, to tote bags, and everything in between. When the gift is matched with the recipient, a hand-worked item can quickly become an heirloom treasure.

It doesn't take a great deal of skill to be able to make a really suitable homemade gift, though. If the recipient of the gift is a keen gardener, then all that is needed are some basic gardening supplies, popped into a plant pot used as a gift basket. Wreaths can be made with coiled garden hoses, using rubber boots, gardening gloves, and packets of seeds for adornment. Seed bombs can be made by gathering seeds (either open commercial packets, or save some from plants), soaking them overnight then adding them to moist loam, forming it into a ball, then allowing it to dry out. Once dry, wrap in a bit of gauze or other lightweight fabric, and tie with a brightly colored ribbon. These look great hanging on the Christmas tree, too.

Handmade does not necessarily need to mean cheap. Home-baked cookies can be more expensive than bought ones, and homemade candies can cost more than their commercial counterparts. Homemade gifts can reflect the care, attention and love that goes into their creation, though, and that is something that does not have a monetary value.

McNeill, Suzanne. Zentangle Basics. Design Originals, January, 2010. Print.