A Heartfelt Homemade Christmas
Christmas is notoriously known as a time for breaking the budget and spending too much money. I confess, I often find myself caught up in the hustle and bustle. The brightly wrapped packages just draw me in. But I've been thinking about ways to slow down and consider each special person in my life this year. I don’t want to just check someone off my list. I want to really put effort and thought into giving a gift I know they would like.
I recently read a post on Instagram that said "Normalize giving fruit trees, sourdough starter, and your favorite recipes written down as gifts. Give something that will continue to give for generations, instead of ending up in a landfill... We have been fooled into thinking that we have to spend money to give someone something valuable.”
I couldn't agree more! Some of the best things in life are free (or at least close to free). Today I am sharing 10 of my favorite ideas for homemade gifts that won't break the bank.
1) Treasures From Nature -
Nature is full of beautiful things. You can easily make a bouquet from greens, berries, pinecones, and dried flowers. You can also paint river stones, press flowers and leaves for bookmarks, or take photos of sunsets and add a meaningful note on the back. If you're really feeling creative, wrap your gift in a box filled with moss or tucked into a bird's nest.
2) The Gift of Time -
Instead of giving a physical item why not give your time? Plan a surprise activity from start to finish and give it as a gift to your loved one.
This doesn't necessarily need to cost anything. Plan out a route to look at Christmas lights. Bring cookies and hot chocolate in a thermos, wear Christmas sweaters or pajamas, and crank up the carols.
There are no right or wrong ideas. Maybe your activity could be looking through photo albums with grandma while playing old Christmas records, sitting by the fireplace, and snacking on popcorn and apple cider.
Use your imagination! Some of the best gifts I've ever gotten are times when I've been able to do something special with family.
3) Handmade Ornaments -
Dried orange slices, painted pinecones, or small paper ornaments can add a wonderful touch to the Christmas tree. If you need ideas, hit up Pinterest and you’ll be sure to find plenty of inspiration.
4) DIY Beeswax Lip Balm -
Every year I get requests for my homemade lip balm. It's a crowd pleaser and costs less than sixty cents per tube. You can find the recipe here if you’re interested.
5) Gifts From The Kitchen -
Spiced nuts, brittles, jams or jellies, infused vinegars, cookies, soup mixes, or even a whole meal are great gift ideas. Bonus points if you include the recipe or instructions for your delicacy.
6) Beeswax Wraps -
These are perfect for the eco-conscious person in your life. Plus, they're cute and easy to make. You could make holiday themed wraps by using plaid or red and green fabric. For step-by-step instructions click here.
7) Gifts From The Garden -
Divide or give seeds/cuttings from your favorite plant. Plants are such a fun thing to give because they last many months. Even in the middle of summer, your loved one will feel special when they remember their beautiful flower or shrub came from you.
8) Sewing Projects -
Aprons, tea towels, and tablecloths are all simple projects that would make lovely gifts. If you don’t have a sewing machine, you could easily use a hot glue gun to create simple curtains. My sister is a fantastic seamstress and made me an apron for my birthday last year. She put lace and special pockets on it for when I collect chicken eggs. It was made with me in mind and I absolutely love it!
9) Soaps -
There are tons of recipes online for homemade bar soaps, hand soaps, body scrubs, and shampoos. With a few simple ingredients you’ll be on your way.
10) Knitted Or Crocheted Gifts -
I am not good at knitting, but I love having handmade dishcloths. Regular washcloths just don't compare to the unique feel and design of a homemade one. There is something special about knowing someone was thinking of you while pouring over lovely little stitches.
I hope you'll join me in creating a homemade and heartfelt Christmas for your friends and family.
Thanks for reading,
Abby
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