Inexpensive (Christmas) Gift Ideas

Want to save some money this Christmas? Try making a few gifts yourself this year! If you want to make a few things, you better get started soon so...here are a few ideas to get you thinking!

Bible Verse Name Frame
This could be for a first or last name. Pick several verses that reflect the person or family you would like to give this to and print it off on nice paper in an appropriate font then place the printout in a frame. Dollar Tree has quite a selection for $1. Here is an example of one I have made in the past:
Family Recipe Book or Box
Put all your recipes in one place! Type them up and put them in a binder (or put them on recipe cards in a box). While you're at it make a couple copies to share with a daughter, sister, or friend. I love tried and true recipes! My sister still uses the recipe book I made for her many years ago. Which reminds me...I should really update it for her since I have found many good recipes since I put that book together.

Photo Calendar
My favorite gift for grandparents is a photo calendar. They are available online at sites like Shutterfly or Snapfish. I make mine using iPhoto on my Mac and then take the .pdf file to Office Max to print out.

Or you can just bring in 12 photos of your choice and they'll do everything for you. Last year they were about $10 each which was the lowest price I had ever paid! I usually call the week after Thanksgiving and they have some kind of special going.

Books!
Make a book for a toddler/young child by getting a blank book and writing a story yourself. If you aren't a writer, make it a book of favorites (colors, food, etc.) or educational (numbers, letters, etc.). You can get blank books at Bare Books or at a local teacher supply type store. Or join Paper Back Swap! List some books you don't want anymore and get some to give.

Can you crochet? If not, it is easy to learn! Really! Google instructions or watch You Tube if you are a visual learner!

Fleece Blanket with crochet edge
I made this as a baby gift, but it could easily be modified for anyone depending on the fleece and yarn you choose. It is a fun twist on the no sew fleece blanket. Don't want to make a blanket? Check out the Lion Brand Yarn website for free patterns. There are so many cute things to crochet. I really like the Amigurumi patterns for little animals and play food. I am making this one right now (only in blue and cream):
They don't take much yarn so if you have a few left over skeins this would be a great way to use them up! If you need a simple gift for an adult they have a pattern to crochet a towel topper. If you bought a towel with a cute design and cut it half you could make two very inexpensively and quickly.

Dishtowel Angel
This is made from a towel/washcloth/potholder set. I got this one from a friend of mine a couple years ago. You can get these matching kitchen sets at many stores. (Watch Walgreens for a sale or check the dollar store.) I haven't made one myself but here are instructions.

Potpourri Light Jar
I have made many of these and everyone loves them. A mason jar stuffed with potpourri and a short string of (20 count) lights. Let the cord hang out and cover the top with a piece of fabric cut in a circle tied with a ribbon.
Potpourri and lights are usually available at the dollar store and check thrift stores for mason jars if you don't have any on hand.

Little Wreath
I made several of these a couple years ago using dollar store (again!) wreaths. A simple ornament in the center with some fabric scraps and buttons hot glued around the wreath as well. You can make little cinnamon ornaments or use cinnamon sticks as well on these. Which are cute and make it smell nice too.

Washcloth Lolly
How about something sweet? But not to eat! I made these for a baby gift as well, but again you could use a regular size washcloth. Maybe with a cute shaped bar of soap. Which is another idea... make soap in fun shapes!Gifts in a Jar
These are always nice. I like that you use them and they are gone. No clutter! There are several recipes available online. This site has recipes for layered baking mixes, brownies, cookies and bath salts. There are also several recipes for mixes on this site with printable tags included.

Gifts in a Mug
This is a twist on the above. There are many recipes for hot chocolate or spice teas online. Put a bag or two of one of these mixes in a mug. Maybe with a plastic spoon dipped in chocolate to stir! Or how about these recipes for cake in a mug...a great gift for a single person or college student!

Dish Towel Apron
A dish towel is the perfect size to make an apron for a small child. I have made a few with a towel (from...you guessed it...the dollar store!) and bias tape trim but this pattern makes it easier. A larger towel would make a larger apron for an older child, teen, or adult. If the dish towel is too long for your little one fold up the bottom and make a few pockets.

Ornaments
We have a family tradition of giving each child an ornament every year. My mom did this for me and now I have all the ornaments from my growing up years on my own tree. Instead of buying an ornament this year...make one! The dollar store (wow...again!) usually has little cross-stitch ornament kits that are quite cute. I found a nativity scene kit a few years ago and made several. (I would post a picture but it's packed away.) Here are several free patterns. Most of these would just take an hour or two to stitch.

Can't cross-stitch? How about these?

Get a package of old style clothes pins and make a snowman or angel. These are super easy...even the kids could make them! And they are unbreakable which is the only type of ornament we had on the tree last year. :) Fill your tree with several and as you have guests throughout the Christmas season give them an ornament off your tree!
If you are feeling a bit more ambitious try these light bulb ornaments. I got the instructions out of craft magazine several years ago. They take a bit more time but are really fun! Here is a similar pattern for a snowman and a penguin. Actually I think these are cuter...I might have to make more...

Well, I hope that gives you a few ideas. If I come across any more in my internet searches I'll try and post links to share! Feel free to share any ideas you might have in the comments!

Crochet Edge Fleece Blanket

UPDATE: I finally posted a short tutorial on how I did made this blanket. It can be found here.

I just keep finding all these cute baby gift ideas that I have to try! This one is quite easy and turned out really cute. I had been searching for some way to crochet an edge on a baby blanket when I came across some instructions for a lighter blanket.

I modified it somewhat to work for a fleece blanket.

The Blanket Corner

I got it done in just a few days working on it here and there when I had a few minutes. Poking the holes took almost as long as the crocheting. I hadn't crocheted in awhile so it took me a few stitches to remember, but once I got going it went fast. You know what? I remembered I really enjoy crocheting! Once I was done I wished I had another little project to work on.

The Finished Blanket

Ready to give to my new nephew!

Depending on the fabric you choose these wouldn't have to be a new baby gift. Fleece comes in so many patterns these days you could make one for anybody! I'll try and post the "pattern" on of these days! And if you don't know how to crochet and would like to learn. YouTube has a TON of videos showing you how to make each stitch! Wish that would have been around a few years ago when I taught myself from a good old fashioned library book!

Washcloth Lollies

When I was searching for diaper cake instructions I came across this cute baby gift idea. I made up a few to give to a friend who had a baby several months ago. I was remiss in getting her gift to her "on time" so I thought my burp cloths were probably a bit past their useful time. I wasn't sure on size for an outfit. Basically, I wasn't sure what to give...so I thought these with some baby wash and lotion would be a cute gift. All babies take a bath...no matter their age!! Right?!

These are so easy to make! Even if you aren't crafty you can make these! Just roll the washcloth and then make into a spiral and pin. Attach a stick. [I just taped it since I wanted the washcloth to be able to be used. I figured gluing it would ruin the washcloth.] Wrap with some plastic wrap and a ribbon. I made up and added a little tag. You can also skip the stick and wrap them more like a mint with ribbon on both sides. That would be really cute with the striped washcloth!

Graduation Gift Idea: Just In Case

With my oldest graduating this year I knew we'd have several graduation parties to attend this summer. I decided to get a little creative and put together a little something myself to give as a gift. Our family is big on having extra supplies on hand. That goes for everything from ketchup to kleenex, spices to soap. It saves time and money have a little emergency backup and what better gift than to share that with someone! :)


So I bought a couple of plastic shoeboxes and filled them with all sorts of stuff a freshman, living away from home for the first time, might need in a pinch. Now these are not regular supplies, these items are for emergency backup, to help explain I wrote this little poem to stick in the box:

I'm sure your parents will supply you well,
But emergencies come, you never can tell,
This little kit will help you be prepared,
For you alone or it can be shared.

Just open this box and you'll find,
Helpful items of various kind.
Check here first for what you need or
Share the enclosed as a good deed.

You'll have most of this already, no doubt,
This box is "just in case" you run out,
Or some needed object should drop,
Or you've none left with no time to shop.

For it's good to have a backup in place,
It can keep a smile on your face,
To know you're ready for what comes your way,
Keep a little inconvenience from ruining your day.

So as you pack late this summer,
Don't forget (that'd be a bummer),
To take this here little box,
And put it in with your socks.

And when you use the items within,
Keep on your face a happy grin,
Not a frown, and
Remember (your name here).

If you would like to see what was included in each box, click the photo below to enlarge. You'll be amazed at what I fit in there! It was a tight squeeze but I managed to squeeze it all in.
My daughter gave her approval and said she hope the gifts are used appropriately. :) Me too!