homemade christmas gifts/inexpensive

[DawnM]

Here is a link (I will post it on my post as well) to the closest I could come to what he was talking about. You can design it however....I like the longer/thinner design, but that wouldn't be hard to adapt:


They can be heated in the microwave!

http://www.diamondthreadworks.com/mi...ating_bags.htm

I plan to make several for Christmas.

Dawn

I love the massage tubes idea! I'd also like to see the end result (and detailed directions!) on the teddy bear candle. I have several DFamily Members that are huge on Teddies

 

[AlaskaMOM]

I have a couple of "gifts from your kitchen ideas"

The first is biscotti in a nice coffee mug w/ maybe a coffee card attached (to a local coffee house)

and another is flavored nuts:
1 egg white with 1 tsp of water, mix w/ fork until very frothy
add 4 cups nuts (I like almonds, but any would work) mix them in the egg white until all coated
then add seasonings ; for sweet 1/4 sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp salt; for savory 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp chili pwd. (but it's all up to you experiment, it's a very versitile recipe)
And toss to coat all the nuts
Put on a prpeared baking pan (Silpat, nonstick foil, or cooking spray works equally well) and bake in 350 oven for 1 hr. about half way thru stir them up a bit. Take out of oven, let cool, then break up w/ fingers, and YUM!
Package in a nice small cellophane bag w/ ribbon.

I also make gingerbread and sugar cookies in people form and decorate them with a modified royal icing (so it dries hard, and the cookies can be indv. wrapped) to look like (same coloring, hair style, girl or boy, etc.) the people I'm giving them to. (but I'm a cake decorator, so it's not something everyone would like to do)

Sorry these are all food gifts, but........I'm on a diet and my mind has a tendency to wander in that direction alot lately!

 

[bettyann29]

They sell these at the local mall.. My kiddos got me one a few years ago for Christmas.. its very cool.. once it loses its fragrance you just put it under the hairdryer for a few minutes and its there again..

 

[muffyn]

www.candlesupply.com/how2dipbears.html

here ya go, with pictures
glad I found this.. I forgot to put in my instructions to SQUEEZE the excess wax off the bear.. you need heat resistant gloves to make this easy.

 

[muffyn]

here is another gift item I made

http://www.rosescandles.com/masonjarlightedpotpourri.jpg

you fill a jar with a string of christmas lights & potpourri. put a lace doily on top tied with a ribbon.

 

[muffyn]

my sister-in-law made a really neat gift.
she took a glass window block ( those thick square things) & drilled a hole in the back & shoved in a string of christmas lights ( my nephew said this was not that easy)... then painted the front with a design with stained glass window paints ( mine is a cruise ship).. then wrapped a wide ribbon around the outside edge.

 

[samanthacatangel]

I make a huge double batch of Alton Brown's granola. I buy the expensive ingredients at Costco (nuts are way cheaper there), others I buy when they are on sale at my regular grocery (like shredded coconut) and put it into mason jars. No one I know makes their own, and this is so good, all of my friend's have given me back their empty Mason jars for a "refill"!

Since this recipe uses very little oil, it doesn't form huge clumps, but it is really delicious! And it is very forgiving, you can change up the nuts to whatever your favs are. I use pecans and almonds.

Original recipe from FoodTV is:
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup cashews
3/4 cup shredded sweet coconut
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar.
In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, oil, and salt. Combine both mixtures and pour onto 2 sheet pans. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color.
Remove from oven and transfer into a large bowl. Add raisins and mix until evenly distributed.


Enjoy! Samantha

ETA I also use Craisins and dried blueberries (both not too expensive at Costco) ....the more the better.

 

[wright1baby]

Mind sharing your salsa recipe? I am growing tomatoes for the 1st time this year and would love to make up some salsa with them.

For those of you that requested my salsa recipe...I will expect a check or money order...just kidding! It's really quite simple.
Best Recipe for Salsa
Ingredients for Best Recipe

6 large seeded chopped peeled tomatoes (In order to peel tomatoes drop them in boiling water for 5-7 seconds and peel should come off very easy. Cut the tomatoes in half and squeeze and seeds will come right out)

2 cups seeded chopped green peppers

1 cups seeded jalapeno pepper, chopped

3/4 cup chopped onion

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cloves minced garlic


Directions for Best Salsa Recipe
Combine tomatoes, peppers, onions, salt, garlic, and vinegar in a large pot.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
All ingredients can be adjusted to taste, including adding habenero peppers as I do. Everyone LOVES it!

 

[grlpwrd]

Thanks for the salsa recipe! I am making jams and jellies and I think I will give this a try, too.

Here are some craft websites. I am making a variety of things ... Enjoy!

www.mormonchic.com/crafty

www.craftster.org

www.treasuresfromdj.net/crafts.html

www.frugalvillage.com/sundae.shtml

www.ladeda.com/bead_tips.htm

www.yakscorner.com/stories/craft_candyjar.htm

 

[DizneyDogs]

Thanks for posting the salsa recipe my check is in the mail. How much vinegar do you use and any particular kind? or just regular vinegar?

 

[southernbella]

Now I have heard it all. Wax dipped bears? They look like a cute idea. Who knew?

Receiving blanket bears- http://familyfun.go.com/parties/holiday-seasonal/feature/famf-sweet-dreams/famf-sweet-dreams2.html

These are so sweet & a great way to use all of those thin blankets you end up with after a baby. Plus, it's a good keepsake for Mom.

One year, I made everyone pillows. I made the big, tv-watching pillows(the ones that cost an arm & a leg for the plain kind). I went to the fabric store, bought miscut fabric in semi-coordinating colors, and made simple squares. I bought the stuffing at Walmart in big boxes for around $9 (the stuffing went a long way). I did get fancy & make one with piping, but I kept it. I made sure I double-stitched them because I knew they would get alot of use.

Everyone loved them & a little mifted when I didn't make them the next year. I made a pillow per family member. Before I told everyone I made them, my SIL told me I shouldn't have spent some much on them! I made 14 huge pillows for around $65 if I remember right. Can't beat gifts for 12 people, including kids, for under $65. Sbella

 

[wright1baby]

Thanks for posting the salsa recipe my check is in the mail. How much vinegar do you use and any particular kind? or just regular vinegar?

I actually do not use the vinegar. I thought I omitted the vinegar when I copied and pasted. The original recipe calls for cider vinegar, the first time I made it I used it and it was awful! That's all you could taste-VINEGAR-yuck!

Good Luck!

 

[sameyeyam]

Now I know it's the thought that counts with the gifts. I am always appreciative when people give me gifts (homemade or otherwise). It really means a lot to me that someone is thinking of me, BUT...

I can honestly say that when I receive the type of gifts mentioned above I really don't want them. It just makes me feel obligated to put that homemade/inexpensive gift on display somewhere in my house so I don't hurt the other person's feelings. Then when I get rid of them a couple of years later I feel really guilty.

When I receive xmas gifts from other people I reciprocate by giving them gift certificates to the local video rental store, pizza restaurant, or movie cinema. That is something the entire family can use and they are relatively inexpensive. Also, you can wrap them up nicely to present to others that drop by to give a gift, but if you don't give them all away, you can use up the leftover ones for your own family.

Please don't flame me for saying I don't want homemade gifts. But if you had tried my cousin's Mason Jar Layered Brownie Mix from last xmas you would be on my side also! She probably spent a lot of time and effort making the cute little "country decor" jars and I appreciate the gesture. But I just wonder if she took one look at my modern furnishings or thought about how it would look sitting in my kitchen. So we decided to dump it all out of the jar, make the recipe and oh my goodness was it beyond horrible!

Of course, don't get me started on my MIL's wooden cutouts that she makes by the dozens. I finally got the nerve after many years of getting these homemade gifts to tell her thank you, I appreciate the thought, but they really don't match my home. I told her the gift of her presence was all that I needed and it meant so much more to me than the wooden cutouts.

So please think about whether the person you are giving the homemade gift to will really want that gift or if it will match their home or lifestyle.

 

[mt2]

My 92 year old grandmother grows tomatos this time of year. So many that we could NOT eat them all! For the past 3 years I have been making salsa from the tomatos and canning them for future use. They are great as house warming, hostess, teacher, christmas, or just something to bring to any get together. Get an inexpensive basket and a bag of chips and WALAH! People love it!

I wish you were one of my parents. I had one parent last year make apple jelly and plum jelly for my gifts. They were great. Too bad her son won't be in my class next year.

I also make pillow cases for my nieces and nephews.

 

[hmgolden]

Now I know it's the thought that counts with the gifts. I am always appreciative when people give me gifts (homemade or otherwise). It really means a lot to me that someone is thinking of me, BUT...

I can honestly say that when I receive the type of gifts mentioned above I really don't want them. It just makes me feel obligated to put that homemade/inexpensive gift on display somewhere in my house so I don't hurt the other person's feelings. Then when I get rid of them a couple of years later I feel really guilty.

When I receive xmas gifts from other people I reciprocate by giving them gift certificates to the local video rental store, pizza restaurant, or movie cinema. That is something the entire family can use and they are relatively inexpensive. Also, you can wrap them up nicely to present to others that drop by to give a gift, but if you don't give them all away, you can use up the leftover ones for your own family.

Please don't flame me for saying I don't want homemade gifts. But if you had tried my cousin's Mason Jar Layered Brownie Mix from last xmas you would be on my side also! She probably spent a lot of time and effort making the cute little "country decor" jars and I appreciate the gesture. But I just wonder if she took one look at my modern furnishings or thought about how it would look sitting in my kitchen. So we decided to dump it all out of the jar, make the recipe and oh my goodness was it beyond horrible!

Of course, don't get me started on my MIL's wooden cutouts that she makes by the dozens. I finally got the nerve after many years of getting these homemade gifts to tell her thank you, I appreciate the thought, but they really don't match my home. I told her the gift of her presence was all that I needed and it meant so much more to me than the wooden cutouts.

So please think about whether the person you are giving the homemade gift to will really want that gift or if it will match their home or lifestyle.

ITA with this

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

Bath salts are easy and inexpensive.

Mix 1 cup epsom salts with 3-4 drops of food coloring. Mix in 2 Tbs of scented bath powder (like Calgon). Layer a couple of colors in a clear bag or a small jar, or even empty water bottles. Add a fun label with directions---add three-four spoonfulls to bath. You can tie on a small spoon (or save the scoops from big koolaid/lemonade cans.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

So please think about whether the person you are giving the homemade gift to will really want that gift or if it will match their home or lifestyle.

First, let me say that I love getting homemade gifts. They're my favorite kind of gift to receive. They come with a story, & remind of the giver every time I see them. With that said, I really don't want a gift made by a child, unless it's mine. Maybe my nieces or nephews, if it's something like a latch hook pot holder, or cross stitch ornament, or similar. That's about it! I know we all think everything our kids do is priceless, but Dad, Mom, & Grandparents are the only ones who feel that way. Some grandparents don't even feel that way. Other people don't have the same attachment & think the gifts are just tacky. I really don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. I'm just being honest.

 

[jennbug]

You mean no one else would want the cutest clay teacup and teabag gift my sweet Emelie made? I just can not fathom someone else not wanting it! I even put it in the china cabinet for fear it would "walk away" when company come over!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

You mean no one else would want the cutest clay teacup and teabag gift my sweet Emelie made? I just can not fathom someone else not wanting it! I even put it in the china cabinet for fear it would "walk away" when company come over!

I have some of the most beautiful clay "somethings" you've ever seen in my china cabinet too. I'll have to go in there & look to see if I can remember what they are, or are supposed to be.

 

[disneysnowflake]

I learned the hard way which people like homemade gifts and which do not.

The person I crocheted a holiday afghan for didn't like it at all. It was red with candycane striping on the edges with green trim. Then again, I don't send Hallmark full priced cards like she does. Her holiday card budget is probably what I spend in total for the season on everything including holiday food.

Some people would rather know you purchased an item with money than to know you purchased supplies with money and took the time to make them something they can't use.

I do gift cards now... but I make homemade envelopes to put them in.