what gifts are you making this holiday season?

[big brown horse]

We call that "research and development".

Now I can tell my mom and dad that I'm a scientist after all!

By the way, that is the cutest child in the world!

 

[Ldychef2k]

Thank you ! Although I had very little to do with it. Beauty comes twice in three generations in our family. I took one for the team. My daughter is just gorgeous, as are her offspring !

 

[sufficientforme]

I made jellies and jams
habanero gold jelly
apple pie jam and ice cream topper
wine jelly
summer peach
garlic jalapeno
apple jalapeno
chow-chow relish
(that I am wrapping in fabric and will tie a cute ribbon on)
homemade fudge
rock candy for kids
caramels
biscotti individually wrapped and tied pretty in a Tea or coffee mug.

These are cute and cheap ornaments we are also making for gifts this year for the kids to do and give.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Crystal-Ornaments-Borax-145914
http://www.recipezaar.com/Cinnamon-Ornaments-Dough-79306
http://www.recipezaar.com/Rock-Candy-for-Kids-1069

Also I am going to transfer pictures onto pillowcases and customize them for the kids.

You have some very lucky friends and family members!!

Thank you, I find that even the people who tend not to appreciate homemade gifts like them when they are packaged cute and are something they would not buy or make for themselves flavor wise.

ldychef2k-I think those mice are adorable, our neighbor brought them over for the kids last year for Christmas along with some made with pear bodies also.

 

[ams3651]

I asked this same question on BYC and got this reply...

dryer balls, to replace dryer sheets, what a great idea!

http://goodmama.typepad.com/goodmama/2008/05/make-your-own-wool-dryer-balls.html

 

[okiegirl1]

these take out static??

How cool would a oval tin with a dryer ball, some clothes line and pins, and some home made laundry detergent?

Oh, does anyone know how to make homemade fabric softener?

I make all my gifts EVERY YEAR!!

 

[okiegirl1]

well, maybe I'll do this instead.

I've already canned up a bunch of this and that. I was thinking I could just make some baskets with some canned goodies.
Then someone posted a link to make dry mixes on another post. I could make 5 or 6 mixes, make up some small muslin tie bags and put a bunch of mix bags in the baskets as filler.

but I really like the green laundry idea too..... decisions, decisions!

http://bitsyskitchen.com/drymixes.html

 

[FarmerChick]

anyone a woodworker?

building wood puzzles or toys for kids?

just wondering.

my Dad built the best wooden banks. all the kids got one.

 

[TanksHill]

I have to admit I caved. I had planned on giving my dh nephew and nieces home made hats and scarves this year. I have done all of the hats but scarves in southern Ca. are not really the norm. So yesterday I bought each one of them a toy gift. I set a respectably low limit per child and stuck to it.

I am now just trying to figure out a couple of things for my two older children and then I will be done.

I will do some mason jar mixes to have on hand for gifts. I can involve the kids in this and they can give one to their teachers as well.

Something they can feel proud of.

gina

 

[Ldychef2k]

That's what I am doing. I am customizing each one according to the likes and dislikes of each family.

well, maybe I'll do this instead.

I've already canned up a bunch of this and that. I was thinking I could just make some baskets with some canned goodies.
Then someone posted a link to make dry mixes on another post. I could make 5 or 6 mixes, make up some small muslin tie bags and put a bunch of mix bags in the baskets as filler.

but I really like the green laundry idea too..... decisions, decisions!

http://bitsyskitchen.com/drymixes.html

 

[hikerchick]

Why does everyone feel the need to give gifts? I think it's wasteful.