A Priceless Gift- The best inexpensive Christmas gift I ever received was from my
son when he was in Kindergarten. The class took empty boxes
(hair color, toothpaste, whatever) and wrapped them in wrapping
paper and tied them with a ribbon. Attached to the box was this note...
Bubble Frame- Here's a fun and creative way to frame one of those classic bubble bath shots! Grab some old puzzle pieces, paint and some craft gems and you are on your way. These easy and personalized frames make wonderful gifts for relatives. Easy instructions and photo included with this craft.
Easy Photo Card- We all have them, photos of our kids that didn't make it into frames or albums. Well grab some construction paper or card stock, a photo and some glue and make this adorable little card. Give as a gift to Grandma, Aunt Lisa, their teacher, or yes, even Mom! Change the color of the card stock, and even the ribbon, to use this idea for other holidays, such as Mother's Day, Christmas, and birthdays!
Gift Bags and Tags Craft Project- There are some things I am compelled to save. Grocery bags, plastic bags, gift bags, shopping bags, they all have a place. I do use most of them again, even if it's for just collecting trash. I have an area designated for all my gift giving wrappings, bows, tissue and of course all those bags that I know I can regift. As the holidays approach, and I see a move looming in our future, I am on a mission to reuse as much as I can so I don't have to pitch it or pack it! My assortment of holiday gift bags is a little slim this year, probably because I seem to regift them as fast as I acquire them, and I refuse to buy gift bags when I have a shopping bag full of shopping bags from the last year that is bulging at the seams.
Gifts from the Kitchen- Here we go into gift giving season. For many folks, money is tight, so gift giving needs to be thoughtful. With a little planning, gifts from the kitchen can be cost effective, personal and delicious!
Glittery Cinnamon Pinecones- Here's a kid-friendly craft to add some sparkle to your table this year. To top it off, you will enjoy the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon wafting through your home. A basket of these would make great teacher's gift too!
Holiday Gift Guide - Frugal, But Not Cheap!- This holiday season, try to create most of your gifts by yourself.
Not only does making your own gifts save you money, but when
you receive a homemade gift from someone, you know that the
person gave from their heart.
Holiday Gifts to Make Now & Give Later- The holiday gift giving season is just around the corner. This is the year to get personal and offer delicious gifts from your kitchen. Instead of turning to the typical tins of cookies, fruit baskets, or popcorn buckets, try something a little more unique that your friends and family will truly appreciate.
Love Blocks- These adorable blocks make a great gift for just about anyone. They can be tailored to any color or pattern and you can spell out whatever you like. Whether it's 'MOM' for Mother's Day or a child's name to display in their room, whatever you choose will look great.
Lump of Coal Candy- Do you know someone who has been naughty this year? Fill their stocking with these lumps of candy coal! This also makes a great gag gift!
Make a Stenciled Frame- Here's a fun project that a teenager can make for one of their friends. Frames make wonderful gifts for birthdays and holidays, and using these pre-shaped stencils makes it even easier.
Packaging Homemade Goodies as Holiday Gifts- Cookies, brownies, and homemade candies are wonderful gifts from the heart. But what are some fun and pretty ways to wrap your treats? Try some of these ideas when wrapping up your holiday gifts.
Paper Bag Gingerbread House- This adorable decorated Gingerbread House makes an ideal gift bag to fill with edible goodies for a friend, teacher or relative. Also makes a great gift bag for non-edible gifts and a fun Christmas craft project to boot!
Poinsetta Pin- This beautiful pin is a perfect gift for your holiday hostess. When you arrive for dinner, have this beautiful gift from your heart ready to attach to her lapel. Makes a wonderful teacher gift, present for Mom, or any special lady on your shopping list!
Puzzle Frame- Have an old puzzle
that is missing some
pieces? How about
some photographs
that need framing? If
you said yes, then
you and the kids have
a fun project ahead of
you! These easy and
personalized frames
make wonderful gifts
for relatives. Easy instructions and photo included with this craft.
Reindeer Cookies- These cute little cookies are sure to be a big hit with the kids this year. Don't forget to leave Santa some with a big glass of milk! Easy to make and super fun to eat. Give some as gifts, great for teachers!
Shoeboxes for Christmas- Filling a shoebox with goodies and sending to a child who would otherwise have nothing for Christmas. It's a simple concept but one that works well for Samaritan's Purse. Every year, through the Operation Christmas Child program, people from all over America, Canada, and parts of Europe have the opportunity to help children all over the world by simply filling shoeboxes with small gifts and treats.
Tips on Blending Your Own Potpourri- There are many ways of creating personalized potpourri blends. Potpourri is essentially a combination of dry botanical materials, fixative to hold the scent and scented oils. While fixatives are less than inspiring, adding your own botanical materials and/or scented oil creates a distinctively personal touch.
Vine Wreath Ornaments- Make these super easy vine wreath ornaments with your kids. Use them to decorate the Christmas tree, your home, or even as gift toppers. These make really nice gifts for teachers, Grandma, and even the mailman.
Wood Tag Snow Family- Make the entire snow family to hang on your tree! Better yet, make several sets to give away as gifts to teachers, the mail carrier, family, and friends!
Valentine's Day
Not too far from now, Cupid will be shooting his arrow at love birds all over! Visit our Valentine's Day section for fun crafts, great recipes, or gift ideas, you'll find it all here. Here are a few examples to get you started...