1.
Homemade Candles are perfect for Christmas. Melt paraffin wax, add
candle scents and pour in greased molds containing wicks or make
candles using the traditional dipping method. Use festive colors and
scents. Place candles in a box or tie several grouped ones with a
ribbon.
2. Refrigerator Magnets can be made from Plaster of Paris and
painted with desired colors and given as gifts.
3. Cozy Fleece Scarf
Materials needed:
Scissors
2 yards of fleece material
Fold into half side to side. Trim each side to ensure a straight
cut.
Open fold, then cut down the middle to make 2 separate scarves,
or 3 depending how narrow you want your scarf. Fold in half from end
to end. Take one layer and cut the end to make a fringe. About 3
inches long, 1 inch apart. Be sure to use a sharp pair of scissors.
Then cut the other layer while using the first layer as a guide.
4. Holiday themed Fabric Coasters are great gifts to give. Cut 2
pre cut quilting squares (found in fabric and craft stores!). Cut
thin piece of batting the same size as material prints. Place two
squares right sides together and place batting on top of the
squares. Sew the pillow around three and 1/2 sides. Turn right side
out and sew the rest of the way around tucking in seam as you sew.
Make 6-8 of these, stack them making a pile and tie them with a
ribbon using a bow on top.
5. Teacup candles can be seen in most stores. Making them is very
easy. Use your vintage or other pretty, mismatched teacups to hold
melted paraffin and candle wick. When the wax starts cooling down,
sprinkle some glitter on the top.
6. Decorate a diary or a notebook by any work of art that you are
good at, or by gluing pressed flowers and foliage. Cover the diary
with plastic film or clear self adhesive book covering.
7. Knitted or Crocheted apparels can be given as personalized
gifts to close relatives and friends.
8. Purchase plain pillow cases and decorate them with embroidery,
fabric paints, appliqué etc. You can even monogram them to
personalize them.
9. Handkerchiefs, Napkins etc. can be monogrammed and given as
gifts.
10. Plain Towels can be decorated by sewing decorative ribbon on
them.
11. Pretty lace-edged kerchiefs can be filled with potpourri,
gathered together and tied with a ribbon to make ‘Handkerchief Scent
Sachets’.
12. Any apron can be given a festive look by appliquéing small
Christmas motifs like bells, holly, poinsettias etc. at the edges.
13. Make small pillows from leftover fabric and fill them with
dried lavender and flax seeds to make ‘Eye Pillows’.
14. Gift a wreath made of dried material that will last for
years. 71. Wreaths and Swags made of dried fruits like lemons,
apples etc. or Pomander balls made of dried grapefruit covered with
cloves will also make gifts apt for Christmas.
15. Make your own Potpourri and wrap it in cellophane. Place the
cellophane packets in fabric bags. Mix your favorite Christmassy
spices like cinnamon, mint, allspice and dried fruits and fruit peel
and mix them with a few drops of essential oil. Store in airtight
containers away from direct sunlight till used.
16. Gift a box of Pinecone Fireplace Starters. Tie strings around
the pine cones and dip them first in melted wax and then in some
fireplace sparkler stuff. Place in a decorative box using potpourri
as a filler.
17. Gift personalized Christmas stockings by making stockings
from leftover felt or other material from your home. Sew or glue
felt cutouts in Christmas shapes and embroider the recipient’s name
on the stocking. Don’t forget to stuff the stocking with goodies
before gifting.
18. Decorate simple and inexpensive photo frames with sea shells,
beads etc.
19. Make wine charms by stringing beads and charms on wine charm
rings. Wine charms will make a nice hostess gift.
20. Gift a close relative or friend a scrapbook complete with
pictures, quotes and sweet memories from the past.
21. For a cooking enthusiast, make a personalized recipe book
comprising of your best and ‘most requested recipes.
22. Make and gift your own Christmas place mats. These place mats
are easy to wipe clean and can last for more that just one holiday
season. Use poster board or some other stiff paper to begin this
craft. Use your old Christmas cards or even worn decorations to cut
out your desired images and arrange them on the stiff paper. If the
stiff paper shows through and you would like a more festive
background, you can ‘wrap’ the stiff paper in Christmas wrap or
tissue before placing on your images. Cover your paper and images
with clear contact paper.
23. Beaded Jewelry can be made using the vast variety of beads
and tones available at craft stores and makes a great gift for girls
and women.
24. If you are good at quilting, fleece blankets will be a cozy
gift for any gift recipient at this time of the year.
25. Handmade Christmas Tree ornaments make lovely gifts and are
treasured for a long, long time to come.
These gift ideas first appeared in the 2004 issue of 'Celebrating
Christmas PDF Magazine', a freely downloadable magazine, and
is an excerpt from the feature '101 Homemade Gift Ideas'.
