“It’s the thought that counts!” If this adage is true than for many gift recipients the thoughts might be along the lines of how stressful gift giving is and how expensive it gets. Most of us would love to be generous and give lots to those we love. However, money and fears about money can be overwhelming. To help lessen the stress and to add to enjoyment of this festive season, why not save some money and add some time.
Thanks to sites like Pinterest thousands of crafts, recipes and do it yourself ideas are at our fingertips. Even if you have never found yourself a very crafty person you could decide to make one gift for one person. There’s no need to over do this. Below are a few ideas of gifts you can make, while thinking nice thoughts about whoever will be on the receiving end.
Supplies: smooth stones, paint, pens and an imagination. If mandalas aren’t your thing, then have a read at all the numerous things you could do with these when finished. Make them pretty or just add motivational quotes.
Supplies: Mug and sharpie. You will also need an oven as the mug will have to be baked after drying out. But that doesn’t take any finesse. This is perfect for the hot liquid lover you know, or someone who often finds themselves wanting to make mug brownies.
Supplies: felt, elastic (an old hair tie will do just fine), buttons, color-coordinating thread, a sewing machine, scissors, pins and a coffee cup to use as a model. Avoided this if you don’t have a sewing machine or sewing history. Let’s make this time of year less stressful, not more. That being said this gift is great for the coffee lover in your life. This looks lovely when finished and will be appreciated by non stinging fingers.
Supplies: a drill/drill bit, sharp scissors (smaller ones work best), pencil, exact-o knife, ruler, metal files, binder clip, book of your choice and an iPhone charger. Don’t let the list of supplies scare you, the construction is rather straight forward. I would also imagine to purchase one of these at some hi-end boutique would cost a small fortune. If you want a little bit more of a challenge for a great pay off, give this a go.
Supplies: geodes with a flat bottom, cork bottle stoppers and craft glue. I love this simple little craft. If you know of any bottle connoisseurs I am sure they will appreciate these added touches. Although inexpensive to make they certainly don’t look it.
These are just a few suggestions of things you could make. But gifts can be as simple as a framed photo of a memory that is cherished. This year why don’t you make the gift about the thought, not the price or stress. Think about the person you want to give a gift to and imagine what they appreciate about you and about life. That might help when you feel like you are just giving a gift for gift giving sake.
“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” – Amy Wilson-Carmichael
