Have Yourself A Handmade Christmas

I picked up a Martha Stewart special holiday magazine a few weeks ago - tempted by the bright red stuffed toy on the cover.

My Christmas gifts usually include some aspect of handmade - whether it be baked goods, preserves, crafts...I love the feeling of accomplishment when giving something I know I made in my own home with my own hands.

This year I'm going to try and include as many handmade gifts as possible, and I thought I'd share a few of the ideas I found that, in my opinion, are pretty neat.

CRAFTS

Dot Painted China - this can be a very inexpensive but lovely gift. Pick up various plates (different sizes and shapes) from the dollar or thrift store to make these.

Crocheted Snowflakes - a previous landlady handed these out one Christmas. I still have mine and thought it was a wonderful gesture.
Gift Wrapped Coasters - an easy gift that can be used year round.
Stuffed Animals - what an amazing from the heart gift these could be! No store bought stuffed toy can match the love and care put into a handmade stuffie!
Marble Magnets - I love these and have had them bookmarked for quite some time. Maybe this year they'll make it under the tree!
Etched Snowflake Glasses - these seasonal glasses would make a fabulous hostess gift. While the etching cream is somewhat pricey, the actual craft is very easy. The glasses could be found at the dollar store.
Hobo Bag - a sewing craft that I might even attempt by hand.
T Shirt Bag - this looks like a surprisingly easy gift, you don't even really need the sewing machine!
Scarf Stocking - I'm going to make these for our little family.


Teacup Lights - these are gorgeous! And a great way to keep that lone teacup you can't bear to part with.
Covered Matchboxes - give a box of matches that you've re-covered in your choice of papers along with the Teacup Lights!
Envelope Sachets - filled with whatever scent strikes you, from lavendar to cedar to orange and more!
Felt Penguin - a great gift for a young one.

EDIBLE

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - I love a good chewy oatmeal raisin cookie!
Caramel Toffee Squares - this is a very easy recipe that I've made the past 2 Christmases. They're good, too!
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies - can be made with any variety of jam you happen to have on hand! Uses a cookie mix, so it's very easy!
Screaming Hot Peanuts - I'm making these this year for Papa Bear, who loves a snack with kick.
Peanut Brittle - my Dad will receive this, I know he loves brittle!

Cookie Puzzle - I am loving this idea! I think I might know a few nieces and a nephew that might like this...
Truffle Brownies - I made this last year for the girls at the spa I frequent. Sliced into bite sized squares, they make a delectable treat!
Snickerdoodles - my Mom used to make these all the time when I was young. They're delicious!
Quick Breads - package them in small wooden planters or bake in washed cans - I'm making a few this year!


Personalized Coffee Blend - great gift idea for the caffeine junkie in your life.
Gingerbread Caramels - I love the packaging shown with this edible gift!
Hazelnut Truffles - oh Ina how I love you so.
Caramel Bourbon Vanilla Sauce - ice cream plus this sauce equals delicious.
Crispy Salted Oatmeal White Chocolate Cookies - long name, amazing result.
Dukka - an appetizer of ground spices to be served with torn bread and oil.
Mulling Sachets - perfect drink for in front of the fire on a cold night!

PACKAGING

Cookie Envelopes - keep a stash of these handy for the paper person, mail person, babysitter, etc.
Slice To Go - it's hard enough to give a gift of a pie (what to put it in??) but a slice of pie is even more difficult. How about these Slice To Go pie boxes?

Money or Gift Card Wallet - it's much classier to give the gift of cash or a gift card in a handmade 'wallet' like these.
Ribbon Holly Gift Boxes - for those small gifts of jewelry or homemade candy.
Eco Gift Wrap Ideas - neat ideas here.

There are so many handmade Christmas gift ideas out there - all you have to do is a quick search on Google.

I'm very excited to tell you that, starting this Friday, I will be posting a series of 5 'A Christmas Project' posts, featuring gifts that I will be handmaking. I'll have the directions, templates if applicable, photos of the process and any comments I have about the craft. I'm posting on Fridays so that you have the weekend to make the craft yourself, if you like it!

A major percentage of our gift giving this year is going to be handmade - I hope you include a few handmade items on your list too!