Christmas is a time of great joy for many people and a time of great sadness for others, lets face it these are tough economic times, and there are some who are really going to struggle to have a happy Christmas without a home or a job. Then there are the people who are just plain tired of the commercialism of Christmas, and finally there are people that are just really crafty and enjoy making and giving of their talent and wonderful gifts! And guess what, you do not even need to go out to the Black Friday sales to do all of these great things!
 |
| Via Southern Living |
If you are looking for interesting ideas to make gifts for Christmas or would like ideas for crafts and activities your children could make there are ideas a plenty on Pinterest, blogs and the web for making homemade and hand made gifts for Christmas.
 |
| via Beautifulism |
I personally love to bake and give lots of cookies, cakes, breads, brownies, homemade fudge and caramel toppings and chutneys to relatives, and friends who either do not bake themselves or who really do not need anything or want any more material goods.
 |
| Cranberry Chocolate Rugalach |
I will be baking up a storm in the next couple of weeks but for now I thought I would share the great sites I have found online.
 |
| Made 8 batches of these for parties already. |
As I said, blog land is ripe for the plucking with ideas. The blogs listed below both have great and inexpensive ideas.
This is a great place to start, DM Designs Ultimate DIY Gift Guide. There are 101 ideas that range lip balm, to making your own vanilla, wreaths, pies in a jar, plates purses, and more.
Another place is Everything Etsy 101 simple handmade gift tutorials, there are tutorials, for bath bombs, hand made soap, lip balm, magnets, mugs, and so many more.
I also follow a blog called A Trifle Rushed, it is written by Jude who has a home both in England and Brittany, France. Currently she has been cooking and baking up a storm of traditional English recipes, mince pies, Plum pudding and many interesting liquors. Although I have eaten these delectable treats in England before I have never made any and I think that this year I am going to start. If you would like to branch out this year and try some different ideas for gifts then check out Jude.
And lets not forget the beautiful art, antiques and hand made items on Etsy. A few blog friends have fabulous sites on Etsy and they sell fabulous items, Meg from Pigtown Designs, for antique treasures, Diane from Yonks, fabulous and unique antique finds from all over Great Britain and beyond(many of which I have purchased myself), and Anita at Castles, Crowns and Cottages, wonderful, hand painted art, cards and many more images from her imagination and of course of the iconic Audrey Hepburn.
Pinterest also has tutorials everywhere! Do you know of any great homemade or hand made sites we should look at? Or do you have a favorite thing that you make to give as gifts? Let us know in the comment section, I would love to hear what everyone is up too!
My 10 Favorite Things About Christmas
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Dark Chocolate-Caramelized Almond Bark with Sea Salt
Amazon Prime Day Starts Tomorrow: Sharing My Recent Buys
YOU DARLING AND WONDERFUL FRIEND, YOU…..You know, I am also posting on this very subject on Friday, but I had NO idea you would also be doing this for us…you are just so wonderful, Elizabeth!!! I am on my way to deliver some orders now! MERCI MILLE FOIS MY DEAR FRIEND, and have fun baking! I am making Ruben and his friend some PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP bars that I plucked from Pinterest!!!! I will let you know how they come out..they look just wonderful on Pinterest!
BIG HUGS! Anita
Here is beautiful Anita, waving hello!!
Elizabeth Dear, this is just wonderful..
I, too, have been gravitating more toward the handmade and from the heart. I cannot wait to gift Anita's beautiful work! And I love Jude's blog as well…I want to make those gilded cake pop truffles!
Thank you for the ideas on the DIY sites. I, too, tend to give baked goods, as well as my humble attempts at handmade earrings:)
Enjoy the baking, the fun and loving spirit of the season..
Hugs to you,
– Irina
Elizabeth,
Ditto on everything Anita said my dearest! You have one of the kindest hearts of anyone I know. I am honoured to be included in your blog. you have a great impact in my life, more than you can know.
Off to Scotland on Friday, will be thinking of you my dear one 🙂 Will try and post some photos whilst there.
Di
x
Elizabeth, thank you so much for your kind mention. When I'm back from the school run this morning I'm lookiing at the other sites you mention.
My daughter has a little American girl in her clas, I've really enjoyed hearing about all the preparations for Thanksgiving, from her Mother. It seems such wonderful holiday that everyone can share.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family and friends. Jude x
Dear Elizabeth
Just stopping by to wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving.
And my lovely friends, Anita, Irina and Di are here too! I will have to check out Jude's blog, thanks for the recommendation, I love to discover new people.
This is a wonderful post, you are such a thoughtful soul.
Abby xx
GOOD MORNING DEAREST HEART!!!!!!!!!
You are making candy????? HOW ABSOLUTELY FUN!!! My mom used to make DIVINITY FUDGE…what fond memories of this! WHAT ARE YOU MAKING???????? I am keeping it simple today since we are having only one guest, and then going to another friend's home for dessert. But I do want to make those pumpkin chocolate chip bars for a friend who is coming on Saturday for some SOUP and POETRY!!!! I am still sniffling, but I hope I can keep things low key so I can be ready for school on Monday! The relief is knowing however, that in three weeks, we shall have CHRISTMAS BREAK!!!!!!!
Have a FUN DAY MY DEAREST ONE, LOVE TO YOU! Anita
Thanks so much for sharing my handmade gift post! What a great bunch of ideas in this post…and it kinda made me hungry…lol!
~Kim