Christmas!or any other December(ish)time gift giving celebration! - Page 5

[iowaorganic]

cool!

[JamieCatheryn]

The past 3 years I've made homemade gifts of soaps and foods and ornaments and things and gotten poor responses. Sort of "Wow this is great! So where's my real present?" And that's from adults (parents, aunts, cousins). I'm thinking of giving up and buying them cheap stuff, it's not like I'm saving anything once materials are accounted for. Still will be serving them an excellent Christmas Eve feast all homemade though of course.

[rere]

Originally Posted by JamieCatheryn

The past 3 years I've made homemade gifts of soaps and foods and ornaments and things and gotten poor responses. Sort of "Wow this is great! So where's my real present?" And that's from adults (parents, aunts, cousins). I'm thinking of giving up and buying them cheap stuff, it's not like I'm saving anything once materials are accounted for. Still will be serving them an excellent Christmas Eve feast all homemade though of course.

Oh,that's so sad and disappointing.My first reaction is to say"don't give in.Keep making!"But it's so sad to make something and get that reaction.So I could see why you would just buy them some cheap stuff.Maybe you could buy them all charity donations?Because to me if people don't appreciate the effort you made they really don't even deserve cheap stuff.But I'm passionate about the hand made.And I've decided to take Christmas back.Simple thoughtful gifts for all(including my daughter).

[iowaorganic]

That totally sucks and yet I sometimes get the same response. My MIL thinks taht handmade=cheapskate and that is just so not true. Even if you don't count your time- I often have as much in to a gift in supplies as I would if I bought them something. I would personally love a handmade gift- something that shows that someone put in more thought than just picking something off a rack. Not saying that I don't appreciate gifts- but you know what I'm saying. Oh well. The other thing is that it is just so hard to find a good gift for someone who either has everything or could easily buy themself what they need/want.

[caiesmommy]

Originally Posted by iowaorganic

That totally sucks and yet I sometimes get the same response. My MIL thinks taht handmade=cheapskate and that is just so not true. Even if you don't count your time- I often have as much in to a gift in supplies as I would if I bought them something. I would personally love a handmade gift- something that shows that someone put in more thought than just picking something off a rack. Not saying that I don't appreciate gifts- but you know what I'm saying. Oh well. The other thing is that it is just so hard to find a good gift for someone who either has everything or could easily buy themself what they need/want.

:

I hate gifts that are just bought for the sake of buying a gift! I get them WAY to often! Last year was the worse. My uncle made me feel great about the homemade gifts when I made him a basket of dried chilis/onions/garlic from the garden/store bought hot sauces/hot peppers/veggies/wasabi peas all kinds of spicy stuff he doesn't normally get b/c my aunts not a fan...he didn't want to open the bag and was so happy and he constantly says its the most thoughtful gift he's gotten. I plan on making him a small basket of the same kinda stuff this year and something else to surprise him

Dh's bandmate made his xmas request..a dressy vest in blue shades so I think I'm going to do a simple pull over dress vest with a dark blue ribbed bottom, dark blue "sleeve" holes dark blue v neck and a multi color blue/grey as the main color..if i ever get to it lol

[Storm Bride]

I haven't read the whole thread, but throught I'd mention:

I'm textile-challenged, and don't do anything made with fabric. Actually, I don't do very many homemade gifts at all. However, someone mentioned lacking ideas for the men.

It doesn't work for every family, naturally (lots of beer drinkers in mine), but I've had rave reviews for beer glass candles...beer glass filled with beer-coloured wax (can vary, of course, depending on style). Then, whip white wax with an egg beater and pile up around the wick, for foam/head...and maybe spill a little down the side, as if it's dripping. I've given out...7 of them, I think, and they've all been hits.

[34me]

Definitely reading this thread for ideas!

My neices love my hommade gift bags (sewn from towels from the $1 store) more than what's in them usually.

How doid you fuse the plastic to make the wallets?

If you don't like them you might be able to rustle up some juice pouches from a local elementary school.....

[rere]

Originally Posted by 34me

How doid you fuse the plastic to make the wallets?

I used this tut.

[34me]

thank you!!!

[rere]

Ok taking a little Christmas making break to work on dolls for this project.

[Storm Bride]

Originally Posted by JamieCatheryn

The past 3 years I've made homemade gifts of soaps and foods and ornaments and things and gotten poor responses. Sort of "Wow this is great! So where's my real present?" And that's from adults (parents, aunts, cousins). I'm thinking of giving up and buying them cheap stuff, it's not like I'm saving anything once materials are accounted for. Still will be serving them an excellent Christmas Eve feast all homemade though of course.

That just makes me sad. Homemade gifts rock. I'm glad I have the family I have. I did all candles one year (money was tight - did gifts for 24 people for just over $100), and everyone loved them. I love getting hand-knit baby clothes, and stuff for the kids (my mom and godmother both make children's clothes for us). My sister's done wonderful baskets of baked goods a few times, and my only objection to those is that they're hard not to pig out on! I don't mind storebought gifts at all, but handmade is special.

[RollerCoasterMama]

Originally Posted by rere

Ok taking a little Christmas making break to work on dolls for this project.

Thanks for advertising this project! Not that you should need any better reason to work on it...but it's being set up by and run by an MDC junkie (me!).

THANKS!!!

[caiesmommy]

Ds had his 3 bday party yest. and we did some room switching last week so I've not accomplished nearly as much as I had hoped One day though, I got so flustered that I grabbed the yarn and started f-i-l's socks and they are offically started. So I've got my aunts fingerless gloves, dh's blanket(which prob won't get done), and f-il's socks all on the needles...

I got a g/c for vv for my b-day and I'm dying to take a trip out with the hopes of finding some scrap yarn...I also want to buy the yarn to start the dog hat this week

[rere]

Originally Posted by RollerCoasterMama

Thanks for advertising this project! Not that you should need any better reason to work on it...but it's being set up by and run by an MDC junkie (me!).

THANKS!!!

I'm almost finished with the 5 I committed to!My doll making skills aren't the best but I figured it was ok when my daughter ran off with the first three dolls as soon as they were sewn up.

Originally Posted by caiesmommy

Ds had his 3 bday party yest. and we did some room switching last week so I've not accomplished nearly as much as I had hoped One day though, I got so flustered that I grabbed the yarn and started f-i-l's socks and they are offically started. So I've got my aunts fingerless gloves, dh's blanket(which prob won't get done), and f-il's socks all on the needles...

I got a g/c for vv for my b-day and I'm dying to take a trip out with the hopes of finding some scrap yarn...I also want to buy the yarn to start the dog hat this week

Well...I guess sometimes life gets in the way of holiday making.Hope this week can be more productive for you!

[RollerCoasterMama]

Originally Posted by rere

I'm almost finished with the 5 I committed to!My doll making skills aren't the best but I figured it was ok when my daughter ran off with the first three dolls as soon as they were sewn up.

I have about 50 that have been sent in and the skill level varies!! My 2 year old loves them too. The other day I pulled them all out to tally up and he buried himself in the little dolls and pretended he was buried in sand! From the notes in the sign-up form, there will be some made by kids, some from people that don't sew at all and are learning, all sorts...so if you've managed to get them physically sewn together...you're in good company! Thanks again!!

[rere]

Originally Posted by RollerCoasterMama

I have about 50 that have been sent in and the skill level varies!! My 2 year old loves them too. The other day I pulled them all out to tally up and he buried himself in the little dolls and pretended he was buried in sand! From the notes in the sign-up form, there will be some made by kids, some from people that don't sew at all and are learning, all sorts...so if you've managed to get them physically sewn together...you're in good company! Thanks again!!

Well that's good to hear!My daughter definitely didn't notice all the imperfections as she was tucking them in and singing to them.

And HA!I just realized that I didn't actually take a little "Christmas making break" because these are going to be Christmas presents.I just forgot since they're going to you so early.

Thanks for organizing such a great project!

[rere]

How about stocking stuffers?Are you all making them?Any ideas?

So far all I have on that list is a headband.

[iowaorganic]

I kind of have project ADD right now. I spent monday with my gma in the hospital waiting room and knit a thrummed mitten. She was impressed (she taught me how to knit)- then my sister thought that it would make an awesome gift for her. It is really really cool. The first one is almost done. ANd I picked up the lining fabric for my soft sided barns. I am hoping to go fabric shopping next week to get the rest of my supplies for the barns and maybe in september order the wool for the rest of my kids gifts. I think I will have to spend a couple of whole days just felting!

Stocking stuffers- I will probably make mittens, and probably just stuff in crayons, markers, and things of that nature that I picked up for a song in back to school sales. All great things to keep them busy!

My hemlock ring afgan is about 3 ft in diameter so far- it has just gotten kind of boring to knit- so I took a break.

[caiesmommy]

So my f-i-l's sock is coming along BUT I decided it's not really f-i-l looking it's somewhat feminine in a simple way and its super tall up the leg so I've decided to send it to my sister-in-law in S.Korea...she's ALWAYS cold(she almost froze to death when she came to Canada for the first time a few years ago) so I think the super tall sock would suit her. Glad I started her's considering ifI want it there for xmas I have to send it early..or pay INSANE shiping prices to deliver it quickly. Now to knit something for my b-i-l...or I may just buy him something Toronto Maple Leafs/Raptor/Team canada...It's not like he can really get it there

Ds(3) keeps asking that Santa knit him socks...umm ok? So I'm thinking there maybe some knitted socks in everyones stockings this year(oh dear god!!), I was thinking a crayon roll for ds...dd I'm not sure she'll be JUST under a year. Dh I'm knitting a tie

[rere]

Originally Posted by caiesmommy

So my f-i-l's sock is coming along BUT I decided it's not really f-i-l looking it's somewhat feminine in a simple way and its super tall up the leg so I've decided to send it to my sister-in-law in S.Korea...she's ALWAYS cold(she almost froze to death when she came to Canada for the first time a few years ago) so I think the super tall sock would suit her. Glad I started her's considering ifI want it there for xmas I have to send it early..or pay INSANE shiping prices to deliver it quickly. Now to knit something for my b-i-l...or I may just buy him something Toronto Maple Leafs/Raptor/Team canada...It's not like he can really get it there

Ds(3) keeps asking that Santa knit him socks...umm ok? So I'm thinking there maybe some knitted socks in everyones stockings this year(oh dear god!!), I was thinking a crayon roll for ds...dd I'm not sure she'll be JUST under a year. Dh I'm knitting a tie

It's amazing how quickly the list can grow.