100 Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas

Handmade gifts are fun, thoughtful and can be very budget friendly! They don't have to be cheesy or tacky. On the contrary, the popularity of handmade items has skyrocketed in recent years with more and more people making an effort to shop locally, support small businesses and buy things that are Eco friendly. Check out all the great ideas that are sure to  be a hit with your family and friends. For lots and lots of ideas like those pictured on the left, check out the Handmade Holiday's collection found here. If you're not very confident in your own crafting abilities, consider supporting great small businesses and stay-at-home moms that have set up shop at sites like Etsy 

>> Gifts for Kids <<

Build this nifty personalized Lego tray using the tutorial found here

Make a fun place to store and carry cars! Find the tutorial here

An adorable selection of felt food! Find lots of ideas here

Makeitdo has a very cute tutorial on a Snowman Kit.

>> Gifts for the Home <<

Burlap Wreaths are so versatile for every season.

Gift Ideas for the Baker at I Heart Organizing

These pinecones are transformed here by Martha Stewart.

Fabric Covered Boxes Get the tutorial here.

Grab a frame from your house and download this 

free Christmas Subway Art here.

Burlap Rose Wreath Tutorial

Frame a Sentimental Family Saying! For this idea, Click Here

Easy to create Felt Stockings

 >> Easy Gifts for Kids to Create and Give <<

Here's a great opportunity to create some fun gifts for friends and loved ones. This no sew apron is a wonderful intro.

Kids love making Salt Dough Ornaments!

Peppermint Ornaments that while being created and popped in your children's mouths will not hurt them :) Thanks, Martha Stewart and crew.

Find full instructions here Angel Paper Plates provided by Martha Stewart.

Cinnamon Ornaments Click here for the recipe.

>> Gifts for Santa <<

Milk for Santa from DukesandDuchesses.com

Many families make cookies for Santa, but here's a cute gift around that theme from makeitdo.

>> Accessories and Apparel <<

This easy to sew tutorial from Design Sponge for a zipper case could be used for school supplies, make up or a small assortment of anything!

Here's a cute iPad or Tablet case!!

American Girl Matching Clothes Set

 More Ideas...

We've Linked Up With These Great Blogs!!

Growing Home, Craft-O-Maniac, A Glimpse Inside

Easy Ideas to Make Dad Glad this Father's Day

Looking for some simple ideas to make this Father's Day a great one for your husband, father or grandfather? Well, here are some tips, directly from a father's mouth!

I asked my husband to name off the Top 10 things he wanted to happen on Father's Day, and here is what he said!:

Father's Day Agenda 

1. Give Dad lots of back scratches (this is an easy one for young children - give them a hair brush to use! Ooo, feels good!)
2. Rub Dad's back (again, have kids help!)
3. Read up on what teams will be playing and what games Dad will want to watch. Have time scheduled for uninterrupted game watching time (or TV/Movie watching for the Dad who is not into sports). 
4. Have lots of snack foods available for Dad to enjoy during TV watching time. Examples: Chips and salsa, potato chips and dip, wings, crackers and cheese, little BBQ franks, etc.
5. Space out attention and gifts! FYI: apparently, Dad wants to be recognized all day. Rather than giving Dad all his cards and pictures from the kids in the morning, space them out throughout the day.
6. Let him sleep in!! If you have little ones who routinely jump on his head like an alarm, try to head them off or talk to them the night before.
7. Give Dad the day off! Wash the car, take out the trash, help with yard work. Whatever Dad's daily responsibilities normally are, let him take the day off.
8. Spend time with him, and ask him what he would like to do.
9. Make his favorite meal or take him to his favorite restaurant.
10. End the Day with big hugs from everyone!




Want to recreate the Cookie, Brownie, Cupcake Fast Food?
Click Here

Garage Sale Negotiations

When you go to garage sales do you pay the price listed or do you negotiate? If you are interested in trying to get a better deal on things give this a try.  First you look to see everything you are interested in. Add up to determine what the total would be and make an offer.  If the total is $10, I say, "The total is $10 would you be able to take $7?" A lot of it has to do with what you think it's worth. Know what you would be willing to walk away from, and what you really want. Sometimes you will choose to bundle items that you are only interested in if you can get them included in the price for the item you really want. If they don't adjust the price you may not want those items.

Today I had a group of items that I thought were very well priced. They included: Old Navy, Justice, Children's Place, Carter's, Gap, Ralph Lauren, and Cherokee some with tags, but all still in excellent condition.  I wanted all of it. I did a final walk around to make sure I had everything I wanted.  I said, "The total is $17.  Do you have any flexibility in your price?"  The gentleman shrugged his shoulders and said, "I could do $15." Great. That way I walked away with some great gifts, and clothes for my daughter for next year!!!

If I only have one item I am interested in I ask, "Do you have any flexibility in your price?" Be prepared with an idea for the price in case they ask you what you had in mind. With either scenario be comfortable with silence.  Give them time to think. Don't jump in before they talk.

Be on the lookout for Christmas or Birthday presents!  If you have grandparents, then you kids are well loved in the gift department. Don't feel like you need to spend a lot.  My son loves guns, so I bought him this one for a dollar.  He will love it and so will I because it doesn't require any batteries!!

One man's trash... is another man's treasure.  My husband was going to build a remote controlled boat out of two empty two liters. Instead, we found this boat being given away for free!!

It's a great time to get some deals!! I can't wait to hear about yours!!