Simple & Cheap Ideas for Making Your Own Gifts

Homemade gifts are special anytime.

During these increasingly difficult financial hard times, homemade gifts may be a life-saver.

To start off this series of possible gifts for almost everyone on your gift-giving list, I am recalling some of my previous posts.  Just checking them out---- even if they don't specifically meet your needs--- may get your creative juices flowing with ideas for adapting an idea or as a springboard to another idea.

I always look at gift catalogs and ads for inspiration on recreating their ideas myself.  Usually the prices are outrageous and often the quality isn't that great. I have learned to read the "small-print" which brings to light any attempt to deceive (especially sizes in "kits" and cleverly packaged food gifts).  

Too many times, what catalogs or ads identify as stocking-stuffers cost as much as what we can afford for our main gifts. 

With a little forethought, no matter what we can do---sew, cook, bake, craft, draw (even if we don't feel we are particularly good at any of it)---we can create simple and meaningful gifts for others.  

Getting started -- miscellaneous overview 

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/when-catalogs-start-coming.html

Gifts for Children:

Two Barrette Holders
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/diy-barrette-holders-for-gift-giving.html

Three Art Kits
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/diy-art-kits-for-gift-giving.html

Craft Kits -- sewing, sponge painting, and rubber stamping
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/diy-craft-kits-for-gift-giving.html

Simple mitten-type "My Family" Hand Puppets
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011_10_16_archive.html

Doorway Puppet Theater
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/doorway-puppet-theater-easy-diy-project.html

Simple Toys for tots and toddlers --- rattles, counting lids, photo book
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/thrifty-toys-for-tots-and-toddlers.html

Chunky Crayons
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/two-toddler-things-make-one-laugh-at.html

The Good News Bear! 
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/bring-bright-bits-of-recognition-with.html

Dress-Up Kits
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/when-catalogs-start-coming.html


Gifts for Grandparents  

part 1
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/creative-gifts-for-grandparents-part.html
part 2
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/creative-gifts-for-grandparents-part_19.html

A priceless T-Shirt for Grandma 
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/04/greatest-gift-for-grandma.html

And a Necktie for Grandpa---(will be included in my next post)

Gifts for Anyone

Fingerprint note cards
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/give-gift-of-fingerprints.html

Fabric scraps make lasting memories
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/frugal-gift-ideas-making-priceless.html

Good News Bear for a teacher gift
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/bring-bright-bits-of-recognition-with.html

A Cooling "Necktie"
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/cool-tie-for-hot-days.html

Safe Olive Oil Lights
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/09/homemade-olive-oil-lamps-safe-cheap-and.html

Lightweight Food Gifts for mailing ('cause postage is so expensive)
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/09/when-there-is-need-to-go-distance.html


Gifts of Self --- Not "Stuff" 

Part 1
Giving a future gift now
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/1-give-gift-of-self-not-stuff.html

Part 2
Coupons for  those who live far away
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/2-give-gift-of-self-not-stuff.html

Part 3 
Ideas, plus how to make a coupon booklet
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/3-give-gift-of-self-not-stuff.html



On Friday I will continue to provide the posts for my other  DIY gifts---including a variety of copy-cat candies and other treats --- all for much, much less than their commercial counterparts 
because I am . . . 

Simply, Gail the Creative Cheapskate