Like, I imagine, every other crafter in the known universe, I’ve been thinking about my Christmas gift giving list a bunch lately. I had what I now realize was an overly ambitious plan to knit everyone a gift. My knitting skills are still very much at the novice level and while I am getting the hang of it, I’m still very, very slow. A few folks will be getting knitted gifts but not everyone like I had originally envisioned. If I was going to pull off knitting everyone a gift, I should have started back in say January, I didn’t and so we’re going with plan B.
Like in past years, we will be giving away baskets full of homemade goodness. Unlike previous years, however; we’re cutting back on the number and variety of cookies and other sweet treats. There are a few reasons for this but mainly its just to keep the sugar level to a minimum in our own home. It seems like everyone is on sugar overload and we get as much as we give during the holiday season – not to mention all the sampling of what we give away. I want to avoid the sugar crash, this year so less baking has to be in the plan. We’ll still be making Potica (the only thing I stocked up on for the 6-month no grocery challenge prior to October 1st was walnuts specifically for Potica making), because now that I’m back in the habit I have a hard time envisioning the holidays without some homemade Potica. I envision two types of cookies at the very most and probably some cinnamon raisin bread, but that’ll be it for the holiday baking. There will plenty of gifts in the form of brandied cherries, Jeff’s beef jerky, jams, and other homemade savory treats.
In the baskets, we’ll be including handmade placemats and cloth napkins (I’m not using those links specifically – I just thought they were great tutorials and wanted to share them, instead of trying to write my own). I have a big stack of napkins already made and all of the placemats near completion. These were simple placemats in most cases, no patchwork piecing or intricate patterns. I’m using up fabric that has been in my stash and having fun with the project. I’ve made some tote bags and aprons to include for a few folks as well.
There will be a few gift cards and books for the teens and children on our list, but for the most part that’s it. We don’t overspend or go overboard on the holidays, ever, and this year won’t be any different. How about you? Have you started crafting for you holiday gift giving needs?
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In past years I’ve made either mini muffins or cookies to give as gifts for perhaps ten people. This year because of the economy I’m thinking about cutting the number of gifts to less people and giving homemade soup. I get cold cuts in glad ware containers and thought they might be just the thing to put the soup in.
I’m working or small sewing projects for my kids. Crayon and Pencil cases. I am knitting vests for the men in my home. I am also knitting little vests for my nieces. I’ve knit up some dish cloths that I will put in a basket with some jams and mint tea that I grew. I am sewing a knitting needle case for a friends daughter who just took up the craft. I will put some of my extra needles in it for her. I found that the local salvage store sells fabric really cheap so I thought I might sew up some dress up clothes for my 3 year old.
The teen needs a new jacket so he will get that for Christmas and a few books.
It is going to be a practical Christmas.
I’m making things for the grandchildren—clothes for Emma’s beloved panda, clothes for Eliza’s American Girl-knock off dolls, and possibly a stuffed animal or two for Riley. A pillowcase for each, and books; I’ve been visiting Goodwill and the used book store regularly. Adults will get either crocheted hats/scarves (MIL in particular, who requested a red hat a couple of years ago; this will be the year) or homemade bread and jam. Baskets sound nice; I have plenty of fabric for napkins and placemats.
Basically, if I can’t make it from The Stash, no one’s going to get it this year.
anita–my grannie used to embroider pillowcases for us each year. My mother still has a few but my how that brings back memories.
Maybe I’m no fun, but I *love* getting practical gifts! A scarf or jam or boots… or a massage gift certificate… Much better than anything that requires dusting or storage.
Last year I made caramel sauce for my family, but this is our first year out-of-state and my husband’s family is coming to us. I hadn’t decided yet, but that cloth napkin tutorial is fantastic! I may have to pop by the fabric store….
I’ve made my list – lots of knitting & some sewing projects. I’ve been knitting dishcloths throughout the year to add to my gift stash…have starting the bigger knitting projects in earnest when the days started getting dramatically shorter. The baking projects w/ start next month, after the huge baking sales occur so I can stock up.
Still thinking about what to do for my Mom – she’ll be 85 this Sunday, & doesn’t “want” anything… Two years ago I knit a shrug-type shawl for her, wh/ she really liked (that became last year’s gift project for other people); last year, I made her some fingerless mitts – not as popular (LOL), but am making those for others… Still lots to do!!
I love giving home made gifts also, we spend very little on store-bought gifts.
EVERYONE will be getting apple butter in their gift baskets
I went apple butter making crazy this year. Along with the usual breads, cookies or other baked goods. I love the idea of place mats and napkins, if time permits. Great idea.
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