Im starting to think about what to give as Christmas gifts for extended family and friends. I don't spend a lot of money on these gifts, but still try to give something that will actually get used. I usually take one item and give it to everybody (i.e. - one year it was calendars, another year it was sundae makers, another year tree ornaments, etc.) So, this year I've started thinking about what to give and I haven't been able to think of anything. I know, I know, I have time LOL, but I'd like to be prepared. Any ideas?

By Emily7 on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 04:58 pm:

I used to have recipes for jar cookies, cocoa, & brownie mixes. You just use a canning jar, decorate the lid & add a tag that tells the person what they need to do. My family loved when I gave those out.

By Tink on Tuesday, October 12, 2004 - 11:28 am:

My dd and I will be doing the no-sew blankets for everyone in our family. We'll be doing them in people's decorating colors, favorite football team colors, or cute patterns for the kids. She is really excited to be doing this "all on her own"! You might look at the thread about this. I don't know how expensive all the fleece is going to be, though.

By Fraggle on Tuesday, October 12, 2004 - 01:05 pm:

I have a book that has recipes for gifts in a jar-soups, chilis and more that I received as a gift last year. I might make a few of these jars for gifts this year.

By Kaye on Tuesday, October 12, 2004 - 01:49 pm:

I often do handstamped cards. I come up with one or two designs (sometimes 4 if I am making a bunch) and stamp away. For my grandparents, I include a book of stamps, for teachers I just tie with a bow. I have also done stationary for neices, included gel pens to go with it. Another idea that I have seen done is hot chocolate mix, or coffee in a cup with a cup of those dipped in chocolate spoons (the ones I have seen used plastic).

By Bea on Tuesday, October 12, 2004 - 03:17 pm:

Since I love my computer, I've assembled all my favorite recipes into a cookbook format. I print them and have the pages laminated. Then I punch holes, and put them into a decorated 3 ring binder.
You could make a cookbook of Christmas cookies or Party recipes. You can buy binders in all shapes and sizes and they're easy to decorate.

By Bea on Tuesday, October 12, 2004 - 03:24 pm:

Photography is my hobby, and I've printed 4 x 6 prints of some favorites, and mounted them in frames from the Dollar Tree Store. They make nice accents for walls or desks.

I also bake my signature pumpkin bread in mini-loaf pans. I wrap them in colored foil and tie with ribbons.

Give a window-sill herb garden. Plant the seeds now and it should be growing nicely by Christmas. The seeds, small pots and potting soil are inexpensive.

By Sunny on Tuesday, October 12, 2004 - 05:42 pm:

Thank you so much for the ideas! I'm going to think about it and will more than likely use one of them.