2011 - Homemade Christmas Challenge

**Shelli_wnj** · 12-24-2010, 08:23 AM

I was going to do homemade gifts this year, and actually started making them. Then I found out no one uses the stuff I give. Like MadHen said with her family, it's a side note, like "oh, you made these? cute." then they sit on a shelf until they are given away. So we are doing pictures with frames this year. Maybe for next year I will try to find something each person loves and make it for them. Last year, I think my mistake was to make all the same things. I made soaps and candles for the women and homemade cocoa mix and homemade marshmellows for the guys. My kids actually appreciate the homemade stuff, but I make it all year long for them

So yes - count me in, and let us all know what you are making so we can glean suggestions!

**sunshine** · 12-24-2010, 08:33 AM

I'm in too! I generally make a lot of our gifts anyway, but really need to focus on getting them done earlier in the year. I'm hoping this challenge will keep me on track.

**hotprincesscm** · 12-24-2010, 08:35 AM

I am shooting for a homemade gift each month...if I do more, great, if not...Oh well...I am starting on knitting a scarf right now....Don't know who it will be for it's white and fuzzy, so it can go for anyone I guess...Probably a female gift though! I am excited, it will be my first scarf!

**Debbie-cat** · 12-24-2010, 08:39 AM

Hotprincess- I just learned how to knit scarves and hats this month and ALL the men in my list will be getting them next year!

**hotprincesscm** · 12-24-2010, 08:46 AM

Well this scarf is very basic, only one kind of stitch...that's all I know for now...but if it turns out well....then I will make some scarves for my boys...they will like them...I am testing this one out on free yarn I got last year...so...I'm not losing anything..LOL...My homesteading skill for january is to learn to knit better...LOL...we'll see how that works out!

**Mamaw** · 12-24-2010, 08:56 AM

You all are inspiring!

Would you be willing to post how to make a HM Mint chocolate satchel? I grow mint but have no idea what to do with it at times!

I love the idea of making HM gifts but most of the time I feel as if:
A. The family does not like or appreciate it
B My crafting skills are not "good enough"
C. The finished product is not good enough

But 2011 is my year to just get over it! So.............
I am going to work on:
*Small quilted pillow or wall hanging for DF in TX
*nut bread in jars for family members - will add a gift card in most cases
*HM mustard that DH makes would be popular- add pretzels for dipping
*HM jelly over the summer season
*counted cross stitch made into pillows
I might even try yet again to actually make a quilt.......

**Maine Girl** · 12-24-2010, 09:37 AM

I have given in the past and received homemade gifts and i love them. So those of you who have family members who are less than happy with your homemade gift. It is there loss. That's just my opinion.

**madjen** · 12-25-2010, 04:48 AM

I plan on making homemade Christmas presents for Christmas 2011 for the adults. My Mom and I were just talking about this the other night!

**thesightofoneself** · 12-25-2010, 05:24 AM

i'm getting my mom an urn but other than that i'm in. especially since i dont have a job and would still like to give out presents to friends and family

http://www.perfectmemorials.com/smal...le-p-5049.html

**thesightofoneself** · 12-25-2010, 05:32 AM

i think i'm going to start off with making sea salt

**Luckybustert** · 12-25-2010, 12:25 PM

Never too soon!

I'd like to knit some gifts for Christmas 2011 so I'd better get started now!

**Gotonenerveleft** · 12-25-2010, 02:39 PM

I think I'll join in on this too. I only have about 8 gifts I need to make for next year. A couple are kinda complicated so I need extra time to get them done. The others are pretty simple.

Like a previous poster I'd like to get some jelly done in the summer but I usually don't remember to make enough for gifts during the holidays so this will make me plan ahead.

**Momto5RN** · 12-25-2010, 07:13 PM

i already have the supplies to make some things i wanted to this year but wasnt able to due to time and pain issues in time for christmas.
a scarf for each of the girls and a pillow from old tees for youngest son got moved from this year to next years gift list .

i also do want to add a few other things to make for those i know who will appreciate it .

for those that dont apprecaite HM stuff i will use clearance and coupons to get great deals.

sometimes i find i can buy something for cheaper than making it if i hit a great deal ( the supplies need to be counted in the budget around here ) so if its money wise and time wise a good deal and will be appreciated i will be doing some more home made

unfortunately i cant home make wii or xbox games LOL !!

**alotofgooddeals** · 12-25-2010, 07:29 PM

Next here for gifts.... everyone outside the immediate family will be getting homeade gifts....dh is getting to be a pro at wood working and his stuff is absolutely beautiful....I to want to learn to make some things and give them away next year...I need to learn to knit and crochet so i can make mittens, socks and hats...in my own personal experience nothing says you love someone more than when you give them something you made yourself.....

**sunshine** · 12-25-2010, 07:41 PM

Homemade gifts don't have to be difficult or expensive. . . . one year I received a poem (written especially for me by the author), printed out, simply matted and framed with a thrift store frame. ..

I make memory games for the little kids in our family -- I take family pictures , print duplicates, add personalized backings - cover with clear contact paper. . .

Puppets are always a huge hit with the kiddos. . . . sewn, crocheted, knitted, even sock puppets.