Over the last few year, we have got into the habit of making our Christmas gifts instead of buying them. I don't know what exactly people want and I don't want to waste my money/time (or lack thereof) trying to figure it out.

But I really enjoy making things for people. 
I think putting more time/thought than money into a gift makes it special.

I also really enjoy the packaging part as well.
This year I bought some paper tags and ended up making my own intentical ones when I ran out. 
I stamped the names and tied on bakers twine.
The tags got tied to a string that was holding a branch onto the brown, paper-covered packages.
I also stamped a few packages all over to make a random pattern.
Easiest wrapping ever.
brown paper packages tied up with string:

Now onto the gifts...

For all of the guys, I try out special recipes I've been wating to attempt and then (after taste testing of course) I stuff bags full of the assorted yummy treats.

I only took one picture of said treats this year, and it just so happened to be a fave...
the TJ's Candy Cane Joe Joe bark. 
(See all of the yummy treats I made this year here.)
and packaging them up:

I love being crafty for the ladies' gifts. It's really the only time of year that I get to craft and I totally enjoy it...but am so ready for it to be over once I'm done.

This year I made...

a wreath for my sister:

a chalkboard board book for my one year old niece: 
necklace scarves for both moms and my sister in law:
I also used this to etch my mom's initals onto a casserole dish.
Hers always get sent home with other people after family gatherings, but not anymore!

I was hoping to be a little more original and give everyone a different gift, but I feel like Christmas kind of snuck up on me and I ended up making everything just days before Christmas! 
Hopefully next year I will know some sewing basics so I can be extra creative ahead of time, which will be helpful, especially with two little muchkins running around!

Did you guys do any DIYs this year?  

2 comments

  1. Kira on December 30, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    I ended up not doing any DIY gifts this year. Christmas definitely snuck up on me this year as well. But, I did make our stockings so I feel like I accomplished something :) Next year I will hopefully be more on top of things.
    I love that wreath, it's so pretty!

     
  2. Nicole on December 30, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    I'm dying to try that TJ's Joe Joe Bark! Love that chalkboard book too! Maybe I'll put my own leftover paint to use in the same way. :) Great ideas!!

     


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