A handmade holiday

Christmas is now less than 2 months away, and I'm "toying" (haha, bad pun intended) with the idea of making gifts, or at least incorporating a handmade item into each gift (e.g. like pairing a Starbucks gift card with a reuseable cloth coffee cup sleeve).  I've come across so many neat ideas on Pinterest lately, but I just wonder whether I would have time and energy to get it all done.  I really like the idea of making gifts, and I think it sends a good message to the kids (even if they're a bit young to truly appreciate it) - that gift giving is more than just hustle and bustle at the mall, it's about putting thought and effort into making or doing (or even buying) something for another person to show them you care.  Now don't get me wrong, I don't think that gifts from a store don't have their value - sometimes people put a lot of time and effort into finding just the right gift, and that is great.  But I think too often we rush through the stores, last-minute, thinking "gotta buy something, gotta buy something" and the stress of it all overwhelms the desire to find something meaningful.

So here's a sneak peak at some of the ideas I'm thinking about making.  Obviously, I can't share them all, since some of the recipients read this blog. :)

For Annika, who loves dress-up clothes...

Source: thetraintocrazy.com via Pamela on Pinterest

princess dress-up set

or

Source: the-tum-tum-tree.blogspot.com via Pamela on Pinterest

adorable little tutu



For Emmett...

Source: lellaboutique.blogspot.com via Pamela on Pinterest

"texture" book

or

Source: sew4home.com via Pamela on Pinterest

guitar pillow



For a "grab" gift, or maybe Annika's preschool teachers...

Source: thecottagehome.blogspot.com via Pamela on Pinterest

reuseable cloth coffee cup sleeve, maybe paired with a gift card?


My other goal for gifts this year (if I don't have time to make them) is to buy "experiential gifts" - gifts like movie or theatre tickets, gift cards to a favorite restaurant or coffee place, gift certificates for a manicure or pedicure, etc.  Things that can be used and enjoyed - experienced - without leaving clutter or "stuff" lying around afterwards.  I find there are several people on my list that are difficult to buy for, because they don't really need anything.  So giving the gift of an experience is worth more than just giving another trinket or doodad that will sit around unused or unappreciated.

So, those are some of my goals for gift-giving this year.  What about you?  What are your plans for gifts this year?