FRUGAL FRIDAY Handmade Gifts

Frugality is something that has occupied my mind for many years. When the Hubs was in the Navy and I stayed at home with the kiddos, things were tight. We knew it would be if I stayed home, but it was a sacrifice we took seriously. So in an effort to live off his salary, we had to be FRUGAL. Let's just say, I learned as I went. I got a copy of the book The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn and still use it as reference today. Growing up on a farm helps too. We didn't have much money then, but we always had plenty to eat, clothes and shoes, good friends, and of course one thing was abundant: LOVE. So here's a series of posts about living with less, FRUGAL FRIDAY. Feel free to leave comments and share your ideas for living abundantly with less.

Today I'm going to post a few links that inspire me. I'll try to cover different skill levels and interests. Anyone can make something homemade. Don't worry if you can't cut a straight line, they have tools that do that for you!

Check out this cute salt dough ornament. How cute would that be with Little D's handprint? Just walk through a craft store and you'll find hundreds of kits, ideas, and supplies. Some of my favorites are Joann's, Michael's, Hobby Lobby, and A. C. Moore. I wish there was one of these around the corner from Lanky Ridge, but the closest one is about one hour away. And to get to a Hobby Lobby I have to travel about two hours. It's sad, I know. You can go to the websites (all of them) and browse the project sections, or you can order supplies.

Some magazines have really great DIY crafts. You can subscribe to them, purchase them up at the grocery store, or check them out online. Here are just a few: Better Homes and Gardens, Family Fun, Country Woman Magazine, and Creating Keepsakes. Of course there are many more. Play around online, do some searches. You will be surprised at what you can find.

Food gifts are always appreciated and easy to make. They can be expensive, but try to think about the cost of ingredients when you're deciding what to make. I have made a hot cocoa mix for years that everyone seems to love and it's very simple and inexpensive to make. The presentation is what makes it great. I've used my homemade hot cocoa mix to make "Snowman Soup." You just add mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and some crushed candy canes. My son's sixth-grade science teacher STILL raves about that every time I see him. It's almost embarassing! Anyway, here are some great sites for food gifts: The Pioneer Woman, The Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls recipe makes A LOT--you could make a large batch and take care of most of your gift list. Beautifully decored jars of Country Living's Granola make great small gifts. Last year, I made homemade vanilla extract that went over very well; it takes about six weeks so you must start early. Basically anything you would love, most of your friends and family would love too.

My Grandma Seay gave all 29 of her grandchildren the same thing every year for Christmas. My sisters and I looked forward to this gift so much, it never got old. Here was the gift: some fruit (usually one apple and one orange), a few nuts, some hard candy, one piece of gum, and a small jar of homemade grape jelly. This was presented in a plain brown paper lunch bag. It was so simple, yet so thoughtful and full of love.

If you can sew, you're in great shape to make gifts! Quilted placemats or pot holders, pillows, little pincusions, these all make wonderful gifts. Comforting eye pillows are great for a mom or teacher.

How about nice little "pamper me" item like sugar scrubs?  Find lots of other neat ideas here.

I hope these ideas inspire you to evaluate your own special talents and skills and make some amazing gifts for all your friends this year. As always, please leave comments and share what you plan to make this year.