Instead of Buying, Make Them at Home

Money is limited for many right now. My money saving idea for holiday gifts is to make as many gifts as possible. Examples: homemade business cards, mixes in gift jars, home canned preserves and/or salsa, home baked pies, cakes, cookies.
For my sister in law I baked her favorite cake from scratch. (German chocolate)

My brother loves to cook, so I made him an apron. I made hot chocolate mixes, other beverage mixes, pancake mixes, etc. to give as gifts too. Lots of compliments. Takes a little thought but is worth the effort.

Gather the information you need by just listening to conversations. Most of the time that's how I get my information. Then when I get home I jot it down so I'll remember for later.

By Darlene from North Street, MI

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By anne (Guest Post) 03/02/2006

you could use an old box or laundry basket.
to set your gift basket(or jars)in. and use clothing or towels to pad around them so they won't jiggle and get busted
(i'm assuming you mean your are driving to see you families?) i also use zip lock baggies and my food saver to put my mixes in and attach the recipe to the outside of them and set them in my little wicker basket. no one seems to mind, they are just happy with the wonderful things i've put in

By Jeggie (Guest Post) 03/02/2006

My husband and I live in GA while our families live in KY & IN. What is the best way to travel with "gift jars"?

By IMAQT1962 (Guest Post) 03/02/2006

WE TOO DO THE SAME.I FOUND A WICKER BASKET AT OUR LOCAL THRIFT STORE AND FILLED IT WITH SEVERAL DIFFERENT JAR MIXES AND A COUPLE OF KITCHEN TOWELS I FOUND AT OUR DOLLAR STORE AND A FEW PACKAGE OF KOOL AID AND HOT CHOCOLATE FOR A FRIEND OF OUR WHO HAS KIDS. THIS GAVE THEM ALL SOMETHING TO DO TOGETHER
AND SOME GRAT TREATS AS WELL

By 02/28/2006

This is a great idea. My husband and I used to craft a lot and so therefore made a lot of gifts. We haven't done it in a long time. Now I'd be more inclined to make food baskets, cookie mix in a jar, etc as everyone has so many do-daddy items. I think homemade gifts are not only thoughtful but more appreciated!