This post is by Bernie Carr, apartmentprepper.com
The day after Thanksgiving, we started decorating for Christmas. This year, we are reusing decorations from previous years. I also started to make Christmas gifts and cards.
Cards
We grew up thinking that store-bought cards are better, but over the years I found handmade cards are appreciated by the recipients. I like to draw Christmas images free-hand, but for variety, I am also trying these ideas out: Fingerprint Christmas lights card and Copy Cat cards
Gifts
I am thrilled when I receive a personal handmade gift, but for some reason used to feel apprehensive when I gave them out. Over time, I learned handmade gifts are highly valued.
Here are a few items I’ve given out that turned out to be hits:
- Everyone likes this banana bread recipe, and I like to make a few batches as hostess gifts.
- Moisturizing salves make good gifts as well; you can customize the scent according to your recipient’s preference. Or try making this sugar scrub.
- These dog biscuits are easy to make and pet owners really like receiving them.
- My Auntie O. passed this marinated mushroom recipe to me. Makes a great last minute gift.
- I’m going to make these homemade coffee creamers and store in a decorative jar.
You still have time to get your handmade cards and gifts together. Get your kids involved, it’ll be fun!
I included a couple of links below that can help with keeping things simple this Christmas.
101 Inexpensive Handmade Christmas Gifts
10 Money Saving Tips for a Frugal Holiday
Greener Gift Wrapping Supplies
Please share in the comments your current favorite homemade cards and gifts.
About the author:
Bernie Carr is the founder of Apartment Prepper. She has written several books including the best-selling Prepper’s Pocket Guide, Jake and Miller’s Big Adventure, The Penny-Pinching Prepper and How to Prepare for Most Emergencies on a $50 a Month Budget. Her work appears in sites such as the Allstate Blog and Clark.com, as well as print magazines such as Backwoods Survival Guide and Prepper Survival Guide. She has been featured in national publications such as Fox Business and Popular Mechanics. Learn more about Bernie here.
For tips on prepping on small budget, read my book:
I buy wide mouth mason jars at Goodwill that have less then perfect lips and than make them in to soy wax candles and give these as gifts. This is a good use for mason (canning) jars that are not usable for canning anymore. I do not added any scent to the candles only colors.
Hi Ben, Soy wax candles are great gifts! And they have lighting in case power goes out. Thanks for the comment.