Having a Problem Gift-Giving? Think About This!

I know this may sound crazy at first, but I will tell it to you anyways. I am worried about Christmas presents this year!  I know, it's only May, there's plenty of time, but hear me out.  I am getting married this year on New Year's Eve.  That doesn't give much time for Christmas celebrations- knowing all the planning and preparation needed before that week (We're doing a destination so we are making a week of it! Fun but a tad bit crazy!).  And not only am I thinking about the timing but money as well.  This is expensive!How am I going to buy presents and afford the kick-ass wedding I want?  I have found it!

Today I was looking through my linen closet where I keep a stash of my books (Ran out of room on the book shelves) and it dawned on me.  I have tons of fabric laying around and all these quilting and craft books, why not do home made this year?  I wouldn't have to spend much money and I can just invest some time each night starting now and I should be set before the holidays role around, which is my goal.  Here is the game plan:

1. Make Santa, angel, and Christmas tree bags using plain, brown lunch bags and snippets of fabric ironed on with adhesive to the bag.  I'm thinking I may get a little crazy and use a needle and thread to stitch on the persons name to make it even more special.

2. Christmas cards= card stock and more fabric stereotypical characters.  A black and white photo of the fam and a signature will do the trick!


3. Presents for the immediate family.  I don't want to give away the surprise if they are reading this, but think fabric, sewing, and craftiness and you get the idea. 

4. For other family and friends- home made from the kitchen is what I'm thinking.  I plan on finishing my garden this weekend (Adding the veggies and fruits)  and am hoping my green thumb will take on it's full color and I can use the fruits of my labor here.  If not, my loved ones, please know that I tried and am now thanking God for Harmon's Grocery Store down the street. 

The more I thought about this, the better the idea sounded.  Why not do this all year long for gifts and presents for different occasions?  Can you imagine showing up to a birthday party with a personalized wrapped present hand made by you?  Talk about sentimental!  And you can customize it to the person easily.  Are they modern?  Score the fabric shops for trendy fabrics and make them something cool- like a stunning table cloth or detailed cocktail napkins monogrammed with their initials.  Are the shabby chic?  Grab some old burlap, stitch on a name/saying/ shape of fabric and make a basket liner/ table cloth/ runner. 

And price wise, this is easy!  I began looking around at other things I have in my house that I could use, not just my fabric pile.  I have old sheets, ruined table cloths, and even out dated clothes that I can think of a way to make it work.  All it takes is a little time and attention to detail and you will stun them every time!  And your gift will mean so much more than something store bought.  You took this person into consideration, and spent a lot of time thinking about what they would like, and personalized it down to the disposable wrapping.  That says a hell of a lot more than a store box tied off with a ribbon by the sales clerk.


So, think about this- do you want to spend the holidays stress-free from the worry of present giving, and relax confidently in front of the fire (real or on T.V.) knowing your gift is something that will mean something to your close friend or family member, and save TONS of money at the same time?  If so, try out this idea and see what happens.  The worst scenario- you buy them something for New Year's to make up for it (and with all the after Christmas sales, you'll still save money!)

Have you done something like this?  Tell me about it!