Give Personalised Christmas Gifts

When it comes to buying Christmas presents for loved ones, I sometimes find it hard to be imaginative. Unless someone in the family asks for something specific, I end up scratching my head for inspiration at the last minute.

Some members of my family are quite hard to buy for. They either have a limited amount of hobbies or they already have everything they need. Then with kid’s and friend’s presents to get, the cost mounts up. This limits ideas even more!

Last year I didn't do too badly, but the gifts I received were all wrapped up in gorgeous paper with ribbon and bows. Then inside were lovely and original presents.

So, this year I have decided to give my gifts a personal touch. By putting things together, being creative and making them look presentable, I will be proud of what I give.

Hampers can be purchased ready made up, but if you have the time to do one yourself they do make lovely gifts.

Start by getting yourself a basket. You don’t need to spend a great deal on it, although if you shop in the wrong places you will pay more than you need.

For a small to medium sized wicker hamper basket try ebay or a wholesaler.

Next you’ll need your contents. When you buy your items, think about the person you are giving to. If they like a spot of port at Christmas, get a small bottle to go in. If they drink speciality teas, go with that.

Check out stores which sell small items perfect to give as gifts to go in your hamper. Go with individual cheeses, special chocolates or ground coffee.

Set yourself a budget as the cost can add up when you buy multiple items. Then shop around for the best bargains. Supermarkets or online stores may have some great deals.

If you have a paper shredder, shred up some coloured paper and use this to nest your gifts on. Put plenty of paper in the bottom of the wicker basket.

Carefully lay your items on top of the shredded paper. Ensure they are face up and look presentable in there.

You will then need some cellophane. It is inexpensive and you can get a wide range of designs from ebay. Alternatively go to your local florist.

Wrap the whole basket in the cellophane and bunch it at the top. Use some gift ribbon and curl it by running it along the blade of your scissors. Then tie it at the top and add a bow in a matching colour.

I have been guilty of shopping on the high street and buying multiple gifts sets of shower gel and bubble bath. Then I end up giving one each to every member of my family.

They are very nice, but I’m guessing people will get fed up of the same thing year after year.

Personally I love moisturising creams and sets, but I always find there’s something in the ready bought gift set that I won’t use.

It’s the same with my family. I have a brother with sensitive skin and a husband with a beard, so shaving cream and after shave are a no - no for them!

Then my mother loves bath cream but doesn’t bother with the body lotion, and gives it back to me halfway through the year…

You need to personalise this to give items that people will want and use.

Using the same principle as the Christmas hamper, get a tin, pretty box (or cover a shoe box in shiny paper) or a small basket as the base to place the gifts.

Next you need to shop for your items. Try these ideas:

• Designer perfume
• Hand soap and matching hand cream
• Handmade soap (if you can make this yourself then even better!)
• Fragrant candles
• Aromatherapy oils
• Mini designer shampoo and conditioner
• Face mask
• Pretty flannel
• Bath bombs
• Pot Pouri
• Body Butter
• Jewellery

If you are making the gift set for your grandmother, think about floral smelling wardrobe hangers or draw liners. For a teenage girl put in makeup and hair accessories . Or make one up for a newborn baby with sleep suits and pram toys.

It doesn’t have to be all smellies and soap. Add these to your gift set instead:

• DVD
• ITunes voucher
• Hat and gloves
• Gadgets, i.e: alarm clock, torch, executive toy, phone cover
• Watch
• Car cleaning set
• Gardening tools
• Game for a games console
• Socks
• Cooking utensils
• Book
• Desk calender

If you are creative and can make things, this can be a nice present.

Picture

If you can paint or draw, do it on canvass or good quality paper and frame it. This is personal and inexpensive.

Alternatively, blow up a photograph to give to your loved one. Family, wedding or pet photographs can be printed professionally online or in your local photography shop.

If you have a good quality printer, do it yourself and put it in a nice frame.

Photobooks can be purchased online and you can design them yourself.

Crafts

If you are good at crafts, make something nice to give. Examples are:

• Soap or candle making
• Knitting
• Jewellery making
• Ornaments
• Picture frames
• Woodwork
• Prints on t-shirts, mugs, coasters etc
• Embroidery
• Wall art

Are you creative in the kitchen? Try these ideas:

• Making chutney and placing in sterilised jars with pretty labels
• Purchasing tall jars and adding olive oil and chillies
• Making Jams
• Baking cupcakes or cookies
• Infuse vodka with fruit (such as strawberries) for fruity vodka. Place in a decorative sterile bottle
• Make your own wine
• Pickle home grown vegetables

If you are very creative, purchase some glass paint and decorate your jars. Make a stained glass effect or simply change it from being plain clear glass.

I hope this has inspired you this Christmas!