Turning Your Hobbies and Talents Into Great, Inexpensive Gifts
Find That Special Thing You Love To Do and Make it a Gift
Get ready to have fun and a gratifying time as you join me in this do-it-yourself adventure. You're about to create gifts directly from the hobbies you love and the talents you've been given.
Do you think you don't have any talents or hobbies? Sure you do. You just need a little reminding. Even just one special thing you're good at will work well. You'll simply make duplicates for one-and-all.
Scan through the ideas listed below, selecting one or more you'd like to try. Or come up with some of your own ideas. Starting your gift project early will save you some stress later on.
Good With Wood Carving?
Connecting To Your Interests, Hobbies and Talents
The first step is to make a list of things you love to do and are pretty good at. Take as much time as you need to make your list.
Some examples might be:
- Writing Poetry
- Singing
- Knitting/Crocheting
- Wood-work
- Candle making
- Photography
- Playing Piano
- Recipes/Cooking
- Family history/Geneology
- Making Potpourri
- Designing Greeting Cards
- Baking
- Gardening
- Composing music
- Drawing
- Floral Arranging
- Playing Guitar
- Voice Impersonations
- Crafts
- Rock Collecting
- Writing Stories/How to
- Couponing
- Making Videos/DVDs
- Recording Music
- Decorating rocks. (See the last photo on the right.)
Creating your own gifts is great therapy and satisfying. Children love to get involved and spending this time with your child leaves a lasting memory full of fun. I like to start making Christmas gifts as early as August to avoid the feeling of being rushed at the last minute. By starting early I can really enjoy the season without stress.
During the year I watch for sales on items I use for my gift-making. It not only saves me money, which I love to do, I also have just what I need for each gift ready and waiting. I visit the local Dollar Store often to check out new bargains or supplies for making gifts.
As I said earlier, the purpose of this list is to get you thinking; to connect you to your own interests, activities, hobbies, and talents. The next step will teach you how to turn your hobby or talent into a lovely, unique, gift.
Get a Charge Out of Making Your Own Gifts
Make A Recording to Give As a Gift
This is one of my favorite gifts to create. Recording your voice is a fun project. However, before you click on that record button, there are a few things to remember to do:
- Whether you record your speaking voice or your singing voice, always warm up your voice. A link is provided below to help you with this.
- Enunciate clearly. The listener doesn't have the advantage of watching your lips move to help them understand the words. Your lips, tongue, and jaw must do all the work. For more information on how to pronounce your words with clarity, a link is provided for this as well.
- Use 'color' in your speaking and singing. Think of a lovely painting alive with a variety of colors, some bright and some dark. Reflect these colors by allowing your emotions to come through. Do not speak in a monotone voice. Your speech will be boring and difficult to understand.
- Be as original as possible. Allow the best part of YOU to come through. Above all, be confident.
- Do not be over-critical or judgemental with your recording. Just be yourself. Otherwise, you will spend all of your time trying to make your recording perfect. This is unreasonable unless you hire a top-notch recording studio with an engineer.
- When you finish your recording, create a label, slip the DVD into a sleeve, wrap it up and you're good to go.
Ideas For Making Your Recording
The sound of your voice is unique. It is endearing and vibrant to those who love and admire you. A recording of your voice is personal, heart-warming and can be saved and passed down to generations.
What I wouldn't give to hear my grandparents voices. Today my most priceless possession is a cassette tape that holds the voice of my son Todd. Never imagining that cancer would one day claim his life, I was wise enough to hold on to this recording.
You are giving a treasure without measure when you give the gift of your voice. Consider the following options:
- Record a funny experience.
- Record a reading of poetry. It can be your own or one of the classics. You have many choices.
- Record a story. If your gift is for a child, make it age-appropriate. For Christmas, what child wouldn't love "The Night Before Christmas."
- Affirmations make wonderful gifts. As you make your recording, add some light flute music in the background.
- Engage all the children for singing family favorites, hymns or Christmas Carols.
- For those living far away, children's messages recorded on a CD or DVD make a priceless gift.
- Do you have a friend or loved one who goes wild for Country music, or perhaps New Age or classical? Make copies of one of your own CD's, adding a list of each song in order.
- There is nothing sweeter than the sounds of a baby or a toddler's first words. After recording remember to add the date or age of the child.
- Record a sing-along using your own voice or another CD of recorded favorites.
- The Lord's Prayer, Sermon On The Mount, The Ten Commandments or other Scriptures make a very nice gift.
- Select an array of up-lifting quotes or those that fit the personality of the receiver and record them adding some soft background music.
The possibilities are endless. And so are your talents.
Tips For A More Professional Recording Speaking Or Singing
Keeping your vocal cords relaxed and warm is crucial for speaking or singing. The correct warm ups will help you deliver a rich, pleasant sound. For recordings, this step is a must.
One of the biggest frustrations for the listener of a recording is to wonder what word the artist is trying to say or sing. When we have trouble understanding the words, the entire meaning of a phrase is lost. To speak and sing clearly is the responsibility of the artist.
Gift Ideas For The Writer In You
Are you a writer or a poet? Lucky you as this is an easy talent to use as a Christmas gift. You have several options:
- Write your life story (Keep it fairly brief). Writing your story is telling of your experience, hope, and strength. You are passing on valuable life lessons. Write about who you are, where you've been, where you are now and how you got there.
- Write about an inspirational learning experience. Fill it with wisdom and light. If it's short enough, you can frame it and decorate the frame.
- Create a lovely poem or even a humorous one. Mount your poetry on burlap with a tiny silk bow for hanging.
- Write a short story age-appropriate for the receiver.
Succulents Make a Lasting Gift
What To Do With Your Favorite Recipes
I'll bet you have collected a mountain of recipes and what a great gift recipe cards make. Men, women and teens love trying new recipes.
- On a 3x5 card, hand-write your favorite recipe. Because this is a gift, write at least three (3) recipe cards.
- Wrap the recipes with a pretty ribbon or raffia.
- If you like, you can put them in a cute wooden box or small wire basket.
Recipe Boxes Make Super Gifts
Giving Green This Year
Good At Gardening?
This idea is almost too easy for anyone with a passion for gardening. All you need is:
- A cute little box (cardboard works very well.)
- Some soil for starting seeds.
- A few seeds. Keep the seeds in the envelope as part of the gift.
- A pair of see-through gloves
With this gift, you will be demonstrating how to grow the seeds into a lovely plant, or an herb or two.
- Place a small bag of soil, a pair of see-through gloves and the package of seeds inside the container to be used for planting.
- Add a note with a message stating you will come by and plant the seeds with the receiver of your gift. This is a wonderful gift for a child or teen.
- Place some festive ribbon around the box along with a big bow.
Turning A Hobby Into A Christmas Gift
The Best Gifts Come From The Hands
It's been a joy to bring you these ideas for gift making. Gifts that come from the hands, come from the heart. It isn't necessary to pressure ourselves or our wallets with store-bought presents.
I welcome your comments. Sharing your ideas for home-made gifts will help others wanting to do this.
Thank you and remember to Wrap With Love.
vocalcoach aka Audrey Hunt
I'm Eager To Know Your Answers
Which Hobby Or Talent Will Take The Form Of A Gift?
© 2014 Audrey Hunt
Comments
AUTHORShaloo Walia
Thanks for visiting. I'm pleased to hear that you liked these ideas for turning hobbies and talents into gifts. Enjoy your day!
Great ideas!
- AUTHOR
Lucy!
So nice to see you here. You've made my day. Thanks for your comments. Take care.
Hi Audrey Ma'am !
This article is really useful ! Thanks for sharing :)
- AUTHOR
Vellur
Hello my friend. It's a pleasure to see you here. Thanks for liking these gift ideas. Making a record is so much fun!
Blessings,
Audrey
Great ideas for gift making using our creativity. I love the idea of making a record. Thank you for sharing.
- AUTHOR
Romeos - Your comments have lit up my face with a smile today! Thanks for being here and for sharing on Pinterest. Enjoy your week my friend.
Audrey
You have compiled some very interesting and useful suggestions, tips and ideas for all kinds of different occasions and celebrations.
Your son seems to be a handy and talented man; you must be a proud mom!
Clickety-click, and happy to share your comprehensive delight for friends on Pinterest also.
Peace and blessings for a happy weekend.
R.Q.
- AUTHOR
Hi Kristen - Thanks so much! I actually do this all year long. I also re-gift as a way of recycling. I save any gifts that I receive throughout the year that I don't use and re-gift them. Thanks.
colorfulone - Thanks so much for your nice comments. I love to give too. Glad you liked my hub. Audrey
I have been making gifts to give to family and friends for many years. I enjoy creating things and am a giver. Awesome hub, Audrey!
Great ideas, Audrey. I love the way you think for these hubs. Besides Christmas, you can do the same for other holidays and birthdays too. Voted up!
- AUTHOR
ezzly - How nice your comments are! I agree that those little knitted booties are the cutest. Maybe if I start now, I can have them ready for next Christmas. :) Thanks for sharing on twitter.
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What a fantastic hub , I'm keeping this on reference for next Christmas ! The knitted booties are so adorable ! Sharing on twitter.
- AUTHOR
ladyguitarpicker
Thank you for finding some useful ideas. I agree that gifts mean more when they come from the heart. Thanks Stella. Happy thoughts to you.
Audrey
Hi, found some useful ideas in your Hub. We really need to think about giving gifts from our heart and not about money. I like the idea of a recording. Nice Hub, Stella
- AUTHOR
Hi Nadine
Thanks for your comments. I'll look forward to your post and the projects you feature!
What a great and inspiring hub. I have started to use the photos off all my art and craft work from the past and create new projects from them, but this time through Zazzle. I will now also write a post on this topic and combine each project with a before and after image. Thank you!
- AUTHOR
Dolores Monet
I love candles, especially those that are hand made. Your linen pillowcases sound wonderful! Nothing compares to gifts that are hand made and wrapped with love.
Thank you Dolores.
I love to give and receive hand made gifts! It's a great way to really get yourself into a new hobby, creating items to give away! This Christmas I got some beautiful hand made candles as well as a nifty paper towel holder made from pipes. I personally got into sewing linen pillowcases so everyone got linen pillowcases!
- AUTHOR
Hi Judy -
I'm so pleased to see you here and to read your nice comments. I like your statement encouraging us to take time to make a recording at anytime, not just Christmas. Thank you for your vote and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Audrey
Love all of your suggestions.I never thought about a recording, but I know I cherish videos of my dad and just wished I had some of my mom but she passed away young. It maybe past Christmas, but there is always a time for a gift. It doesn't have to be a special occasion. Voted
- AUTHOR
Healthnews12
Thanks so much for your visit and nice remarks. FYI - I love your hubs.
- AUTHOR
Suzanne Day
Thank you for being here. I feel sort of privileged being that you are a master at crafts. Have a Happy New Year!
rebeccamealy
I'm right with you Rebecca! Home made gifts are the best. Thank you and Happy New Year!
peachpurple
Yes they can. My daughter is amazing with crafts and does well with selling them on Ebay.
vespawoolf
I'd love to be given homemade baked goods as a gift! Glad you like the idea of a recording or a plant. You have a wonderful New Year!
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I agree that a homemade gift has much more meaning! I usually give homemade baked goods as gifts. I really like the idea of a recording or a plant you´ve seeded yourself. Thank you for these clever ideas.
I find hobbies can bring money if put into good use
I would much rather receive a gift someone made that bought. Great ideas. Thanks!
Great list of ideas for Christmas gifts! I always like to do hampery type things with xmas boxes and baskets or lolly jars that the kids can decorate. Voted awesome!
- AUTHOR
Hi Nell,
My daughter is the talented one when it comes to making crafts. I learn what I can from her. I stick to music and recording piano and vocals for most of my gifts. My family and close friends get one of my recordings whether they like it or not. :) Thanks for the vote and for sharing. Audrey
Hiya, great ideas Audrey! I wish I was a bit more Craft-y! lol! I am useless at making stuff, but I did use to make presents for my family when I was a child, voted up and shared, nell
- AUTHOR
ideadesigns
Coming from you, so talented and creative, I'm thrilled with your comments. Big thanks and a Very Happy New Year.
DeborahNeyens
Recipes are a gift everyone appreciates along with a cute box to keep them in. Thank you and may your New Year be an amazing one my friend! Audrey
Great ideas, Audrey! I love the recipe box. Happy New Year to you.
I personally love receiving cookie mixes in a jar. It has most of the stuff you need, it's personal, handmade and a blessing! Thanks for your tidbits of personalizing gifts!
- AUTHOR
Samprita
Thank you for being here. Nice to see you here and glad you enjoyed this hub. Happy Holidays!
You are very creative!!!! ANd thanks for sharing your creativity with us... Handmade gifts are indeed very special...
- AUTHOR
peachpurple
This is one of my favorite ideas too. I'm happy to see you here and appreciate your comment.
i like your recipe box idea, always wanted to try something different
Thanks so much...
- AUTHOR
advicequeen1
Thank you so much! Hopping on over to your place now. :)
Great ideas for gifts
- AUTHOR
Dear Jackie
Your comments are so moving and dear. Like your beautiful hubs, you speak from your heart.
Christmas blessings to you and yours,
Audrey
I started doing this as a child and then for my mother when I had no money or very little and I know it could never have meant as much to her as it did to me. There is such a fulfilling feeling creating your own gift. I still do it for those I know will appreciate it. Wonderful point you have made! ^+
- AUTHOR
Hi Peggy
I love getting a recording, especially when it's from a member of my family. Like you have mentioned, it carry's on through another lifetime.
Any of the above ideas can indeed be used all year long. Thank you for your votes, and for sharing. Happiest of holidays to you Peggy!
Recorded voices can live on well past the age of a person who goes on to the next life. It is wonderful to be able to listen to them. Great idea Audrey! The nice thing is that there is still plenty of time before Christmas to execute some of these ideas. Of course many of these ideas are good year round for gift giving purposes. Many up votes and happy to share, tweet, etc.
- AUTHOR
Dip Mtra
I'm very happy to hear that these gift ideas will be useful for you. Great! Thanks so much.
savvydating
Thank you for sharing your experience about your book for your son. This is so touching! You go with those creative juices of yours. :) Thanks for the vote up, awesome and useful.
Happy holidays to you and yours. Audrey
Hi Audrey,
I love this hub. You've got my creative juices flowing, and now I actually feel compelled to make a personalized gift or two!. One year I did write a small book for my son, with clip art illustrations. He loved it. It actually brought tears to his eyes. This hub is awesome. Voting Up & awesome & useful, too!
Great ideas. We can use these for our own festivals as well. Thanks, more so because I had run out of gift ideas until now.
- AUTHOR
Dear Genna,
I'm very happy to hear how much you liked this hub. Recordings make wonderful gifts. I recorded a collection of my own poems for each of my grandchildren. Thank you for your vote up, ratings and for sharing. Happy holidays to you Genna.
Audrey
monia saad
Thank you for being here and the nice feedback.
Take care. Audrey
tillsontitan
Hi Mary. Your kind words have planted a smile in my heart. There are folks who just cannot afford store bought gifts this year. These are the people I am hoping to reach.
Recordings not only make a lasting gift, they can be created for $1.00 or less if the CD is a used one. (CRW)
Older seniors on a fixed income can record stories from life experiences. What a treasure that is!
And speaking of treasures, thank you for your friendship and support Mary. I appreciate your vote up and ratings.
Happy holidays and beautiful blessings! Audrey
Vellur
I'm so glad to know that you have Garageband. It's a great program for recording. To give a recording of your poems would make a fantastic gift. You are sharing a part of YOU!
Thank you for your kind vote up and the ratings.
Hugs,
Audrey
Great ideas for creative gifts for Christmas, I love the recording idea. I would definitely record one of my poems. The GrageBand in apples is really cool! Voted up creative, interesting and useful! Great hub.
Doesn't look like you've left anything out. Your ingenuity and creativity are definitely enticing. The recording you spoke of is certain proof of how wonderful a recording can be as a memory.
You are such a shining star GF.
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.
great idea for homemade gift
thank you
great idea for homemade gift
thank you
With the advent of Christmas, this article is so timely! I love innovative ideas for gift giving, and have never thought of the recording. Thank you for these creative and fun ideas, Audrey. :-) Voted up ++ and sharing.
- AUTHOR
I'll bet you had so much fun recording those Christmas songs. Recordings like this make the most wonderful gifts. Creating our own presents also help the environment. Thanks Diana for sharing your experience.
A few years back we recorded Christmas songs on a CD as gifts. Everyone really loved them and were so thankful for the addition to their collections. It is the simple gifts from the heart that mean so much. Thanks for the creative ideas.
- AUTHOR
prasetio30
Thank you for sharing your joy with me. I am happy you found my hub useful, awesome, interesting and beautiful. It's always a blessing to see you.
Happy thoughts my friend.
Audrey
Very creative and I really enjoy reading this hub. I always give my vote to you, Audrey. Useful, awesome, interesting and beautiful. Have a good day!
Prasetio
- AUTHOR
Glimmer Twin Fan
Your daughter reminds me of myself when I was her age. Such a lovely gesture and gift for the retirement home. You are a wonderful mother. Glad you liked my hub and thanks. Audrey
RTalloni
What marvelous comments! I take it your son is into wood working or maybe a Luthier. Let me know how garageband works for you when you record your book.
Thank you for linking, sharing and pinning. Sending good thoughts your way.
Audrey
What really nice ideas you've posted here! Your son and mine should meet… :)
I was amazed to see the section on recordings because I hope to record a book and put it on a CD for my mother who used to read a lot. Your info/tips are really useful and I plan to use GarageBand so that was interesting.
I've not researched the etiquette on all this, so I don't always mention when I do it in comments, but on this one, well, I am linking it to several of my giving hubs (which gives me the chance to update them a bit), sharing, pinning… Thanks much for a valuable post on many levels.
I love this article Audrey. I love giving homemade gifts to friends. Nothing over the top, just something nice and meaningful. My daughter is learning to play the piano and we visit a group I used to volunteer with at a retirement home and she plays some pieces for them. That is her gift to them.
- AUTHOR
Audrey,
I'm learning how to use garageband and love it. I use to have audacity and I agree, it's not the same thing. Thanks my friend.
Love and hugs,
Audrey
Love this Audrey!! I wish there were a free equivalent to Garage Band for PCs! I have started using audacity, but it is not nearly the same thing!
- AUTHOR
bravewarrior
Thank you, Sha, for your support and encouragement. Your comments mean so much.
Hugs,
Audrey
Hezekiah.
Next year I'm starting early and making all my Christmas gifts. :) Thanks for your comments.
always exploring
With your incredible talent for writing poetry, anyone would be thrilled to receive one of yours.
How special that you were able to keep the recording of your sister, Eva's voice. I'm sorry about your loss Ruby. I know she is with you and loves you very much.
Big hugs and love,
Audrey
WillStarr
How wonderful to hear that you're not only the most talented writer of western stories, but also gifted with wood working.
Hugs,
Audrey
Faith Reaper
With your gift of poetry, is it any wonder that your daughter and son loved and appreciated them so. And the video your husband made for you is just about the most romantic gesture in the world. Would I love to see that!
These are the kind of 'treasures' that last a life-time and they glow with love. Thank you dear friend for sharing this.
Love and hugs,
Audrey
cat on a soapbox
Thank you so much for being here. I love your comments! To hear that my article is inspiring brings me joy and happiness.
Potted succulent gardens - wow! You should take some photos and write a hub about it. Really, it would be a hit!
Happy holidays, Cat, and please visit me again.
Hugs,
Audrey
Handmade gifts are the best, and there is so much inspiration here in your lovely hub! My daughter and I will be making potted succulent gardens together this year. Wishing you all the best of the season,
Cat:)
Wonderful ideas, Audrey! I love receiving personal and handmade gifts from others. You have given me a lot of ideas to think on, and I better get going.
One Valentine's Day, I wrote poems for my grown daughter and grown son, and much to my delight, they loved them. My husband made me the sweetest video with "our" song and included special effects and photos of way back when we first met up to the present. It is so special and I never thought he would come up with something like that, plus my grandchildren all love watching it ..."Nanny and PawPaw" in love : )
Blessings always
Hmm. I am a woodworker, so...!
Great ideas, Audrey!
- AUTHOR
Jason,
Yes, they do. Most folks prefer the convenience of ready-made gifts. It's nice to see you here. Happy holidays Jason. - Audrey
sunshine625,
Good morning my beautiful sunshine. I would prefer home-baked goods to store-bought any time. Delicious and chemical-free. Thank you Linda. - Hugs, Audrey
ChitrangadaSharan,
Hello my friend. Thank you for sharing your hand-made gifts with us. You have many talents to give from. What a wonderful thing!
I really like your hand-written recipe family collection as a gift to your daughter. This is not only useful it's also heart-felt.
Thank you for your vote up and for sharing with HP.
Blessings,
Audrey
How very clever you are! I love your idea's. I've never thought of writing a poem but I will. I know what you mean by having a voice from someone you love, my sis Eva's voice is on my answering machine and I cherish it. Thank you so much..
A very useful hub with wonderful ideas. Thanks for sharing.
These are wonderful ideas, Audrey, especially if you're on a tight budget. Personalized gifts are always a hit.
Loved this creative hub!
I always prefer to give handmade gifts to my family and friends. And I don't like to spend too much money on them. You provided some excellent suggestions here. I do enjoy knitting, craft, embroidery, painting etc. and my gifts are mostly related to that. I have also gifted a hand written family recipe collection to my daughter.
Thanks for this wonderful hub! Voted up and shared on HP!
- AUTHOR
Hi Martie,
You always put the zing in my swing! Thanks for being here - sending you hugs and happy thoughts. Audrey
Jodah,
Folks tend to spend way too much for Christmas and it's not necessary. In fact most of us appreciate home-made gifts more than store bought.
Thanks, Jodah for voting up and sharing. My best to you,
Audrey
velzipmur,
Thank you so much for confirming that my hub has inspired you. Exactly what I wanted to accomplish. I appreciate the vote up. - Audrey
I'm in for baking gifts to give to friends! Great list of ideas....there is something for everyone! :)
People tend to forget the value in handmade gifts.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Bill. I could have written ten times this amount but needed to stop before I get too carried away. :)
The frugal side of me can come on a bit strong.
I wish you and Bev a marvelous holiday season. Sending love, hugs and happy thoughts along.
Love,
Audrey
Dear Mike,
Thank you for taking the time to read this hub and leave me such a nice comment. You really are the best!
Hugs,
Audrey
Stephanie
Thank you so much for your helpful ideas on making gifts. I do love gift baskets.
I, too wish I had made more recordings of family and loved ones years ago. They are golden treasures for sure.
I appreciate your comments and know others do too. Thanks for the vote up and for sharing. Happy Holidays, Stephanie!
pstraubie48
I'm happy you like my hub and your comments are fantastic. Thank you so much for showing your appreciation by voting up and across as well as sharing.
Enjoy the holidays my friend. Audrey
I love your ideas, you have inspired me! voted up
Some wonderful tips here Audrey. Thank you for sharing. We are really trying to spend less money this year so this hub is very helpful. Voted up and shared.
Oh, this was a double post :) Take care, dear Audrey!
Excellent tips. thank you, Audrey!
You know this is a perfect article to read when we are trying to find creative ways to gift our friends and family.
Too often we do overlook the possibilities that our own interests and talents offer.
You certainly have provided a list that can jog our creative side to kick in and surprise someone with something truly unique and special.
Great hub Voted up ++++ and shared
I have always loved making homemade gifts for my friends and relatives, from baskets of homemade muffins to watercolor paintings. I love your idea of making recordings and wish I had thought of it years ago so that I could have recorded my grandchildren singing Christmas Carols or my grandparents telling stories. What a wonderful gift that would make to family members now. Thanks for some inspiring ideas! Voted up and shared.
Hello Audrey. This is packed with great gift ideas, and is timely thank you for the encouragement.
Great ideas, Audrey. The creative side of you is on full display in this article. Thanks for stirring my imagination, and Happy Holidays my friend.
love,
bill
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