Something Different for Gifts of Every Kind

I've always loved celebrations with all the people, food and excitement. Somehow the gift giving was not the highlight of the celebration, just a fun part of it. If you have the time to make your own gifts they can mean so much more to the people receiving them.

By using the suggestions below, you can make any celebration the beginning of a tradition that will mean more than all the expensive gifts combined.

If you have young children, you can have them draw pictures or color something from a coloring book, then put a small copy of their school picture, or any picture of them for that matter, in one corner of the picture and frame it with a small note in the other corner giving the name of the author, date, and a warm greeting.

You can also the picture frame with your kids to give as gifts. Just take two large (about 2" larger than the picture) sturdy pieces of cardboard and cut out the center of one so that the picture will show through. Decorate the cut piece with colorful cloth, wrapping paper, macaroni stained with food coloring and then pasted on, glitter or anything else the kids suggest. Let your imagination run wild (and the kids as well). Then place the picture in a clear plastic bag or plastic wrap (tape the plastic securely to the back of the photo). Secure the picture to the uncut piece of cardboard with tape or glue and then place the cut piece over it, centered over the picture, and glue it down. When it dries you will have a wonderful gift for any member of the family.

Take a plain white table cloth (doesn't have to be fancy, even a sheet will do if it will fit the table) ironed and set out on a plastic covered surface. Separate it into small squares using a ruler and permanent ink pen (if you like), then write or draw pictures in each of the squares (have the kids do the same). You could even have everyone write or draw something on on the cloth. Or you could use a scanner to create transfers of pictures that you can put on the tablecloth.

Be sure to let the ink dry and then sew the pieces together using bright squares for added color.. Use a light blanket or sheet for a backing. If you like, you can quilt it as well. This can be a blanket, table cloth or afghan. This will bring back memories for many years to come. Good for Grandparents or favorite aunts and uncles. Be sure to note that the tablecloth will have to be hand washed when you present the gift.

Buy plain plastic or glass ornaments and have the kids (or anyone else who would like to help) decorate them with glitter, stickers, sparkles, or anything else you would like. Put a colorful ribbon through the loop at the top and tie a small knot. You can make ornaments for anything, including cheering on your favorite team or saving that rock from your special place.

Hosting a party can be a hectic time and people are usually pretty worn out by the end of the day. To help out, print, color, write, or decorate small pieces of card stock with the words 'Gift Certificate' on the top and something that you will do for them listed below. It could be something simple like:

• clean a room for them
• walk their dog one day
• take them to the store
• help take down the party decorations.

As long as it is something that you know they will enjoy (or be happy about) you can write it on the certificate and give the certificate as your gift. Make up several so they can enjoy a special gift year round, or just one that's super special. These types of gifts are relatively easy to give and cost practically nothing, but mean the world to the receiver.

Purchase a medium tote or basket and fill it with small things that you know the person can use or often runs out of like stationary, their favorite body wash, measuring sets if they bake a lot, pens and pencils, samples of favorite coffees, or peanut butter and jelly for their favorite sandwich. You can just put the things in and give it to them with a bow or you can wrap each item before setting it in the tote or basket for extra unwrapping excitement.

Bake...Bake...Bake-You can make just about anything you would like to put in the tote or basket including cookies, cakes, breads, candies, fudge, cup cakes, etc. You can also wrap them in colorful plastic wrap and cover them with a pretty bow. These things are always popular especially if it's something that they don't usually have.

Remember, whatever you make will mean much more to the person receiving it because you have made it yourself with love and your own form of creativity. Have fun this celebration and make your families dreams really come true (well, in a manner of speaking). Bake, color, decorate and design to your hearts content for the person who will be celebrating whatever holiday. This is the memory that can never be made again especially when the kids help.