Best gift you didn''t buy to give

[Peepa]

I try to give gifts such as pictures in frames and hand made beaded jewelry to give to loved ones. Do you guys have any other ideas on gifts that I can make but of course isn''t cheesy?

 

[Independent Gal]

I like to give baked goods or home-made truffles, shows you put time into it and everybody loves to eat them!

 

[Delster]

For smaller occasions (if I''m invited over to someone''s home for dinner, or for a friend''s birthday), I usually bake buns. Quick and easy and always appreciated!

For bigger occasions (new baby, close family or friend''s birthday), I knit something. I make sure it''s classic and useful. Small blankets that will fit in a cot. Scarves. Mittens. Socks. Men love getting hand knitted socks. One guy friend has been literally begging me for socks. He sends me monthly reminders of how many months till his birthday! I make everything in practical, neutral colours, and with minimal patterning.

 

[Peepa]

Those sound like great presents but I can''t bake and I can''t knit.

 

[Erin]

Christmas ornaments - using your jewelry making skills

 

[rainydaze]

personalized stamps (use your own photos of you & FI/DH, kids, hometown scenes, etc.). they are especially great for grandparents on a limited income as they help out with an expense, encourage correspondance, and offer a picture of you & loved ones! my dad has also been an amateur photographer since he was a teen, so i made some using some great nature shots of his. he loved it! and, i also put one stamp on a nice white cardstock and framed it, which made for a nice keepsake showpiece on his desk.