With just a little planning anyone can give a Christmas present which is original, thoughtful, recycled and home-made. It can even be one that will make a small difference to the environment. Giving gifts at Christmas is a tradition which has been passed down for generations. It is not just about how much money has been spent, it is also the time and effort put in that makes a gift special.
There really is nothing like making a Christmas present, putting a bit of “love” into it and then seeing the recipient break into a smile when they discover what is hidden behind the ribbon and recycled paper. There is a wealth of wonderful things to cook, craft, sew and even grow for that green Christmas of giving.
Knit a tea-cosy and add some organic tea, some embroidered napkin holders and a tablecloths. A patchwork table runner and place mats will make any table setting look beautiful. Some people will find the thought of making Christmas gifts a waste of time, but for others it’s a yearly routine which can save money too.
After another year of financial uncertainty, many households are looking at ways to cut the cost of Christmas, it may be setting a smaller budget, or choosing less commercialised presents and instead going for more imaginative ones. Taking a DIY approach to Christmas presents can be fun and money can be saved, this is money which can be used on heating bills or household insurance.
A popular gift is a cake stand as this can be made using upturned tea cups and can be made for next to nothing. Another idea is to make a large Christmas cake, then cut pieces from it and make mini Christmas cakes which can be individually decorated. These can then be put into home-made hampers for family members and can also include home-made jams, chutneys, even home-made truffles and assorted candies can be made at a much reduced cost. There is no end to what can be done, from infused olive oils to cakes, which will be as pleasurable to receive as they are to make.
Hand-made gifts do not have to look cheap; there are many websites that offer advice on how to do it. Gift sets in shops make ideal presents but you can easily group different items together, or pick and choose items for smaller presents if you are less confident about fabricating things on your own yet are keen to offer original gifts.
Tags: Christmas, DIY, Home Insurance