Did you know October is National Clergy Appreciation Month? Do you enjoy giving homemade gifts to your neighbors at Christmas time? Do you have a friend ho is tired, worn, and needs a little lift?
Each year, I enjoy giving some of my closer neighbors and some co-workers a homemade gift. I know that store-bought gifts are nice, but nothing says "I love you" or "you are important to me" more than a homemade gift?
The first year we moved into our neighborhood, I gave each family (only 5 that we're really close to) a homemade "Death by Chocolate" bundt cake on a glass plate I got at the dollar store. They got to keep the plate. Another year, I gave out miniature-sized bundt cakes on dollar store Christmas plates. One time, I gave out homemade Cheese Balls. Last year, I gave out a large box of hand made candies, spiced nuts and pretzels.
This year, I was starting to plan what I'm going to give out, when it occurred to me that many of you may enjoy to give out homemade gifts from time-to-time, whether it's for a neighbor, or a Pastor (or his wife!), one of your kids teachers, a good friend, or someone who has just had a baby.
It also occurred to me that many of you may not be "artsy-crafty" but still enjoy to give a good homemade gift that is affordable, creative, delicious. And, did I mention, inexpensive?
That sparked an idea ... In light of the fact that October is National Clergy Appreciation Month, and in light of the fact that Christmas is just around the corner, why don't we have a "Homemade Gift Idea Exchange?" I know there are tons of very creative women out there that have probably at one time or other given a homemade gift out, so I thought it would be fun to set up Mr. Linky (if I can figure that out), and each of you can post on your blog one, two ore even three (or more!) ideas for a homemade gift of some sort, along with the recipe and/or directions.
This way, we can all get new and wonderful ideas for those little gifts you want to give to teachers, Pastors, neighbors, friends, etc. And trust me when I say ... I have an ENTIRE slew of gift ideas to share with you!! Some of them even include scripture!
And the greatest thing is ... that most of the gifts, like "Gifts in a Jar" or "Gifts in a Basket" or "Cake on a Plate" don't require you to be artsy-crafty, creative, or Martha Stewart. And, many items can be purchased at the dollar store.
And, if you're anything like me, I like to prepare well ahead of time for Christmas. I get so busy during that time of year, and I like to know that all my little homemade gifts are done with plenty of breathing time to spare during the holiday rush. I will usually try to take some time during Thanksgiving weekend to bake and freeze, or pre-measure, etc.
So, I invite you all to put on your thinking caps, and share your favorite homemade gift ideas with us. Please spell out all the details so that even the most non-creative person will have no difficulty jumping in, rolling their sleeves up, and putting together a homemade gift.
When: Monday, October 23, 2006
Where: Post ideas on your blog, and come over to mine
What: Any homemade gift idea you would
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7 comments:
Wow, can't wait! Sounds neat. Now I'm wishing I had taken pictures last year of the stuff we made!
That's a really good idea - I'm totally not crafty, but I do give food gifts, so I'll try and participate!
Great idea! I'll see what I can come up with to participate. I love the graphic you've designed for this homemade gift idea exchange. I'll throw it up on my sidebar as a reminder. I'll even mark my calendar to further remind me. :)
I hope you don't mind me giving you a heads up on the fact that I'm hosting a Holiday Cooking, Blogger Style recipe exchange today.
Any chance you'd like to submit a family recipe? :)
GiBee, this is a fabulous idea, especially as we were going to forgo any Christmas stuff this year. Inexpensive is the word that got me! I'm not all that crafty (in the good sense), but I've got a couple things up my sleeves. Well, I will when it quits being 95 degrees around here anyway...
Sounds like a plan...I have always given baskets at Christmas with Italian themes...pasta, pesto, pampered chef items.....and in the middle of all of this...my homemade spagetti sauce...with my recipe typed and attached....people love it and I gt everything at the dollar store except the pampered chef stuff....I have a friend who sells it..the basket may cost me total $20- $25...but its from the heart..I call it "A Night in Italy"
Jen
Just wanted to say that this is my first visit to your blog and I really enjoyed it [and will be back!] *Smile*
Have a great day!
Love,
Jennelle
I've never done this before, but I stumbled over your website and was wondering if you could help me. Some years ago I attended a Christian womens' fellowship luncheon (here in Hong Kong) and were were each given a little bag which contained things like: candle, safety pin, bandaid, tissue, etc. and each represented something (i.e. a tissue for wiping away tears). I can't remember all the items the bags contained and thought someone could help me. What I want to do is post (and living in Australia)and with each little item I want to attach a Scripture verse - all with the idea of reminding him of God's love and presence and comfort in the years to come. Am I making myself clear? Can anyone help? My name is Robyn and I don't have a web page ... so responses would be appreciated via email at: camerons@netvigator.com
Thank you all so much and may God bless you!
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