This time of year can be a mixture of fun and frustration.  When it comes to gifts, we all have those hard-to-buy-for people in our lives and the friend or family member who doesn’t give you any ideas.  If there is something they want or need, they just buy it themselves.  I have a few of those people on my gift list, and I always struggle with what to do for them.  I want them to know they are an important part of my life, but I’m not going to buy them something random just so that they have something to open.  This year, I’ve decided to make gifts for some of them.
 
I’m the first to admit that I’m not a crafty person.  I don’t have hobbies like scrapbooking, sewing or anything else that involves lots of creativity.  But I have found some things that I can do without too much difficulty, and they make for nice gifts.  The first is baking.  This year I’m making healthier versions of some of my favorite cookies and bread.  I found good banana and pumpkin bread recipes (that are not quite “health food” but not terribly unhealthy, either) that I’m making for my kids teachers.  Photo gifts work well, especially because I have young kids and I’m constantly taking pictures of them.  I’m framing a few good pictures, and making photo books or calendars (using an online photo site). 
 
Homemade gifts can help save money, which comes in handy whether you have two or twenty people on your list.   I always prefer receiving something someone made, because I feel like they put a lot of time and love into creating it.  I think it also cuts down on the unnecessary things people give.  Really, who needs another pair of Santa socks or candy dish full of chocolate? 
 
As the number of shopping days dwindles and you’ve still got people to check off your list, consider making them something.  You can save yourself from having to battle crowds at the mall, and also save some money at the same time!  Need more homemade gift ideas?  Check out 11 Healthy, Homemade Gift Ideas. 
 
Happy Holidays!