There was a time when a simple doll created from corn husks would be treasured by a little girl. And an orange and some peppermint candy in a stocking would be such a treat! We all know that the modernized world has really spoiled us, but do we still appreciate everything as much? We all work very hard and as the cost of things and the landfills rise, perhaps we can think back to the joy of a simple gift.

I love that many of the younger generation are desiring land, homesteads, and are shunning big corporations for small businesses and for their own creativity. My daughter, Emily, is not buying a single thing this year. She is handmaking dozens of gifts this year to give. I find myself excited to see what she made me!

I, too, am handmaking gifts. But commercialism has taught us that a homemade gift is cheap (we know this is not true!) and not as good as a store bought gift. So, I also spent way too much money on Amazon, thinking that was the only way I could afford gifts for everyone! Oh my goodness, talk about practicing what I preach! I am so adamant about supporting small business (since I myself am a small business owner!), but I fell into a clicking frenzy and have jipped myself of the joy of shopping for my family. Or of just offering homemade items like Emily. I am rewiring a lot of my thinking this coming year, I assure you. They are all getting one handmade gift from me at least.

Let us think of beautiful things we can gift our friends and family that are meaningful, useful, and valuable. Here are a few ideas:

• Sugar Scrubs- fill a small canning jar with sugar. Add 30 drops of floral essential oil (half that for volatile oils, like mint) per cup of organic sugar. Fill with olive oil. Replace lid and shake or stir with a chop stick. Try in a four ounce jar, sugar, 7 drops of peppermint, and 7 drops of vanilla. Candy cane sugar scrub!
• Salt Bath- fill a small canning jar with 50/50 baking soda and sea salt. Add essential oil and olive oil and blend. Use a tablespoon in a bath. Try in a four ounce jar, adding salt, baking soda, a nice oil, and 7 drops of rose, and 7 drops of lavender for a romantic blend.
• Hop on YouTube and learn how to make lotion, or soap, or candles!
• What is your talent?
• Can you propagate a houseplant for someone?
• Crochet them a blanket.
• Weave them a shawl.
• Paint them a picture. Or greeting cards.
• How about a painted box with real photographs inside of their family?
• Can you sew them a simple lap quilt?
• Create some recipe cards for someone.
• Make coupons for cooking classes. Or gardening classes!
• A letter expressing your feelings.
• Homemade herb seasonings with a wooden spoon in a hand sewn stocking.

There are unending projects and ideas out there that only you can create with your own talents and heart. You can save money and give a meaningful gift. We’ll have less shipping, less environmental destruction, and more heartfelt holidays.

What are some of your ideas for homemade gifts?