Homemade Gifts

Posted by Coralie on Oct 13, 2011 in Art & Craft | 1 comment

Last year, when I wrote down my Christmas gift shopping list, I gasped. Wow. All that? It was not the expensive objects, but actually the accumulation of smaller gifts that will blow your budget in no time. So, I turned to homemade gifts which made the week-ends a lot more fun and useful all year round. Why not start collecting ribbons, lovely bottles and jars and give those a try?

• Prepare your own flavoured oils. Fill your contenant to a quarter with dried herbs or chillies. Top with good quality oil. Seal and leave aside for a month to allow the flavour to fully infuse the liquid.
• Buy A4 magnetic sheets (if your craft shop does not sell them, a number of websites do). They fit in your printer and allow you to create your own magnet. A great idea for thank you notes, invites or you holiday memories.
• Make your own pesto. Just blend 25g fresh basil, 150ml olive oil, 25g pine nuts and 2 garlic cloves together. Be adventurous with herbs. Mint and rocket work greattoo! (If you are keeping those for yourself, try freezing them in ice cube trays too).
• Are you a keen gardener? Collect seeds from the garden, place them in cute envelopes and create a themed basket. Children will love painting terracotta pots for their grandparents and with a little varnish, the drawings are sure to stay.
• Chocolate truffles and chocolate spreads will make you the best guest ever.
• If you have ever printed your own T-shirt transfers, why not go the extra mile? They can transform a bland teatowel or fabric bag.

• Choose your favourite brownie or muffin recipe and add the dry goods in layers in a beautiful jar. Don’t forget to add plenty of chocolate chips! Add a ribbon and print a gift tag. This gift is ideal for friends who are always short on time and all they need to do is add a couple of eggs to the mix. Why not try a savoury version for a risotto? Dried mushrooms and herbs will also look fantastic.
• Is one of your friend about to have a baby? Compile your favourite soothing music or nursery rhymes. Always a nice, personal touch.

• I have always loved teacup candles but they can be so expensive! Hunt for cups in charity shops and car boot sales instead (they are even cheaper without the saucer, just avoid those with cracks as they will break from the heat). Craft stores sell wicks and wax that are easy to use. Alternatively, you can melt discarded candles and reuse the wax. If you choose a glass instead make sure it is thick, though, and you can layer different colours for a rainbow effect.
• A winter warmer: in a mason jar add a layer of fruit (pear, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, etc.), add the same weight in sugar and cover in brandy. Start again with another layer until full. Leave aside for 3 months, or it will taste way too alcoholic. This can be served in liquor glasses or on ice cream. A perfect finish for a gorgeous meal!

What about you? What is your favourite homemade gift?

Photography by The World Through Athene’s Eyes, elana’s pantry and ecram1