Stitches and Stuff: Holidays on the horizon
Tuesday, October 7, 2008 3:47 PM PDT
By Melisse Laing
For The Daily News
Printable version
E-mail this articleRecently a friend reminded me that the Christmas holidays are about two months away. Wow! How time does fly. Here are some ideas to inspire you to get going on your holiday gifts.
Make a list of family and friends to whom you give gifts. Keep the list handy but hidden from those with whom you live. As people mention things they would like to have, write these on the list. I visited my sister and husband in California last month; while helping in the kitchen, I got a several ideas of things she needs.
Consider the same gift for many on your list. Last year I made napkins and napkin rings. “Family” gifts — good for all ages and without sizing problems — are a good choice.
We all like to eat so food is always a welcome gift. Homemade jams, jellies, pickles and relishes are always well received. Decorate them with pretty labels. A circle of fabric put over the lid and secured with the jar ring is an easy decoration. If you’re not into canning, you can make up food baskets. I enjoy giving a meal — recipe and ingredients all tied up in a pretty dish towel.
If you’re a gardener or have a gardener on your list, the gift of a plant start from your own garden is special. Put it in a pretty pot that the recipient can use later. Pots are on sale at many stores right now. Or get an inexpensive plastic carrier and fill it with seeds — from your garden or commercial — plant food, a small bag of fertilizer, a pair of garden gloves and other gardening items.
What I call “kid packs” are always well received — a special coloring book or colored paper, crayons, markers, scissors, glue stick, stickers, stamps. Put them all together in a carrying bag, either one your purchase or one you make yourself out of leftover fabric. I’ve found that adults like them, too.
Make your own photo calendars. You can use a program on your computer, purchase a blank calendar that allows photo inserts at a stationary store, or take photos to a copy company to assemble a calendar. I’ve made them with photos we’ve taken from a special trip or event — like a wedding — and with old family photos. They are gifts that last all year long.
It’s not too early to get started so you have time to relax as the holidays draw nearer.
Past Month's Most Commented Stories