HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

Christmas is just 2 weeks away. I bet that everyone is busy thinking what Christmas presents to buy for your friends, family members and special ones during this hectic season. Buying presents has been a tradition for everyone in the world, a token of appreciation, love and warmth. However, not everyone has the extra money to buy presents especially this time of the year. Some are on tight budget just like me. Make a good use of the things lying around the house. Cards, wrapping papers, unused book, wires, flour, butter are all useful items.

Sending Christmas cards has been a yearly routine for me since I was young. Now, I don't buy them. Instead, I make Christmas cards which takes a little effort and need some time for creating more ideas. I can make the cards exactly as what I have in mind. Hand made cards are beautiful, creative, save money and being appreciated by someone. Some may find that handmade cards are unique christmas gift. If the person you are planning to send to doesn't like cheap stuff, don't send it. It may be cheap but the thoughts that counts.

Here are some ideas for you to make some homemade Christmas presents which might delight and  brighten up your friends and family spirits.

You can make:-

It is best to use manilla card. Decorating the front of the card signifies your creativity. Write a special Christmas greeting message inside the card with a black or red marker. Here's a simple JOY CARD which I had made.

You will need:

• 1 long white string with a needle
• 1 piece of manilla card (any color)
• 1 small piece of pink /red color paper
• 1 small piece of cream color paper
• 1 long white string / thread
• glue,scissors,pencil and ruler

METHOD:

• Measure and cut the manilla card 6 x 6 inch. Fold into half.

• Cut the pink/red color paper 6 x 1.5inch strip.
• Hand tear the bottom strip.

• Cut the cream color paper into 4 small circle using a coin or bottle.
• Draw the letter J, O and Y on each circle with a black marker. Draw 2 wave lines on the last circle.

• Sew the circle joining all the 3 circles onto the manilla card and tie a know at the back of the card.
• Glue J,O and Y onto the manilla card.
• Sew the last circle onto the pink/red color card and tie a knot.
• Glue the circle onto the manilla card.

Write a "JOY TO THE WORLD, CHRISTMAS IS HERE!" or any desired Christmas message you want inside the card with a red marker.

Yes, make your very own Santa Claus bookmark for your friend. I'm sure your friend will always remember you every time he or she sees it. You can color it with crayons or color pencils to brighten up the picture. 

You will need:

a manilla card or any unused boxes (milk / flour paper box)

a pencil for drawing

a ruler for measuring

scissors

a coin or any circle items

green or any color paper

glue

red ribbon

marker pen ( red and black)

• Cut a rectangle about 5cm x 15cm out of the manilla card
• Cut a rectangle about 12cm x 18cm out of the green color paper
• Glue and paste the card onto one side of the paper
• Glue along all the sides of the color paper
• Fold in and paste them. Make sure all sides are stick together
• Punch a hole in the upper part of the card
• Draw a Santa Claus on the paper
• Tie a red ribbon about 6cm long through the hole
• Done. You can add some colors to the picture.

Don't spend money on buying cookies. You should try your hand on baking some cookies for gifts. Furthermore, they are made originally from you. Kids and adults love cookies at all festive seasons. After baking them, store them in air-tight container, wrap it up with a transparent color plastic wrapper and tie it with a red ribbon. Don't forget the Christmas card!

Go to this link for Christmas Coconut Cookie

I am sure you are going to like this.

If you are good at cross-stitching, sew a Santa or Christmas tree and frame it up. You don't have to stitch a big area because it takes too much time. Remember you are racing against time now. Find a small picture and maybe just stitch "MERRY CHRISTMAS" will do. Cross-stitching with frames always brings fond memories to me. 

If your friends or family members love baking or cooking, gather all your newspaper or magazines cuttings, photos, old grandmother's recipes and paste them into a book. Add some color papers with shapes and sizes, stickers, price tags or pictures drawn. Make your recipe book comes alive with various photos, advices, hints and tips. I have one which I made myself. Mostly from newspaper cuttings because they are free and colorful with wonderful useful tips. I use supermarket brochure for the book cover and handwritten the title instead of using computer printouts. The instructions, methods are taken from my mom, neighbors and aunts.

Some people prefers to eat than receiving presents. My family and relatives are the ones with sweet tooth. Luckily for me, baking is my favorite hobby. Lemon cake is sweet not sour at all because you uses the lemon grated skin and very little lemon juice. Choose other flavors instead like chocolate, strawberries, blueberries or marble-cake. Freshly bake from oven, send your cake present immediately before it turns soggy. Put them in fridge to keep the cake interior intact.

Try this Lemon Cake from my blog

Moist texture with sweet chocolate chips and raisins This muffin recipe is simple, quick and easy and if you are using a twelve hole muffin tin.The inner texture is moist and soft, doesn't stick to your teeth. There are wide variety of muffins which are healthy , delicious and convenient to bring along especially to work, school, picnic and great for a quick snack while driving in a traffic jam. A perfect gift for small eaters.