Ideas for home-made gifts for x'mas please

fizzyfeet_2

https://www.papertoys.com

This site has got some good things to print out, particulary like the new vw and the paper doll. I'm going to put together a little kit for my 7yr old DS, a few print outs, some colouring pens, and pritt stick or double sided sticky tape. Should keep him quiet for a while, although I don't think he'd want the doll!

Sallys_Savings

fizzyfeet wrote:

I would love to make these, was thinking of doing some other flavours/scents aswell as lavender (maybe chocolate using cake flavouring or cinammon!) I did find a huge sack on the internet, but I really don't want that much, and don't have anyone to share with, is there anywhere that I could go and buy a smaller amount, say enough for 4 or 5? Did try Tesco's and Holland & Barratt, but none in there.....

Thanks

Hi fizzy feet...orange is another lovely scent which I have used.
I've also made hand rests for the computer keyboard using wheat (well not for the keyboard for the person using it )
I have brought some from our local health food shop before but it was more expensive, perhaps your local one would order some in for you?

Sallys_Savings

Bit sad but while I've been ironing I've thought of a few other things that I've made over the years.

Personalised draw string bags for laundry, toys etc.

Door storage hangers - made from squares of fabric and patch pockets.
Also you can use a pair of old jeans (great for teenagers), hang on a coat hanger (cover with spare denium from another pair of jeans) behind the door and add extra pockets, sparkly bits, patches etc and are great for putting hairdryers, shoes, hair bits anything really in. Even stick old cds on the pockets for a teenage boy.

Send off for freebies to start a sleepover kit, pamper, etc...just pop them all into a basket.

Make a puppet theatre..either by using fabric to go over a table and make the rectangle hole on one edge with curtains etc.
or make one that gos on a door frame..u just need fabric and a few pieces of cane/wood baton and two hooks. Attach two hooks at the top of the door frame (this is where you will slot the cane/wood from the theatre). You make up a length of fabric (I managed to get striped fabric at £1 a yard for this but anything can do..old curtain..sheets etc) You sew a tube for the cane/wood to go through at the top of the fabric and another at the bottom. Two thirds up (depending on the height of the kids using it)you make a rectangle hole. Add curtains and another wooden pole at the bottom and the top of the whole if you think it needs it. Its really simple to do.
If you make up some puppets yourself and then you can make a few "kits" up so the children can make their own up. Pop into an old icecream/marg tub everything they need for a puppet with a piccie stuck to the top or you could just give a big tub with everything they need inside so they can do it how they wish. Put in single old gloves, paper bags, wooden spoons, old socks, ping pong balls, pieces of wool, felt, fur, fabric, glitter, googly eyes, feathers, stickers, if they're old enough needles and thread, glue, double sided tape, ribbons, string, etc. etc. (wilkinsons do lots of these things cheap)

If you're arty enough, how about childrens door signs/plaques you can buy the blanks off of ebay or just use wood from your local handyman.

Personalised mouse mat?

There was a thread about memory books that are a good idea for older children and hardly cost a thing, but time.

Make up cds of your childrens favourite songs..just download onto your computer and pop onto a cd and design a jazzy personalised front cover for it. This is great for little ones as well as the older teenagers.

If you (like me) end up buying siblings to siblings presents how about everyone join in by doing a promises cheque book. I.e. I'll wash your car, I'll help you with your homework etc. etc.

A collage of photographs popped into a plain glass fronted clip frame.

morganb

stressedoutmother wrote:

That sounds great - did you get the children to hand print? Did you have to use fabric paint?

Other suggestions for aprons are to buy plain adult ones, cut up to make 2 kids' ones and decorate all girlie with cheap stuff from local fabric shop.

Hiya
Yes, we got fabric paint, some dark pink, some green and some bronze, and it was very christmassy and really good fun; in fact, my DH and I joined in, too!
Off to do our own soon ...

FemmeAuFoyer

havekidsamskint wrote: »

I make jewellery,

You can start fairly cheaply and also make gifts for MIL/friends xmas and birthdays throughout the year. Kids stuff is pretty chep to make and is a great standby for unexpected birthday party pressies.

PM me if you want more info

I'd love to make jewellery also, could you post a few links please?
TIA

Sallys_Savings

b3stgifts wrote: »

If you want to save money I can recommend you this site - http://paintyourlife.com/.
See it if you are interested.
You can get free shipping, oil paintings and mentionsome benefits the site has.
That would be a great gift for you or somebody you love.

SPAM...THE POSTER IS PUTTING THIS UP EVERYWHERE TO ADVERTISE AT LEAST 70 TIMES