LOW COST homemade christmas gifts

Wheekypigs

I used to make Christmas crackers.

You need:
- Cracker snaps (you can buy these very cheaply online)
- Coloured crepe paper
- Thin ribbon (the kind you put on presents)
- Empty toilet rolls
- Cheap little toys, sweets, messages etc.

To make them:
- Cut a strip of crepe paper that is wide enough to go around the toilet roll once and overlap a little, and long enough to stick out approx 3 inches either end. Put dabs of glue on the toilet roll all around and wrap the paper around. Put a few more dabs of glue on the outside of the paper where the overlap will stick down. Wait for the glue to dry.
- Thread a cracker snap through the tube and make sure it sticks out either end fairly evenly. Then twist one end of the paper and tie it closed with ribbon.
- Insert the treats you want into the cracker. The best thing about making your own is that you can customise each cracker for whoever you're giving it to.
- Twist and tie the other end of the paper and secure it with more ribbon.
- If you want, decorate the outside with stickers or more ribbon and bows.

CupcakeSquirrel

cabunny wrote: »

Like the chilli jam recipe - likes like even a beginner (me!!) could make it as long as let it reach high temp for 10 mins to set. do you know where I could get cheap jars and supplies to make pretty presents? thanks:j

I bought my jars from Jam Jar Shop. http://www.jamjarshop.com/buy/bargainboxes/?catid=43 - the box of 36 7oz jars has lasted me three years! I love the spotty lids.

toni_

hiya, been having a read of this thread and my do you have some great ideas! love the idea of making things, i would love to receive these kind of presents.

I saw on here the other day how to make your own clay type stuff out of flour etc, i was going to make hand prints of my daughter for people for christmas but can't find how to do it now, if anyone knows id appreciate it or where i could get some cheapish clay from, many thanks

building_with_lego

toni_ wrote: »

hiya, been having a read of this thread and my do you have some great ideas! love the idea of making things, i would love to receive these kind of presents.

I saw on here the other day how to make your own clay type stuff out of flour etc, i was going to make hand prints of my daughter for people for christmas but can't find how to do it now, if anyone knows id appreciate it or where i could get some cheapish clay from, many thanks

A quick google throws up this page- you can use it as play-dough or bake it. Thanks for the prompt- I "need" to make carrots and coal for my instant snowman kit and this will be perfect!

toni_

thanks very much, just what i was looking for

pinknfluffy28

kids have been busy this evening glueing the litttle shells we collected from our half term holiday onto wooden frames i got from wilkos for £1.99 each. They then sprinkled some glitter over the shells, the finished frames look great & im putting school photos of the girls in them & adding to grandparents hampers!
I also used the poem from the pint of socks , put onto a word document, added some clip art pics of beer, a suitable border & printed off in a4 size. I have put it in a frame we had already & am going to wrap for hubby from the dog, a little pressie that cost me nect to nothing & im sure he will love it!!!!

doraexplorer

lovely thread x

SunFlower73

funkydresser wrote: »

Hi all - I have bought some Victorian style plastic jars which I intend to fill with various Retro sweets, I many long hours searching through google to find some labels to download without any success, does anyone know of a site where I could find these, any help will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Love his idea, hope you don't mind me pinching it .

springdreams

Take a sock and put it in a cello bag with this poem:

"Official Santa Sock"

My puppy must have stolen it

On last year's Christmas Eve.

I hope that Santa's toes weren't froze
When he had to leave.
I'm passing it along to you
As quiet as a mouse!
And THIS year if he's lookin' for it
IT WON'T BE AT MY HOUSE!!!!

springdreams

Here is the poem I used for the wrapped toilet paper:

I bought this little gift for you,
I thought it was unique.
I bet you can't guess what it is,
So trendy and so chic.

You'll never get caught short again,
Now that you have this chum.
He's 'Charmin' and he's funny,
And he'll help you wipe your .... nose!