It's gonna be a homemade Christmas this year

[mimithemommy]

And as hard as it is to decide what to get DH"s family with store bought gifts, this will be even harder.

I'm thinking to sew one of his grandmas an apron. The other I'm gonna regift some B&BW stuff.

The rest of them?? I have no clue.:dunno: They make you feel so cheesy giving home made gifts...it's really sad. None of them really have any hobbies or interests. His sisters like to smoke...maybe i can make cigarette cases...:biglaugh: just kidding I won't support that.

Anyway, if you have any ideas, please pass them along!

[Amy F in LA]

www.familyfun.com

They usually have some cute homemade stuff that you can do. I'm sorry they don't have any manners. Homemade gifts require more effort and time and should be appreciated.

Oh, and for that aunt who smokes....Nicorette!!

[Kelly]

The apron idea sounds really nice.
Maybe make a nice wreath for each of their homes to hang on the front door------
Or embroider some dish towels and matching potholders or crochet those tops and buttons on dish towels.
Or buy some wicker baskets and make cloth liners for them and fill them with the B&BW lotions and bath gels and stuff for the women and maybe manly baskets for the men.
I love getting lotions and facial scrubs and bath and shower gel.
HAHAAHA Yes, a basket of Nicorette for the lady who smokes and some breath mints!

[iglow81]

What about those recipes that you put the dry ingredients into a jar and send along a list of the dry ingredients to add. They're really cute, and make great gifts, because you can get homemade soups, cookies, and muffins with just a few ingredients when you have them.

I have a few recipe books for them if you are interested I could post a few of the recipes.

[babyluvr]

I don't want to sound like a grinch, but is it really necessary to exchange gifts with every family member? Could you draw a name or two? Maybe they would like to cut back too but are afraid to ask?:dunno:

I discovered I was just wasting too much time and energy (and in some cases money) every season worrying about what I was going to buy people for Christmas. We stopped giving gifts to my sister and her family a couple years ago. Just couldn't afford it. And my dh's parents and my dad get gift cards to a restaurant - that's it. When you're in your late 70's to early 80's, there's not a whole lot you can buy that they don't already have!:laugh:

[mimithemommy]

babyluvr that is an excellent idea. One that I have mentioned every Christmas that DH & I have been together, and no one wants to do that. We did that with my ex-dh's family and it was a lot of fun, and very stress free. It was nice to concentrate on one person and get the chance to make them feel really special.

Alas, not happening with this family. :gaah:

iglow, I would love some of your recipes. I made cookies in a jar (pampered chef batter bowl...my friend sells PC and gives me her discount!) last Christmas for all the teachers and I know a couple of them used them. It's also something DS can easily help make and he loves to be in the kitchen. I'll take any recipe you have...soups sound fun too!!

[thebeckery]

Mimi-

Inbox me your address....I can send you a booklet (or copies of it) that might help!

[paliz]

I so agree with the dishes and the jar recipes. You could put together a nice combo in a basket and be done. Other ideas that I done have been a move at home basket. If you can, maybe some homemade jellies or spaghetti sauces could be nice. I don't know what type of crafts you do exactly but a nice shawl or poncho could be crocheted/knitted. Or a nice scarf and hat set. Slippers would be another thing. I hope YOU are able to enjoy the holiday season.