Gift Making Guide | Family Economics

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Gift Making Guide | Family Economics

2012 Gift Guide

Handmade gifts have never been so popular and when you’re on a budget, making holiday gifts can often save families a lot of money. Just as most recipients would, I adore receiving handmade gifts. Even if you’re not a skilled crafter, you can create lovely gifts for the special people in your life by following easy, step-by-step instructions for homemade projects shared by crafty bloggers like yours truly!

I’ve put together a gift-making guide with quick links to some of my favorite, easy-to-make craft projects. To learn more about each, simply click on a photo. Most of these crafts can be made for under $10 and with the right supplies; all can be crafted in a day. I’ve divided them into categories of gifts for Her, Him, Teacher, Co-workers and Friends, and Stocking Stuffers.

GIFTS FOR HER

Blossom Penny Pendant, Apothecary Towels, Doily T-shirt

Blossom Penny Pendant Apothecary Towels Doily T-Shirt

Book Boxes, Recipe Card Wreath, Family Necklace

Book Boxes Recipe Card Wreath Family Necklace

Paper Tape, Food Linens, Vintage Book Planner

Paper Tape Food Linens Vintage Book Planner

Business Card Holder, Bird Nest Pendant, Quilt Candles

Business Card Holder Bird Nest Pendant Quilt Candles

GIFTS FOR HIM

Book Expanding File, T-shirt Scarf, iPod Case

Book Expanding File T-shirt Scarf iPod Case

Rice Heating Pad, Card Deck Art, Hand Painted Sign

Rice Heating Pad Card Deck Art Hand Painted Sign

Boxed Note Cards, Leather Key FOB, Luggage Tags

Boxed Note Cards Leather Key Fob Luggage Tag

GIFTS FOR TEACHERS, CO-WORKERS & FRIENDS

Personalized Note Cards, Paper Hardware Boxes, Washi Tape Flowers

Personalized Note Cards Paper Hardware Boxes Washi Tape Flowers

Wrapping Paper Tape, Stationery Set, Bookplates

Wrapping Paper Tape Stationery Set Bookplates

STOCKING STUFFERS

Pocket Notebooks, Upcycled Notebooks, Card Fans

Pocket Notebooks Upcycled Notebooks Card Fans

Gift Coupons, Growth Chart, Paper Tape & Stickers

Gift Coupons Growth Chart Paper Tape & Stickers

Custom Pencils, People Notecards, Memory Game

Custom Pencils People Notecards Memory Game

Play Checks, Child Bookplates, Baby Fun

Play Checks Child Bookplates Baby Fun

For even more gift making ideas, visit some of my favorite craft blogs:

What type of gift will you be handcrafting this year?

Photos courtesy of Cathe Holden.

17 Comments so far

On Friday, December 28, 2012, Hattie in the Redwoods wrote

I love these! I have wanted to make the growth chart and just realized my printer can handle legal size paper. My kindergarten students will love to see it when school starts again. My daughter laughed at the 7 foot mark: "In your eyes only, they will all get that big." Thanks so much for your generosity and inspiration!

On Tuesday, December 18, 2012, Lindy in VA wrote

There are enough ideas here to keep me busy for a year! Thanks so much for sharing your creativity with us all. Merry Christmas!

On Friday, December 14, 2012, amy/grrlTravels. from NJ wrote

Thank you for so many wonderful ideas all in one place. I may try to squeeze in a few this weekend!

On Friday, December 14, 2012, Kate from Australia wrote

You are such a wonder and delight..Thanks for the re-cap - I've actually thoroughly enjoyed making the things from a lot of these tutes already! You always impress.

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, Sonja from MO wrote

These are great, thanks!!

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, MM from Vermont wrote

Now there is something for everyone! I do think people really do appreciate a handmade homemade gift...very thoughtful and personal. Cathe has very fresh, fun ideas!

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, Jen B wrote

I love the penny blossom pendant, I may have to get some Amazing Glaze just for that!

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, 1craftybee wrote

Great Charming Ideas! Always a source of inspiration.

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, Anne, yourmainestamper wrote

Love your gift suggestions. Bookmarked a few using old books as I love to repurpose them as well and you have some great suggestions. I particularly like both the day planner and the expandable file. May need to make a couple this weekend as last minute gifts. Thanks so much for your blog and all of the inspiration you offer! Happy Holidays!!!

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, Mary wrote

I will definitely try your great ideas! Thank you Cathe! Your so talented!!

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, Rachel wrote

I'm giving a book to each of my children. These child bookplates would really personalize the gift! Thanks for sharing this. A good reminder to make my gifts truly memorable!

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, craftyamanda wrote

Thanks for the great ideas! I like to make as many gifts as possible, and am starting to run out of ideas, these are super!

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, Amy from Atlanta wrote

What a great gift guide! So many of these things I would love to make - hard to choose!

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, Amy @ Living Locurto wrote

I love all of your creative ideas Cathe!! You are such an inspiration. Thanks for the shout out. Merry Christmas!

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, Julie wrote

Wow. All excellent and classy ideas! I'm definitely going to be making some of these! Thanks, you've saved Christmas. :-D

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, Kristyn from Michigan wrote

Thanks for some good ideas! I'm working away today & tomorrow finishing my handmade items!

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, Mz V from Texas wrote

NO one can create craft projects like Cathe Holden. I have become a big fan, and have attempted several of these projects with my niece. It's become our favorite time together! Thank you SO much for sharing your talents with all of us!

Thank You

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