As I’m putting together this new blog (exciting, huh!) it’s freezing cold and snowing like crazy. Only 5 shopping days left ’til Christmas and only the desperate should be out in this weather.
That being said I know there are plenty of desperate people out there ready to risk life and limb to get the perfect presents. If you’re one of them, let me remind you that the best gift you can give is yourself…get my drift?
So take your coat off, sit down and let’s get creative!
Of course you’re used to using the Internet to go shopping…but unless you want to pay exorbitant shipping fee to get packages received by the 24th, let’s focus on a few things you can make at home instead.
A Little Sparkle Goes A Long Way
There are a couple of ways to go about creating unique, giftable jewelry. You can either raid your jewelry box and “re-think” items you no longer use or you can start fresh.
When looking in your jewelry box, consider the current trends like mixing metals, draping chains and adding ribbons when selecting pieces to use. Then get creative and start mixing it up! Got a broken chain necklace? Attach several small sections together to form the front part of a necklace, then add ribbon that will tie up and over your neck. Or create a beautiful bib necklace: cut a bib out of suede or silk and cover it by sewing on brooches or earrings that have lost their backings or other faux gems.
If you’d like to try your hand at crafting something new, here’s a simple idea. Thread thick stringing wire or string through beads intertwined with ribbon. Rather than trying to craft something perfect here, the more assymetrical the better! Wrap some beads with ribbon, leave some undone, etc. Be sure to tie off your string well and leave enough ribbon at each end to reach around your neck and tie in a bow. If you want super simple yet super chic, simply knot the ribbon in between each bead (just be sure beads are large/chunky).
Get Out the Apron and Oven Mitts!
Think outside the cookie jar on this one. Maybe the person you want to gift is having company for Christmas or New Years. Make your gift a homemade pie or dessert they can serve. Be sure the baking dish or any serving utensils you hand over are part of the gift!!
Do you have a secret talent for canning? Whip up a batch of homemade jelly or jam and tie a big bow around the jar.
If all else fails, a plate of delicious cookies will please anyone on your list!
Randomly Creative Stuff
One time a good friend noticed that I didn’t have a wreath on my front door, so she went to the local supermarket and purchased a plain pine wreath then adorned it with a beautiful red and gold plaid bow, some pine cones and feathers and tucked in a wooden cardinal in a nest. When Christmas was over I took off the decorations and kept them for the next year when I was inspired to create my own wreath and more for friends!
Another easy idea is to create a gift basket with themed items. I’m not talking Star Wars here (unless that’s your recipients thing!) I’m talking about creating a basket based around an idea such as Date Night, Family Movie Night, Spa Day, etc. You can include food items like popcorn or ingredients for a simple meal, a bottle of wine, a few gently used DVDs for Movie Night, a coupon for babysitting for Date Night…you get the idea. The best part is you really don’t have to spend a lot of money to put together something nice.
And lastly, if you need something more substantial but don’t have a lot a cash, log onto your airline or credit card rewards program and cash in points for everything from gift cards to electronics. Quick, easy and utilizing something that many of us forget about!!
Stay safe, stay warm and share your ideas for creative gifting in a pinch!
