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How to Make Your Own Gifts
When it comes to gift-giving, it really is the thought that counts. A homemade gift can be far more meaningful, not to mention cheaper, than yet another Starbucks gift card. Many homemade gifts can be constructed from objects and materials you already have in your possession, while others may need to be purchased, usually for a small amount. The key to making the perfect homemade gift really is equal parts creativity and thriftiness, with a little bit of thoughtfulness and time thrown in for extra measure.
Making your own gifts may require extra effort in the creativity department, but that's why people love them. Even if you do not consider yourself a creative person, that does not mean you cannot be creative in the gift making and gift giving department. A big part of the creativity comes from the brainstorming effort, and many of the opportunities available today arise from computer programs and the internet, both of which can help you in the creativity department. The key is to tap into your own abilities as an artisan, abilities you may not realize you have until you start making a list.
If you would like to learn more about making your own gifts, this how-to guide offers tips, tricks and advice on how to make your own gifts for any occasion. -
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Tips
- Brainstorm ideas based on your own skills, and the interests of the person you are making the gift for
- Start planning early, considering the amount of time it may take to make your gift
- Decide whether you want to create a gift from scratch, or get help from computer programs
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Step 2: Brainstorm Gift Ideas
- As you brainstorm homemade gift ideas for your friends and family, keep your time and supply budget in mind. Otherwise, let your imagination run wild.
- Consider Your Talents: Are you an artist, writer or musician? Your talents are gold. Write a poem, sing a song or paint a picture.
- Do Cool Things with Photos: Raid your own or your friend's Flickr page. Print and frame the best shots. Make a cross stitch pattern from them. Create an online scrapbook or comic book.
- Give the Gift of Experience: Your gift doesn't have to be a material object. Consider taking someone on a picnic or a hike. Teach your friends a new dance or some martial arts moves.
- Get Geeky: If you're technically-inclined, check out MAKE Blog's Open Source Gift Guide and retrofit an old gadget for new gimmickry.
- Bake or Knit: You can't go wrong with a lovingly-decorated batch of chocolate chip cookies or crafty classics like knitted scarves and silk-screened t-shirts.
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