To think about MAKING xmas gifts for family memebers as money is tight?

[littleboyblue]

Was speaking to dp earlier about the cost of presents etc and how I would feel awful about going to my parents and recieving lots of pressies for ds and not being able to give much in return. I know people give because they want to and can afford to, but I'd like to do something so was thinking about me and ds (16m) doing some drawings or clay models or paintings etc so we at least give something and hope this will make presents that bit more special, or should I not be such a tight arse and find the money and get crappy bath salts?
Must dash, will check in later.
Thanx for all opinions

I always make stuff for Xmas.There is enough 'stuff' in the world- so don't feel guilty about it.So far we have made:
Sloe Gin
Bramble Vodka
homemade mincemeat in a jar
mini christmas cakes ( personalised icing)
Raspberry Jam
Cranberry Chutney
Felted Soap
a veggie recipe book ( some of my recipes and a few other 'found' ones)
Chilli Oil
Lavender bags
Seed paper with pot and bag of soil
Spice baskets( go to asian supermarket and choose a selection of herbs and spices on a theme, add a basket, recipe card and a few fresh ingredients like limes, chillis or a coconut)
Keyrings made from charity shop beads
Knitted scarves
Rum Truffles
Selection of local cheeses wrapped up with homemade crackers and chutney

I love making stuff

You certainly do by that list!

i was thinking of making a recipe book for my sisters - getting all my favourite recipes plus the true family favourites from my mum and putting them all in a book

i was hoping to do this online - a bit like the photo books, but with text... does anyone know anywhere that would print these into a book? I could do them on th computer and print them out but I'd like it as a book rather than in a binder etc..

any ideas?

for mil i am going to do a photobook of all the good pics of the dds this year. she will love it.

homemade biscuits/cakes in a tin is a lovely present which i would be more than happy to receive.

great idea about the cheese/chutney/crackers - that solves my present dilemma for DD1s godfather!

amidaiwish you could try BLURB

thank you!
better get my butt moving, deadline is next week eek...
anyone know any UK sites?

lulu

fantastic! thank you.

Bake Biscuits and get Lakeland Cellophane I think the cellophne is about £1.95 for a number (I should look shouldn't I.) I'm going to do this for Ds nursery nurses.
I've made hamper for Mum in the past with stuff she likes. My aunt still has the felt dog I made her 15 years ago (okay the truth its was 40 years ago)I saw Christmas Decrations made in a heart shape from scrapes of material in Athena Turner's book. Next time your in a book shop (don't buy the book because the idea is so simple) You could put them in the hamper.

I am going to make MIL a collage thingy on the pc, thanks to fb I can "steal" photos of all the family.