Christmas challenge

[ScariestFairyByFar]

This year I'm attempting to do Christmas presents completely home made or from small independent retailers does anyone want to join me?

I'd love to but DS's face when he unwrapped a hand knitted xbox would be dreadful :o

:o topbannana :o

I am trying to keep more local. I'm not doing it 100% as some unusual things I've found just aren't available locally, but where possible I'm using local stores. I've bought some popcorn pots in a local gift shop (and will buy unusual confectionary from there nearer the time), and some toys in an independent toy shop which I'm sure I'll be visiting again. There is also a game shop in a nearby town which we love.

In the past I have always gone for cost as a priority but this year I decided that I'd rather pay a little more to support the town.

As for homemade - well I'm not very crafty but I have bought 3 tiny canvases on which to paint my DCs'/DH's favourite characters, and I am also going to a pottery painting party in December where I'll be painting Xmas tree decs for the DCs (we try to give them one each every year on Xmas eve but it's getting harder to find nice things so this year I'll paint something).

Also DS is in love with Fix It Felix so as you can't buy a costume I'm going to attempt to make one... will be a challenge for me!

being a small independent retailer i am inclined to agree with you. i make jewellery and nowhere near enough people buy handmade.

My Christmas Challenge is to sell enough of the accumulated shite in my house to pay for the new shite that I am buying :)

I think hand made and local definitely has a place, but like the hand knitted x-box above - teen boys are just not going to appreciate very much that I have available locally or that can be made by hand. If it doesn't come from Japan it wont be looked at I'm afraid.

I'm trying to buy local but also buying from FB sellers etc. Do you get small electrical retailers that do xboxs etc or have they all been pushed out?

I'm already struggling as was planning on doing art kits for kids but can't get stuff except for in supermarkets etc