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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

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Original poster

Homemade cd an acceptable Christmas present?

141 replies

DieAntword · 07/08/2018 13:12

I don't have a lot of money. I am not crafty AT ALL. People tell me, often, that I have a beautiful voice (I sing to my kids a lot in public because it soothes them and ...I love singing anyway). I like my voice I think it's nice.

I once took singing lessons for a term because at uni there was an option to do a terms worth of music modules but you had to do either an instrument or singing lessons and choir. She said I had a good voice for being "wild and untamed".

I want to do a CD of folk music songs as a Christmas present for friends and family because a pack of recordable CDs is cheap and I don't have a lot of money but it would still take work, it's not like I'm just going to belt out the songs - I will practice and try and get them to a good level.

On the other hand no matter how well I know a song there are moments I don't quite hit a note or my voice cracks a bit or something - I can never get it perfect. I imagine that's true of most singers tbh (every band I have seen live has made mistakes that were smoothed over in the studio produced versions) but obviously I can't afford access to a studio to make it "perfect".

Would you find a gift like that insulting? A bit egotistical (like... why would someone be so arrogant as to think you want to hear their singing)? Or would you appreciate it for the thought and work that went in? (and hopefully you like the music too!)

OP posts:

LeftRightCentre · 08/08/2018 13:59

I lack any skill for that sort of thing.

Oh, c'mon! It's glueing bits on a card or rubber stamping a piece of paper! You can get on Pinterest and the ideas are legion. I haven't bought a card in years and I'm about as artsy as a squid.

People have very specific tastes in music that they like and tbh, other than your nearest and dearest, no one really wants a CD of you singing.

People are trying to help you but you naysay and woe is me to everything.

Loyaultemelie · 08/08/2018 14:14

I love the homemade aspect and the thought put into it so would appreciate that, but we don't have any CD players so wouldn't be able to listen to it so that's the only reason it's a no from me. (I am a fan of homemade gifts btw!)

Loyaultemelie · 08/08/2018 14:16

Although 8 year old has helpfully informed me a usb might work

Vitalogy · 08/08/2018 14:26

I'm about as artsy as a squid. I think I need to speak up for the squid here, they're really intelligent, granted I don't think they can make greeting cards though.

LeftRightCentre · 08/08/2018 14:42

And squids are not known for being skilled at crafts, Vita, but they make lovely eating .

nellyolsenscurl · 08/08/2018 18:45

In the nicest possible way OP the way you can best show the people who are taxiing you around is to slip a few pounds onto the dashboard every so often. Failing that a nice card saying 'thanks for everything, it means a lot!' will suffice.

Starlings27 · 09/08/2018 13:26

A whole bunch of ideas that all cost pennies. Hopefully they will show you how simple it can be and give you some ideas for your actual friends with their actual interests. Stop being so defeated

I don't think it's fair to castigate the OP for lacking gumption or imagination. I can't think of a present requiring more effort and initiative than recording songs for people! I wouldn't like to receive such a gift, but neither would I want lollysticks or handmade cat toys - much prefer something edible or if that's a no-goer because of diet, Christmas flowers would work every time for me!

TiffinBox · 09/08/2018 13:44

Honestly I'd just give them all a notebook from Magpie and be done with it. They've been reduced to a £1 each in the sale so I'd add a pen if I was feeling flush but not obligatory. By the time you've bought craft materials you've paid out £20-£40 anyway. So have a look at Magpie sale & pick up a few cheap bargains & be clever about it.

www.magpieline.com/shop/summer-sale-18

Starlings27 · 09/08/2018 13:48

Ooo, those mugs are nice! Quite wintery/Christmas-y too.

Vitalogy · 09/08/2018 14:47

They've got some nice things on Magpie. I've not heard of them before.

Namechangeforthiscancershit · 09/08/2018 14:57

No me neither but it looks really good!

thatmustbenigelwiththebrie · 09/08/2018 15:26

It's a nice idea but I am not sure anyone has CD players any more? We haven't owned one for a long time.

Alanamackree · 09/08/2018 16:49

^I'm about as artsy as a squid. I think I need to speak up for the squid here, they're really intelligent, granted I don't think they can make greeting cards though. grin^

Aren’t squid the ones who squirt ink? That sounds quite crafty by fish standards.

bandthenjust · 09/08/2018 16:55

op (I also love Die Antwoord), I wouldn't appreciate the cd. I'd rather n ot have a present if someone is skint, rather than receiving something I hate but feel like I need to keep to save someone's feelings.
Unless your friends and family are asshats, they won't mind not getting anything if you're broke.

Vitalogy · 09/08/2018 17:00

Aren’t squid the ones who squirt ink? That sounds quite crafty by fish standards Yes exactly!!

Funny, I was watching the Si Fi film Arrival the other day and guess what the intelligent species was, yes, a squid type creature, they communicated their language with squirted ink patterns too!

Governoress86 · 21/08/2018 19:30

It's a 10 from Len..........but Simon cowell says he will give you a record deal.

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