Do It Yourself Gifts

Sometimes gifts that you purchase are not as personalized as you would like. They do not quite seem to fit the idea you had in mind. For these times, the only thing to do is "do it yourself". You will have the gift exactly fitting the theme and the person that you want.

So now, you know you want it personalized but what can you create. Some of these items take just a few moments and others may take several days. But that's part of the giving too.

-For our gardener friend, plant seeds in your garden or in container and nurture them until they are big enough to be planted in your friend's garden.

-Go to the local ceramic store and find mugs, bowls, plates, and vases in fired green ware. Buy paint and paint your friend's favorite flower or name on these items. Or leave them plain and paint clear glaze and have the shop fire them for you

-Rubbing rose petals to release their scent can create rose oil for her bath. Place them in a bottle with mineral oil, cloves, and zest of lemon. The rose make it pretty and the oil will soothe her skin in her bath.

-There are so many different bread baking mixes available now. Bake a few different flavored loaves and put them together in a basket.

-Nothing has the flavor of fresh herbs. Put together an Herb Basket with little pots of growing herbs. All it takes is a pinch of a leave to add flavor to every dish.

-Buy pretty tiles and glue corkboard on the bottom for pretty coasters.

-Buy pretty, unusually shaped bottle and fill them with white wine, apple cider or red wine vinegars. Add a few herbs from your garden. All choices are good, just pick and choose as would as if you were cooking. Pop in a cork, add a label and tie a pretty ribbon on the throat of the bottle.

-If you sew, you probably have a lot of scraps left over. Use these to make pretty potholders and mitts. Bind the edge with bias tape in a matching or contrasting color.

-When strawberries are in season, dip them in melted white chocolate and brown chocolate pieces to give a tuxedo effect. Chill and put in a napkin lined basket.

-If you knit or crochet, make a pretty scarf for the cold months. Or use ribbon and knit or crochet a placemat for your friend's table.

Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don't blow the bank. Gift Baskets for Baby, Birthday and Beyond, are just some gift ideas you'll find at her site: http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com. Want regular reminders on gift-giving? Sign up for her free monthly newsletter at http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/gift -news-signup.htm

---

Creative And Inexpensive Gift Ideas

I have a friend who works at a loan company.... Read More

The Cheapest Christmas Ever!

Have you ever said "I wish we didn't have to... Read More

Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas is such a special day. It is a day... Read More

Planning a Gift Closet

Creating a gift closet is a wonderful way to plan... Read More

Valentines Day is NOT only for Lovers

Some people hate to see Valentines Day come around. Some... Read More

A Resolution Worth Keeping

New Years Resolutions: Making them is a tradition -keeping of... Read More

How to Put Some Sizzle in Your Summer Parties: 5 Ways to be a Gracious Host and a Great Guest

Now that the hot weather is finally here, we are... Read More

Christmas Holidays: 5 Ways To Make This Holiday Your Best Ever

For many people the end of a year is a... Read More

Youre How Old?!?

"Well, Happy Birthday! How old are you anyway?""Oh, I'm just... Read More

What to Do When You Are Alone for the Holidays

Being alone for the holidays is a major challenge for... Read More

10 Holiday Sober Savers 2004

1.) BEGIN NOW !!!Don't save your shopping, decorating, cooking, wrapping,... Read More

Important Chinese Festivals

Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year (January/February)It is usually in the... Read More

Holiday Expectations

As the holidays approach, I find myself wondering how I'm... Read More

Tools and Tips for Keeping the Holidays Organized

It's November 1st. You've walked into your favorite store to... Read More

Happy Holidays? It?s Up To You

The Holiday Season. Does time seem to compress, or is... Read More

Honor Mothers: Song Remembers Mom Forever

In the spirit of Mother's Day, two songwriters are sharing... Read More

Birthday Gift Guide

A birthday gift is the opportunity to show your loved... Read More

Texas Exotic Hunting

Texas Exotic Hunting is a popular sport in this state.... Read More

Santa Goes Low Carb!

North Pole- The word is out! Due to an "unpublished... Read More

Cornucopia Centerpiece for Thanksgiving Day

As we enter into the month of November my thoughts... Read More

A Medieval Story for Valentines Day, Bonne & Charles

The general word on the Internet is the first Valentine... Read More

Whatever Happened to Christmas?

Remember when no one started Christmas shopping until after Thanksgiving?Wisconsin... Read More

An Easy Gift For Many Occasions

It can be very hard to find that one perfect... Read More

Tropical Christmas

I can recall from my days in England, watching television... Read More

Decorating for a Victorian Christmas

Berry Manor Inn owner, Cheryl Michaelsen wouldn't admit it, but... Read More

Incredibles Kid Birthday Party Idea

Mr. Incredible and Elastiwoman to the Rescue. The Incredibles based... Read More

Unique Gift Ideas -- The Gift Of Fitness

Well, it's almost that time of year again ? the... Read More

Valentines Day ? Where Did THAT Come From?

Just as soon as the stores put away their Christmas... Read More

Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas

Now that the biggest shopping season of the year is... Read More

5 Tips to Reduce Holiday Depression

As the holidays approach each year, more and more people... Read More

The Holiday Army

Here it comes again - the Holiday Army - in... Read More

Choosing Childrens Birthday Party Supplies and Decorations

Birthday party supplies and decorations can bring that necessary magic... Read More

Making Mother?s Day Special

How many times have you heard a friend say about... Read More