Cheap and Cheerful presents

[agathathered]

I was very pleased with my efforts at frugal Christmas presents December 2011: 5 bracelets, 11 necklaces, 9 bag charms, 5 brooches, 3 bookmarks, 1 nintendo charm, 11 candles, 10 lavender bird sachets, 17 soaps, 36 cards, 4 scarfs, 9 chutneys, 1 jumper, 2 cushions, 1 small doll, 1 small alligator, 3 elephants, 1 monkey, and one pair of baby Uggs. Even better was that I only used what I call "virtual money" to buy the craft materials - i.e. materials bought on ebay with money made from selling items on ebay that my family no longer required - so the total cost of my gifts was £0.00!

[mrs boodles]

Wow, that is some impressive pressie list, did it take you long to make it all.

[agathathered]

I did a bit each evening from the start of November - that left it a bit tight and I was finishing up around mid-night on Christmas Eve!

[perchy]

Can you remind us all at the end of October please

[agathathered]

LOL - going to try to remind myself before the end of October this year, especially after all my rushing about left me knitting the last Ugg boot with a sore hand after spilling hot soap over it - ouchy!

[Mo]

I remember the suitcase under the bed as a child. That held all the presents I was making. I don't know if anyone used the tray cloths, blanket stitched flannels and soap savers, lavender bags, parchment staionary sets, spill holders, calendars and decorated jars of bath salts that we made but it certainly kept me busy.

Hmm, you'd think there'd be a use for all those damson stones. Cherry stones are even worse to remove but OH is collecting those because a friend said she wanted them to make a wheat bag. I wish he wouldn't put them into the kettle to boil them clean though.

[Freeranger]

Poncharetta - you wouldn't consider adoption, would you? Your Christmases & Birthdays sound just fab!!

[agathathered]

The Damson Vodka sounds especially appealing

[Richard]

I've brought really awful pictures in relatively good frames, taken the picture out and putting a family photo in - then give it as a present (wrapped in Newspaper of course!!).

Richard

[boosmummy]

Im going to try and make a conscience effort for homemade this year. I have every good intention most years but then, i love shopping!! However, its starting to cost a fortune that i haven't got.

Im currently on with a homemade present for a friend who's having a baby, its like this but not this one - a different name and theme:

[Richard]

That's great boosmummy.

Richard

(I've just sorted out the link in your signature by the way )

[boosmummy]

That's great boosmummy.

Richard

(I've just sorted out the link in your signature by the way )

thanks and thanks xx

[NicolaK]

Around winter time I make knitted hats, gloves, cowels and scarfs for friend's and family from wool I have bought at charity shops (wool that is left from other people's projects)and charity events. During the summer I use the same wool to make shawls and if I have balls spare then I make extra spare of the winter items to donate to local charities, so that they can make some profit.

[FleurBleue]

Last year I made Lemon Curd for French friends.

They don't have it in France, and my friends loved. They even gave me the empty jars back and asked if they could have some more.

It's really easy to make as well.

[keirawinsor]

I tried soaps, perfumes, candles and baked goodies as present and they really gave me good smiles from the recipients plus it saves me money. :)