As Christmas slowly but surely approaches, you may be starting to think about what you can gift family friends, neighbors, and relatives. If you’ve got kids, why not help them create a thoughtful homemade gift, that will show real care and attention to the recipient? Here are three ideas of relatively simple, low-cost homemade gifts.
Handpainted Plant Pot
Many potteries and ceramic studios offer opportunities to hand paint pottery objects including plates, bowls, vases, and eggcups. If you opt for a plant pot, you can then find an appropriately sized plant to gift alongside the pot. This is a really thoughtful, touching gift for anybody who loves plants or ceramics.
Handmade Makeup Pouch
You can create a small bag or pouch that can be used to store makeup, jewelry, or whatever the recipient wishes to use it for. You will need two pieces of nicely patterned fabric, of at least 12 inches by 15 inches. Laying one piece on top of the other, fold these in half, leaving one half slightly longer so that there is a flap of fabric at the top of this envelope. Stitch the sides of the fabric pieces together, so you are left with an opening at the top. Use a button to secure the flap top.
Wine Poached Fruit
Find or buy a large Kilner (or other type of sealable jar). Peel 3 or 4 plums, peaches, or pears, and cook them in a mixture that is made up of 1 cup of wine, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 spice sachet, and half an orange. Steep the fruit in this mix for several hours, then allow it to cool and decant into the jar. These fruits are delicious warmed up and served with cream or custard.