Gift ideas - Homemade gifts

This week I thought it would be fun to post some gift ideas since most of us are in full holiday shopping mode now!  To start off, here are a few suggestions for handmade gifts.  Handmade presents are often--though not always--less expensive than a store bought gift, which is great if you have a lot of gifts to give this year.  However, they also reflect the time and thought that went into preparing the gift.  Here are a few ideas for crafting, baking, or sewing gifts you can make yourself:

A tablecloth or a set of napkins makes a nice gift.  If you know someone with an unusual table size and you have the sewing skills, a tablecloth can be a really practical gift.  A set of cloth napkins can be used by almost anyone; choose a solid color for the most versatility or a fun pattern that seems to reflect the recipient or match his/her home.  Fabric stores often have discount fabrics that work well for napkins; you only need a yard or two, but just make sure that it's a machine washable fabric like a thick cotton or linen.

I made these brown linen napkins this summer using this Martha Stewart tutorial:

Basic Linen Napkins

From Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts

Materials
- basic sewing supplies
- 23-inch square of fabric for each napkin
Instructions
1. Press two folds into each side of the fabric square; the first fold is  1/2 inch wide; the second is 1 inch. Unfold the second crease. Fold one corner in so the second crease lines up. Press.
2. Unfold the corner, and refold on a diagonal with right sides together. Stitch along the crease made by the folded corner. Repeat with the remaining corners.
3. Trim the points from the corners to  1/4 inch, tapering at each end of the seam. Press the seams open and the corners flat.
4. Turn all four corners inside out (which is actually right-side out); press again.
5. Stitch down the fold all the way around, so you have a seam 1 inch from the edges.

If you don't want to tackle napkins, a simple item to sew is a pillowcase.  Soft, patterned fabrics are perfect for kids, and you can choose a fabric that matches their room or their interests.

My mother made this flannel pillowcase for our son; he loves to point out the trains, trucks, and airplanes.  Here is a free tutorial on how to make a pillowcase.

Another option is to buy pillowcases and embroider the ends.  You can add a design or monogram (go here for a list of embroidery stitches and here for a list of embroidery patterns), or even just use your sewing machine to add a few bands of design in a contrasting thread color.

If sewing isn't your thing, homemade goodies are also fun to bake and give.  Dress them up a bit by wrapping a box or tin of cookies in a festive dishtowel or filling a little basket with a towel, cookie cutter or spatula, and some edible treats.

Tag always makes some really cute holiday linens.  This poinsettia jacquard dishtowel ($7.25) is a little more traditional, and the merry moose towel ($6) is a playful option.

Another great option is to find a inexpensive new or vintage cake stand, tray, or platter and include the serving piece as part of your gift.  I found this Blue Willow platter at a flea market for $3; it would be pretty loaded up with some pecan bars (see recipe below), tied with an ivory satin bow.

Pecan Squares

From Southern Living

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup powdered sugar

3/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup honey

2/3 cup butter

3 tablespoons whipping cream

3 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans

Directions

1. Sift together the flour and powdered sugar.  Cut in 3/4 cup softened butter using two knives or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal.  Pat mixture on the bottom and 1 1/2 inches up the sides of a lightly greased 13x9 baking dish.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.  Cool.

2. Bring brown sugar, honey, 2/3 cup butter, and whipping cream to boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.  Stir in pecans and pour hot filling into prepared crust.

3. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.  Cool completely before cutting into squares.

Don't forget to download some gift tags from Better Homes & Gardens and print them on white card stock to top off your homemade gift.

More ideas...
There are so many great websites with ideas for homemade gifts.
Here are a couple of my favorites:

 The Long Thread has lots of creative craft ideas
Better Homes & Gardens has also compiled a list of presents you can make at home