Oatmeal, walnut, cranberry Christmas jar

I love the idea of homemade jars for Christmas gift ideas.  I’ve seen them being sold at Williams Sonoma for a lot of money, but the following video shows how simple and inexpensive it is to make them at home.  You can fill the jars with what it takes to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, brownies or other dessert ideas.  Simply wrap with a bow and list directions on the gift tag.  Kim Danger from the video also mentions how you can make body scrubs and give them as gifts.  Interesting, but I’m not sure how you would know what to put in the scrubs?  Regardless, here is the short video on handmade Christmas gifts!

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Tips for shopping smarter this holiday season

(ARA) – If you’re like most Americans, you’ll be approaching this year’s biggest gift-buying season a bit more cautiously. With ongoing economic uncertainties, shoppers are expected to take a different approach to holiday shopping this year, preferring gifts that provide long-term real value versus those that provide an immediate, but short-lived “wow” effect.
So what types of gifts deliver the most bang for the buck? Homemade gifts, whether they are baked goods, crafts, artwork or are knitted or embroidered, rank high on the list of favorites. They deliver a strong message that you care enough to give of your time and not just your money. Personalized gifts also send a strong message, even though they don’t require a lot of money. Simple gifts can easily be made to appear extra special with just a few added touches. For example, why not give a picture frame with a favorite picture inside? Or consider including a DVD of the person’s favorite actor, or a big box of candy or even a special book with an added gift of a bookmark.

Another highly economical gifting approach is the purchase of a single larger item that can be shared and enjoyed by multiple family members, such as a gaming system, electronics or a ride-on vehicle. Smaller, less-expensive items that can be enjoyed by the whole family include board games, candles and flowers.

Educational gifts, especially when purchased for children, also provide a real long-term value. With the high cost of books and school supplies, it’s sometimes hard to keep up with just the basics for school-aged kids, so the holidays provide an ideal time to purchase those tools that give students an added edge in school. A mark-my-time digital booklight is just one example of an educational gift that provides immediate appeal and continues to benefit the student throughout the school year and even through summer reading programs. A bookmark, timer and booklight in one, it helps kids track their required reading time – day or night – and, in the process, encourages them to build strong reading habits. Available at retail stores or through mark-my-time.com in a number of eye-catching colors, including blue, pink and green camouflage, it actually makes reading fun. It’s an affordable stocking stuffer idea that will be appreciated and used long after the holidays are over.

Other affordable, but equally attractive educational gifts designed for short- and long-term appeal include books, puzzles and word games. Even traditional school supplies can be jazzed up to create attractive gift ideas when they’re purchased in today’s hot colors, gel textures and stylish designs. And, since the holidays hit right before the start of the second school semester, it might be an ideal time to replenish supplies in an attractive and fun way.

Of course the ultimate in gift frugality is the recycled gift. Regifting, as it has become known, once frowned upon is now viewed as acceptable by many, and there are even websites devoted to discussing proper regifting etiquette. An eBay survey found that 83 percent of adults have received an unwanted gift. Of those, 46 percent say they have resold or regifted items.

Beyond the selection of value-oriented gifts, the makers of the mark-my-time digital booklight offer the following tips to help keep holiday shopping budgets manageable.

* Set a budget in advance. Be realistic but make a commitment to stick with it. Some financial experts recommend a budget of 1 to 2 percent of your annual income to cover all holiday-related expenses, including gifts, entertainment and travel expenses.

* Make a shopping list before leaving the house. Wandering aimlessly through the stores can lead to overspending.

* Compare prices before making impromptu purchasing decisions. Be certain to include all related expenses, including shipping and installation expenses, if appropriate.

* Beware of discounts based on inflated prices. Don’t be fooled by sales that promote double-digit discounts on extravagantly priced items. It’s the bottom-line price that counts.

* Consider patronizing local merchants instead of buying online this year. Not only will you be doing your part to help support the local economy, but you might actually find some great deals as brick-and-mortar retailers are becoming more aggressive in combating online sales strategies.

The current economic climate is causing people to change the way they do a lot of things in life, including the way they celebrate and shop for the holidays. But with some careful planning and creative thinking, it’s still possible to find the perfect gift that fits your budget and needs exactly.

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Nothing brings out the brilliance of the season more than the shimmer of holiday decor.

The holiday season is a memorable time associated with fun, family and lots of presents. As you consider what to give the people on your gift list, why not try something different this year?

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores suggests, “Let’s make Christmas!” Handmade gifts are a trend across the country due to their highly personal nature and the fact that they often cost less than store bought items.

“This holiday, forget about that boring or expensive store-bought present. Handmade gifts are more popular than ever, and for good reason,” says Susan Atchison, manager of trend development for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. “In the current economic climate, people are turning to crafting presents to save money and are discovering that these gifts are so unique that they’re often the gifts that are remembered most.”

Atchison explains that many great gifts can be made for less than $25. She advises aspiring crafters to choose a favorite project and make things in quantities. You’ll save even more money because you buy the supplies and then split the cost. Consider gathering a few friends or family members and creating a gift-making get together! You’ll get crafts done efficiently and spend quality time with the ones you love.

Here are some ideas to inspire you in creating homemade gifts this year:

For the top chef of the family, consider buying a basic apron and decorating it to appeal to their personality. Add that famous family recipe in fabric marker to the front, a clever cooking saying, or even handprints of the grandkids. They are sure to love how unique and useful it is.

* Personalized note cards are fun, festive and useful.
There are always times you need a card to send out to a loved one. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a supply readily at hand? This is a useful gift you can create for anyone from mother to teacher to mail carrier. Buy blank cards and envelopes and decorate with a variety of coordinating papers, ribbons and stamps. You can keep them general or create cards for different occasions such as birthdays and holidays for use throughout the year.

* For the host or hostess who always gives their all.
Traditionally, you might consider sewing a wine bag and bring a bottle of wine to your next holiday gathering. But why not step it up and make a bag for that baguette you’re bringing or a nice container for the appetizer you were assigned for the pot luck?

* Clever pet toys keep furry friends happy.
Creating a gift for the family pet or for your friend who loves animals is the perfect way to show you care. Cat toys can easily be made out of leather and feather pieces. Add a bell and some catnip for some extra pizzazz. Dogs also love homemade toys, just make sure they can stand up to tougher play — rope and thick material work best.

* Deck the halls and deck your friends with stylish clothing and accessories.
Winter-themed clothing is great during the cold months and homemade items are the most cherished. A fleece scarf in a bright color will not only keep the wearer warm, but brighten the wardrobe. Knit hats and mittens are trendy in fashion circles and useful too. Even a hand-sewn fleece poncho can keep your favorite outdoor walker warm during brisk morning jaunts.

* Religious-themed gifts get kids involved.
A homemade gift incorporating the recipient’s religion is something that will definitely stand out. For example, making your own menorah out of fun colored paper and flameless tea lights is an easy and safe gift for a child. When giving, you can explain how the item ties into the time of year and help them to learn about the real reason for the celebration.

* Add a little sparkle to make the season merry and bright.
Nothing brings out the brilliance of the season more than the shimmer of holiday decor. From shiny, handcrafted ornaments and beaded tabletop trees, to sparkling votive holders or a joyful holiday planter, anyone on your list can celebrate in style with these decorations made just for them.

For more ideas and project instructions for homemade gifts, visit your local Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

For the top chef of the family, consider buying a basic apron and decorating it to appeal to their personality.

*An apron is easy to personalize for the baker, chef or grill master.

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