Gifts for the holidays... small or handmade, who'da thunk it?

Recession has an up side: since we're all so broke, we actually have to put more thought and feeling into our gifts than ever before, more twitter than glitter, so to speak. I welcome it as a chance to revisit the spirit and meaning of the holidays.

Our children are truly blessed, and like most children, don't appreciate it. This year I purposely chose to donate toward one of the many toy charity drives in the neighborhood, taking time to explain to my two angels are they are being a "secret santa" to a little one, just like them, who may not have money or parents who can provide a present at Christmas. Emphasizing the needs of others over our own is perfectly in tune with this hailed 'season of peacegiving'.

Handmade gifts can be easily done, especially with the artwork of children. Using their art from school, you can make creative giftwrapping for presents. Children can handpaint frames for showcasing photos of family. My own children enjoy painting plaster ornaments which are purchased cheaply from an art supply store, like Michael's or Jo Ann's. Handmade prints or art with season's greetings can be photocopied onto Christmas cards and make a cherished memory.

Baked cookies are a treat, but have you thought about homemade frozen dinners? Busy parents can really appreciate this timesaver, especially if you have a recipe that they have raved about. Adults can swap "babysitting" hours for gifts, no questions asked.

Items for families include kitchen items: not gadgets, which take up shelf space, but practical and pretty always are a hit. Some examples are:
*a new set of wooden spoons, tied with a bright ribbon and your favorite pancake recipe
*splatter screens with a your favorite fried chicken recipe or include a sealed jar of the actual dusting flour
*canvas cloths can be successfully painted in thick, bright patterns and then edged even by the most basic sewer and used as cloth trivets
*painted dishes can be given as spoon rests
*collection of family recipes with optional family photos

Other, random items:
*Movie Rental Card and a Box of Microwave Popcorn
*Starbucks Gift Card in a Charming Mug
*Pretty Sparkly Headbands
*Laundry for a day or Windows for a Day (an intense labor of love)
*Grandparents will appreciate their grandchildren's efforts at landscaping and gardening (with parent supervision - this is not a day for grandma to babysit!)

A personal favorite of mine are plants and seeds to look forward to growing, in the future months of warmth and sun.