GIFTS FROM THE HEART

Here's a peek at some of the homemade gifts that the kids and I are making this year. (Not to worry, none of the recipients read this blog!)

First is my absolute favorite, maybe of all time. Gorgeous felt holly corsages via Martha. The perfect example of how handmade can be beautiful, high quality and made by children. And there's still time for this one! We actually had all of the supplies for this on hand; bits of felt, ribbon scraps and random holiday baubles. If you don't have the pin backs on hand, alligator clips from discarded barrettes will also work.

Next up a recipe tin filled with stationery, including a variation of my Cheers! Notecards available for free download here, along with coordinating bookplates, notepads, a personalized pocket mirror, some pretty pens and a matching felt corsage.

My kids take great pride in making gifts for teachers and family and as they get older, they are able to complete these projects almost entirely on their own. The time spent is not out of control either, always a factor this time of year. Ten felt corsages took only about an hour to make. The stationery and such I took care of, but they helped to make the mirrors and package everything up. The thrill and satisfaction of giving a gift and being able to say "I made this just for you." is a feeling that I know they look forward to each year. The time that we spend together chatting and creating, that's my gift. But don't tell them, I want to see what they made me this year!

Next up: Peanut's first year of handmade gifts! (hint: she took the term "handmade" quite literally)