The Countdown is on! Funny how the rush of Christmas sneaks up on me every year! I’ve made my lists, finished the shopping for my husband and kids, and am down to finding a few items for extended family. It’s at this time that I start panicking about what I’m going to give the “extra” people in my life. “Extra” meaning the people who we interact with constantly, but may not be our closest friends! My kids’ teachers are definitely on the list – they do so much on a daily basis - for our kids and with our kids, that I feel indebted to them for their time, caring and patience! I love to be creative with special presents for them! Another person that I feel deserves a little extra at the holidays is our Bible Study leader and his wife. He spends so much time all year preparing the materials for the lessons and class discussions each week.
I am definitely a “giver.” Don’t get me wrong, I like to receive, too, but to me there is no comparable feeling to sharing my creativity with people through the gift of giving! It’s very satisfying! For the “extras” in my life, I don’t spend the day shopping for just the right thing; I generally spend a day crafting to create gifts for them. This keeps the cost down, and allows me to make multiples if I need to for several of the people on my list.
I’ve decided to do this blog as more of a list this time through. Perhaps it may help you remember some of the “extra” people in your lives that you feel deserve a little something special this year.
“EXTRAS” (Meaning people who significantly contribute to your life!!)
• Pastor
• Your Boss
• School Principal
• Secretaries (I think I will do something for my kids’ school Secretary – she is amazing, and when does she get recognized from the kids?)
• The Mail Man
• Close Neighbors
• Kid’s Coaches
• Choir Director
• Co-worker
• Day Care Giver
• Special Aids at a school or church
• FedEx or UPS Driver (if they frequent your home or business often!!)
• Hair Dresser/Barber or Nail Tech
• Your Doctor or Health Care Giver (if you frequent their services throughout the year)
Next, I have made a list of fun, quick projects that would be great for giving to any of the people I have listed above.
• Ornaments of any kind
• Gift Card Holders (and you would have to buy a gift card)
• “To Do” Handmade Coupon Books (great for kids to give)
• Wooden Blocks painted and decorated as presents (used for holiday decorations)
• Paperweights – could be glass for photos, or something as simple as a rock that you paint!
• Pre-designed mini scrapbook
• Homemade baked goods wrapped in a decorated box or gift bag.
• Painted wooden plaques – write an message on relating to the holiday.
• A box of homemade note cards (could include their monogram)
• A bottle of wine with a homemade label
These are only a few suggestions… the list could go on forever of things to create. These are my favorite gifts to give because I can personalize each one. Hopefully these ideas will inspire all of you to make a few of the little gifts this year!
Happy Holidays!
Karen (Kabby)