Sometimes gifts that you make yourself are better than ones you can buy at the store. You can be creative and personalize a gift for a family member or loved one. Going to the local arts and craft store can provide some options. They have crafts for every budget and skill level.

Do you know that you can have a child create a book that can be published? The Disney Channel Store offers a kit that children can use at home. They write the story and add illustrations. They send the book back the Disney Channel Store. In a few weeks they will receive a hardbound finished product that they created all on their own. It will be a keepsake that they will cherish for years.

You can create the gift of food. You can put together a basket of food items and a recipe how to make a certain food that they like. In addition the creation of a family cookbook will be a present that you can give to all of the members of your family. Ask them to send a few of their favorite recipes. Type tem in and add some pictures in a word processing program. Print it out and attach a dollar store set of measuring cups to it for a special touch. People will love and use it for years.

How about naming a star after a child? You can buy a kit online that you can put the name of a special child and send back in the company will send you back a certificate with the coordinates of the star that has been named for your child.

What do you get for people that seem to have everything under the sun? Donate money in their name to their favorite charity. Send them a card with how much they donated. They will really appreciate the gesture that you have made in their behalf.

How about making a scrapbook? This can be a family scrap book or a scrapbook commemorating a special even like a family reunion. If you make it simple enough you can copy it a copy shop and send it to multiple family members and friends. If you want to make on special book you can decorate it inside and out.

If you forgot to buy a gift for a special occasion, why not take the flowers and press them. They can be put in a frame after they have dried as a beautiful reminder of the event.

How about creating a mug, tshirt or mouse pad with a picture on it. You can buy kits at your local computer supply store or you can go to your film developer and have them do it. This is a special gift that they will not only use but will remind them of loved ones and fond memories.