Every Christmas I've crocheted slippers for each of my 5 daughters, in addition to getting them a few store-purchased gifts. Last year I didn't make them and boy did I hear about it! I didn't realize how much they looked forward to their homemade slippers. (I've just completed the third pair last night. :)

For friends and co-workers I make dark chocolate fudge and pack it in tins I get from the dollar store. Around the end of September I start getting emails and phone calls asking if I'm still going to send out my "To-Die-For-Fudge." If I didn't, people would be sorely disappointed!

Try something new each holiday season:

Even if you're a pro at knitting leg warmers, it's fun to try new things each year. This helps reduce boredom for you and increases the recipients' eagerness, wondering what you'll come up with this time around.

One new project I'm doing is to make gifts in a jar. I've been saving my jars all year long and looked online for some interesting suggestions to fill them with. The best site I found is CraftBits.com. I also plan to buy champagne glasses and glass plates from the dollar store and paint some pretty designs on them. I got the idea from Donna Dewberry's One Stroke Painting. It's really easy to do with a bit of practice and the results are beautiful!

Need some other ideas?

My oldest daughter makes adorable clay jewelry out of Fimo clay. My 4th daughter is making plaid flannel scarves. My second daughter shops in thrift stores looking for much sought after tomes at a fraction of the original price then makes handmade bookmarks out of ribbon and lace to go with them. A friend of mine takes beautiful photographs, has some enlarged and framed then gives them to the people on his gift list.

There are many sites online devoted to homemade gift ideas. For me, the simpler the better. I try not to stress myself out and tackle huge or meticulous projects when I have a large handful of people to create gifts for. I always believe that crafting should be relaxing. A natural stress reliever!

Handmade gifts should be a tradition in every household. It's not too late to start thinking of some things you'd like to make for your friends and loved one. You'll save a lot of money and create memories that last a lifetime.