Thrifty Christmas Gifts
Have a thrifty Christmas and make your own gifts Christmas can be a stressful and expensive time, especially if you leave all your present buying to the last minute and have to endure the hideous task of visiting shopping centres full of people rushing around on a mad buying spree! Let’s face it we all hate that part of Christmas! But buying Christmas presents doesn’t have to involve stacks of cash and queues, the best presents are often handmade and have a unique touch that will be sure to put a smile on someone’s face and become a life-long treasure. Last Christmas The Independent stated that “over 40% of us plan to get creative to ward off the cost of Christmas” and as we continue to get creative this figure is likely to rise this year. Here are some reasons why making homemade gifts is much better than mass-produced! • Your friends and family will be really impressed and over the moon that you took the time to create a unique gift for them • You can save money by making gifts yourself and why not recycle stuff you have in your home that you can transform into a present • Your gifts are likely to become life-long treasures for the recipient, rather than giving them a jumper that will go out of fashion! • Improve your creativity and learn new skills, you may even find a renewed passion for a particular craft • Dodge the mad Christmas rush and sit at home by the fire making your own gifts Even people who are not very creative are capable of making their own gifts as there are plenty of ideas and advice on the internet and in books. Here are a few recommended books and kits to get people started: For those with little time: Simple Sewn Gifts (David & Charles, £14.99, paperback) - Features over 25 fast and easy gifts including pot pourri filled hearts, toys for pets, Christmas stocking and a handmade bag project. For someone special: Crystal Jewellery Creations with Swarovski Crystals (David & Charles, £15.98) – Create a unique piece of jewellery with this book and Swarovski bead pack. The book features over 30 crystal beaded jewellery projects with full step-by-step instructions and the bead pack contains Swarovski Crystal rondell beads in a shimmery pink/red colourway. For foodies: The Hummingbird Bakery Cupcake Kit (RUCraft, £12.99) - This kit contains recipes for over 25 cupcakes and muffins with easy to follow instructions as well as 100 hummingbird bakery branded paper cases. For kids to treasure: Labrador Puppy Soft Toy Kit (RUCraft, £12.99) – This little chap need a new home and he won’t unravel your toilet paper! The kit includes everything you need to make up this cute pup including fabric, pattern, thread and safety eyes. For more information/review copies/extracts: Marie Foster 01626 323214 marie.foster@fwmedia.com Twitter: @fostergirl13
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