Do you ever feel like Christmas is just an obnoxious excuse to buy pointless stuff for people who don’t really need it? I get the whole Santa thing, I’m a big fan of his and think there’s nothing wrong with an appropriate showing under the tree. But I’m talking about all the non-believer gifts we exchange. The lotions, the potions, the CD’s and the jewelry, it’s like an excuse to clutter up your vanity table with useless crap that sits around collecting dust until you get a chance to regift it.

A few years ago, myself and the girls in my husband’s family decided to opt out of the traditional gift exchange, and instead, decided to make each other hand crafted gifts. It doesn’t matter if it cost five minutes or five hours, our goal is to keep it cheap and original.

And I must say, this has been one of the most delightful traditions I’ve ever participated in. You wouldn’t believe the stuff some of these girls have come up with. Last year one of my SIL’s made the most darling birthday banner for everyone (there are six of us total). I don’t even want to think about how many hours she spent on it, but I appreciate every second.

Another one of my SIL’s took place mats and made book covers for our Relief Society manuals. She tied them with gorgeous raw silk ribbon, and her $7 gift looked like a million bucks. We’ve had calendar blocks and  jewelry hangers, note cards and homemade heating pads. I’m currently slaving away at my own creation for this year’s exchange and I can’t wait to pass them out. (I can’t tell you what they are right now because some of my girls might read this.)

SO. If you have a hand crafted holiday gift idea, please please pass it along.

(Besides, I have a new craft room that I’m planning to unveil at the end of the week and it’s just begging for projects.)