Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas for 2010

Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas for 2010
By Michael Ivan

As Christmas's approaching, almost everyone likes to be creative to make it completely different from the past ones. There is no better time to exchange gifts than Christmas. If you feel it is a little difficult to choose special Christmas gifts for your family, relatives and friends to express your appreciation, why not make homemade gifts by yourself?  I believe it will be a unique holiday this year.  I'd like to share some homemade Christmas gifts ideas with you as follows:

1, Homemade cookies for Christmas
Baking cookies is quite easy for almost everyone. The Christmas cookies you baked by yourself are special for the gift receivers. You can learn the new recipe with book or TV show, also you can bake it with your own creative recipe idea. No matter which way you choose, it is better to know the receivers' flavor preference in advance. In this way, the Christmas cookies must give them great surprises. Ice cream decoration for the cookies is necessary.

If the receiver is quite important for you, you should pack the cookies as a formal Christmas gift. The package is not really needed if the they are for family members.

2, Photos gift idea
Giving some photos of your travel, house or flowers in your garden is really interesting homemade Christmas gift idea. If possible, you can make the photos with beautiful frames. If the photos are for your relatives, you can also choose some of your family photos as gift, which will be valuable for the receivers.

3, Photo frames
If you have already chosen the photos, why not make homemade photo frames for them? It is easy to make a photo frame with used cardboard, colored papers and color pens. You can search some photo frame shapes on internet as reference. Cut the cardboard into that shape and glue the color paper on it, the creative drawings or innovative Christmas wishes on the paper will be the shining point for the photo.

4, Homemade Jam for Christmas
It is a great Christmas gift for the one who has tasted your homemade jam and like it very much. They will be quite happy to receive the homemade and love brand Christmas gift. Although it is the first time to give this as gift, you should take the ideas to improve it later.

5, Homemade tape or CD for Christmas Carols
If you like singing, it is a good idea to give your Christmas carols to your friend or relatives. You can record your carols in computer firstly, it can invert to the players or software to make a video, tape or CD. This special homemade Christmas gift will be the long-lasting moment for the receivers.

Hope all these homemade Christmas ideas can make you inspired and bring surprises for your friends and relatives. Merry Christmas for you!

Christmas is the great holiday for all the people, choosing the Christmas gift is become more and more important. Tiffany and Andream jewelry are the most classic gift that can be remembered eternally. Warm UGG boots are the most considerate gift.

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3 Easy Homemade Gift Ideas People Will Actually Enjoy

3 Easy Homemade Gift Ideas People Will Actually Enjoy
By Chris Steiner


Do you find yourself in the unenviable position of being short of money to the point where you really can't afford to purchase gifts for your friends and relatives. You don't want to give them something they will accept out of pity for your circumstances, but you don't want to give them another clothespin reindeer like the one you made in the fifth grade.

Well, take heart, there are some things you can make that are not too expensive and that the receiver will actually like. Below are three ideas that don't require a lot of talent to make but if you put in some effort they will most definitely be appreciated.

Put together a gift basket
This idea takes the least amount of time and skill combined. You will need to be a bit creative, but this can be something that is very inexpensive yet memorable and enjoyable for the receiver. What can you put in the basket? Just about anything, but it is usually best to go with a theme and try to stick to useful and/or amusing items.

For example, you might give your brother who is moving into a new apartment soon a kitchen gift basket. Fill it up with utensils from the dollar store and even thrift shops and tag sales, though be sure you only pick out newer looking items from any thrift shop - you don't want him thinking you grabbed stuff from the kitchen drawer and threw it together.

Along with the creativity of what you put in the basket, you will want to get creative with how you present the basket. Just because it is called a "gift basket" doesn't mean it has to actually be a basket. A unique container such as a large plastic jar or even a decorated box can be just as nice, and save you the expense of buying something. Be sure you put a lot of effort into making it look nice because that is the greatest appeal of this gift.

Make a personalized calendar
This is something my sister does each year for many friends and relatives. She spends the year collecting pictures of everyone, and then puts them together in a meaningful way for the person getting the calendar. Everyone really loves them because she puts so much into them, including birthdays and other information along with the pictures.

This can be very time consuming, especially if you don't already have the pictures you want to use, and there is the expense of printing them, but overall this is a relatively inexpensive gift that will be used year round and therefore very memorable.

Make a picture ornament
A picture ornament is just what it sounds like. It can be a Christmas tree ornament, or something to be hung in the house year round. If it is the latter it can even be done in a nice picture frame. The former can be as simple as a thin, small wooden circle with a small hole in the top for a hook and a picture glued in place and covered with clear glue to protect the photo.

Depending on how many pictures you have and who you are making these for, these can be a very big hit. These are especially liked by parents. Your parents would probably like something made with pictures of you growing up, and others would enjoy a similar arrangement made with pictures of their child or children.

Sometimes you just find yourself stuck when looking for that perfect gift. Visit the Top Gift Ideas blog to get some great gift ideas including homemade Christmas cards.

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Top 10 Best Christmas Gifts 2010 for Him

Top 10 Best Christmas Gifts 2010 for Him
By Jenny Mays

It is that time again to start looking for holiday gifts for your friends and family that you have included on your Christmas list if you have prepared one. Holiday gifts for the men in your life can be difficult to determine but there are several lists that you can review to help you come up with the best Christmas gifts for 2010 for the men in your life self based on their interests and hobbies. For additional help with Christmas gifts, review the top 10 best Christmas gifts 2010 for him listed below.

1. Kindle
One of the best Christmas gifts for 2010 are e-book readers that are growing in popularity and are an excellent option for any readers of books, magazines, etc. This is the top bestselling item on Amazon and the latest version is faster, smaller and with more contrast making it one of the best holiday gifts for 2010 for men.

2. Weber 10020 Smokey Joe Silver Charcoal Grill
For the men in your life that enjoy grilling, this smaller and highly portable grill is perfect for tailgating, camping, fishing trips, etc, is one of the best holiday gifts 2010 for men. This is also one of the cheaper holiday gifts for 2010 for men that will be appreciated and used frequently because of its portability. This reasonably priced but effective Christmas gift is one of the top 10 best Christmas gifts 2010 for men.

3. iPod Touch 4th Generation
The latest generation of this iPod is perfect for any man especially the outdoorsy man in your life and makes one of the best Christmas gifts 2010. It is a multi-tasker that is a great iPod, game player, as well as being a computer at the tips of your fingers.

4. iPad
The iPad continues to be one of the most sought after gifts and much appreciated gifts which makes it one of the top 10 best Christmas gifts 2010. It allows users to surf the web, send email, photos, video, etc using the latest technology as well as a large touch screen making this one of the best holiday gifts for 2010.

5. Golf Club Drink Dispenser from the Sharper Image
For the avid golfers in your comes this innovative product. It allows golfers to dispense both hot and cold beverages on the golf course and is in the shape of a golf club. One of the best Christmas gifts 2010 for men that will also be a great a conversational piece. Very easy to store and clean making it one of the best holiday gifts 2010 for men.

6. LG 32-inch LCD HDTV
Men love their TVs which makes this one of the best Christmas gifts 2010 for the man in your life that he will appreciate. This is a very reasonably priced HDTV when compared to others that are similar on the market. Being an HDTV ensures that the viewing pleasure in second to none making this one of the top holiday gifts 2010.

7. Sporting Event or Concert Tickets
If the man or men in your life are sports enthusiasts, sporting event tickets are the perfect holiday gifts for 2010. If they enjoy a particular singer or band and would like to see them in concert, getting them concert tickets will be much appreciated and will make one of the best holiday gifts 2010 for him.

8. Men's Air Force A-2 Flight Leather Bomber Jacket
A good leather jacket is a must have for anyone and makes one of the top 10 best Christmas gifts 2010. This bomber jacket is made of the softest lamb nappa leather making this one of the best holiday gifts 2010 for him. The manufacture of this leather jacket adheres to the same standards as the authentic A-2 military version making this one of the best Christmas presents for men.

9. Beats By Dr. Dre Headphones
These are some of the best and truly exceptional headphones that allow you to hear music the way it was intended by the music artists and producers making this one of the best Christmas presents for 2010 for men. The exceptional noise canceling makes them one of the top holiday gifts for 2010 for him.

10. Dragon Naturally Speaking Premium 11 with Digital Recorder
This innovative software allows you to speak while the computer types everything that you say making this one of the top 10 best Christmas gifts 2010 for those that hate typing and the related typos from typing are eliminated using this software.

For additional discussion on the top best Christmas gifts 2010 for men and merchants, visit my website for additional info. To further help you with Christmas gifts ideas for everyone on your list visit http://thetop10christmasgiftsnow.com for the top 10 best Christmas gifts 2010 for women, for kids as well as decorating and holiday food ideas.

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Making Money With a Home Crafts Business

Making Money With a Home Crafts Business
By Julia Derby

Thinking of starting a home crafts business? Handmade crafts have grown in popularity because people want something different and special. Here are some great tips and ideas about turning your hobby, creativity or interest into a profitable home based business.

What home crafts are popular?
How do you know if your craft is popular and will sell? Do some research and find out. What are the best selling crafts on websites that sell handmade crafts? Visit local craft stores and find out which crafts are in demand. Go to local craft fairs and investigate which craft displays are generating the most interest. Our research has shown that homemade candles are one of the most popular home crafts business. Consider that almost 80 percent of US households use candles and they are consumable products that customers keep buying and you can see that there is a definite demand for this craft. Making candles is simple and fun and there are limitless ideas for making your candles special. Homemade greeting cards are another growth industry with 7 billion greeting cards sold each year in the US alone. People are looking for something different when selecting a greeting card and handmade greeting cards are both special and unique.

Homemade soap is another profitable home crafts business. It is simple and inexpensive to make handmade soaps and you can have fun creating beautiful soaps. The demand for handmade soap is growing all the time as people become more aware of the advantages of natural, chemical-free products. A home based gift basket business has great potential. This is one of the fastest growing businesses of the decade. Making and selling gift baskets is a good way of earning income at home.

How do I price my homemade crafts?
This is one of the most important aspects of a successful home crafts business. It is essential to get the pricing right so that you are neither undercharging or making your craft unaffordable. It is vital that you carefully research what similar products are selling for. Go to local stores that stock these crafts and check the prices. Visit craft fairs and farmers markets and see how your craft is priced. Go online and investigate the prices for similar crafts. Make sure you take your costs and overheads into consideration when setting your prices. You need to have a reasonable profit margin in order to make money.

How do I market and sell my homemade crafts?
Craft fairs are a good place to start selling your product. Find out which are the most popular local craft fairs and farmers markets and rent a booth to sell your crafts. Visit local gift stores and ask to sell your product on consignment through the store. Host a home party where guests can buy your crafts. Team up with friends who have a different home crafts business and set up a home party together. Market your homemade product to gift basket companies or make your own gift baskets using your products. Put together some promotional material and visit local businesses who can use your craft for client gifts. There are so many ways to market your crafts and with energy and determination you can have a successful home crafts business.

Enjoy using your creativity and imagination while making money from home. Find out more about starting your own home crafts businesses with the practical guides at Work at Home Crafts

Julia Derby has many years experience working in small business development. She left formal employment to be a work at home mom and has successfully started and developed a number of home businesses. Her free website My Home Business Ideas provides good ideas and practical advice for people who want to start a home based business and enjoy all the benefits of making money at home.

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Homemade Christmas Gifts - Easy For You and Easy on Your Pocketbook

Homemade Christmas Gifts - Easy For You and Easy on Your Pocketbook
By Shellie Gardner

The true spirit of Christmas is about showing our love and appreciation to family members and friends. Most often, we try to think of gift ideas we can purchase at the local mall, department store, or specialty shop. While gifts that come from these stores are wonderful and appreciated by your loved ones, why not try your hand at creating homemade Christmas gifts this year? Read on to be inspired to create personal and unique gifts for your family and friends this Christmas season.

Food Gifts
The Christmas season is a time when people's thoughts turn toward those comfort foods and special dishes that only show up around the holidays. Food gifts are much appreciated and can be enjoyed all year long. Decorate jars, baskets, gift boxes with organza, gossamer, or grosgrain ribbon and perhaps a beautifully handcrafted Christmas ornament for a special touch. Colored cellophane, printed fabric, or sparkly tissue papers are all wonderful ways to present your food gifts.

Ideas for food gifts might include:

• Cookies
• Hot chocolate mixes
• Coffee and tea packets with a special mug
• Homemade jams, jellies, relishes, salsa
• Homemade fudge
• Brownie or cookie mixes in a jar with an attached recipe
• Spiced almonds
• Trail mix or homemade granola
• Barbecue rubs for the grill masters in your life
• Homemade syrups
•  Popcorn balls
• Fresh baked breads to go with jams and jellies

These are just a few suggestions for gifts from your kitchen. Perhaps put together themed baskets and add a few store-bought items as well.

Craft Ideas
Simple craft ideas are ideal for this time of year when time is of the essence. Your family members and friends will appreciate the time you took to create something unique just for them.

• Star studded candles - Purchase candles in your choice of color and size. Use metal star studs (found at craft stores) to decorate the entire candle by pushing them into the candle at varying intervals. Add an organza or gossamer ribbon tied in a bow.
• Cinnamon candles - Pillar candles are ideal for this project. Hot glue long cinnamon sticks to a pillar candle, surrounding the entire candle or just partially. Again, tie ribbon around the candle with a bow and add a sparkly trinket in the middle of the bow for a beautiful presentation.
• Glass Christmas ornaments - Purchase plain glass ornaments at your craft store. Using acrylic paint, pour a little into the top of the ornament and allow the paint to swirl around the inside. Once the ornaments are dry, nestle several into tissue paper inside a basket or box and gift them to friends and family.
• Sewing projects - straight lines are very easy! Create potholders, themed pillowcases, tote bags, decorative pillows, and placemats that fit the decor of the recipient.
• Photo albums or photograph collages - use your favorite photos from the year to create a keepsake album or a photo collage for the wall. Images of loved ones are bound to bring smiles all year round.

Giving homemade Christmas gifts are a wonderful, personal, and unique way to show our loved ones they are special and unique themselves, so think outside the mall this year and create one-of-a-kind gifts for your children, spouse, family members and friends.

Shellie Gardner, owner of Christmas Light Source, loves Christmas and Christmas Lights. Since she is thinking of the Holiday season all year, it only stands to reason that she'd write an occasional article about Christmas and gift giving.

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Handmade Dog Gifts - Ideas For You

Handmade Dog Gifts - Ideas For You
By Jo Soliday

Many dog owners see their dogs as friends or family. In fact, quite a few people are more attached to their dogs than any humans in their life! If you know someone who is very fond of their dog and looking for a present that might please them, consider handmade dog gifts.

If your local dog boutique does not carry handmade items, you can find sources online. However, if you are on a budget, why not make your own? You will probably have twice the fun at half the cost while putting your unique stamp on things!

There are so many items to choose to create. If you know the person and their dog well, inspiration for what to make may have already struck you. If not, there are many ideas that you can pursue. Some of these include:

DOG CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES
Dog sweaters, whether knit or crocheted, are a wonderful gift for dogs with short hair in cold northern climates. Consider making one for a larger dog since these are often hard to come by commercially.

A dog vest or shirt can be simple to make, especially for a smaller dog. Consider adding matching bows by making your own ribbon from leftover fabric.

Bandanas are a very easy item to make and offer endless possibilities as to theme, decorations and more.

DOG COLLARS AND LEASHES
Here is another area where you can go let your creativity go!  Collars can be made from all sorts of materials such as fibers that are woven, knitted, crocheted or macraméd, or solid materials like webbing and leather. Decorations such as conchos, colored ribbons, sequins, beads and the like can be added. Hardware can be bought separately or parlayed from items no longer in use. Or else look for rings, buckles, sliders and snaps at thrift stores on belts, purses, totes or backpacks.

Leashes can also be crafted from a variety of materials. Webbing or leather can be left plain or have decorations added. A leash can be woven or braided from yarns, cotton or other fibers, and leather. Metal snaps can be purchased inexpensively and easily attached through sewing or weaving.

DOG BEDS AND ACCESSORIES
Make a dog bed for practically nothing out of a couple of old couch cushions. Add a homemade blanket or quilt, or craft these instead of a bed. If you have upholstery or vinyl fabric, you can also make a dog bed from scratch. Dog bed patterns are available to make some uniquely shaped beds.

DOG TREATS
If you love to bake or play with foods, here's a good chance to experiment! Just make sure that ingredients are not only healthy but safe for dogs (for example, some things that people consume like onions, some spices and raisins are toxic for dogs). The link below offers more information.

Not only can you make a food item, but you can have the fun of presenting it in a glass jar or tin that you decorate.

OTHER IDEAS
The above are just some ideas for handmade dog gifts. If you like to work with wood, PVC pipe, foam blocks, carpet or metal parts and tires there is another range of possibilities including dog stairs, ramps, dog bed frames, agility equipment, a dog wheelchair or a bicycle trailer.

Whatever handmade dog gifts you choose to make, remember that the final judge will be the dog, not the human! A few imperfections here or there will not matter in the least.

Jo Soliday has been a dog lover and crafter since childhood. For free instructions to make many of the above mentioned items, check out her website at http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com
To find out about foods dogs should avoid, see
http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com/dangerous-foods-for-dogs.html

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Original Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas

Original Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas
By Adriana Copaceanu


It's that time of year again and you're looking for a way to save some money at Christmas time. One way to not only save money but make your Christmas gifts a bit more personal is to give out homemade Christmas gifts. Making gifts for family and friends can be very rewarding and will also make sure that you are giving an original gift that they have never received before. Read on to find out a few homemade Christmas gift ideas that should help you get started.

Gift Basket - Find a good size basket line it with colored tissue paper, red and green work well. Then make up a theme for the gift basket. If you are making this for a female then you can get some nice bath soaps and crystals. Add in a few scented candles and a nice bath towel or robe, add in a nice book and you have a great gift ready to go. If it's for a male then you can go with some wine glasses, and a nice bottle of wine, or some beer mugs and a six pack of their favorite beer. The point here is to find out what the person likes and just add that to your homemade Christmas gift basket.

Gift Jars - Making homemade Christmas gifts in a jar can be just a simple as the gift baskets. Find out what types of foods the person likes and place them in a nice jar. You can find them at any home good stores. There are especially good for someone that likes to cook. You can find all the ingredients of a favorite recipe and put them the jar. Make a nice label to put on the outside with the instructions on how to make it. This can be on a card tied to a string around the top. Use your creative side to figure out what to put inside your gift jar and it's sure to be a hit.

Personalized Recipe Book - On the same idea as the gift jar you can find some great recipes in magazines or on the internet and gather them all together for a nice personalized recipe book. Do they love chocolate? Then find a bunch of different chocolate recipes and print them out or make copies. Place them into some clear sheets that can be placed into a 3 ring binder and your done.

Photo Album - This can be a great gift for older children. Get out your photo albums and trace back their childhood through pictures. Start from infant to today. Not only with this be a keepsake for years to come but the time spent reminiscing while looking through will bring a smile to everyone's heart. This can also be a nice gift for a mother, grandmother, father or grandfather. Putting together a photo album of the children for them is always a terrific gift.

As you can see this is just a few of the homemade Christmas ideas that can make your next Christmas a very special day. The people you give these homemade gifts to will know that you really thought about them and came up with a unique idea just for them. Cost effective and fun to do. Don't run around the shopping mall trying to spend as much as you can to show how much you care this Christmas. Make some homemade gifts to really show them.

For more ideas of homemade Christmas gifts visit http://www.Busy-Moms-Online.com

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