25 Homemade Gift Ideas

I love the season of giving. One of my favorite ways to spread some happiness is by making homemade gifts. Presents just mean so much more when they’re homemade. Many of these would not only work for Christmas but also Chanukah, birthdays, and most other days of celebration.  There is something special about DIY gifts, and I have 25 amazing ideas for you.  They are inexpensive and most are easy to make. Many are familiar ideas, and some may be a happy surprise.  Your friends and family know you had to spend a little more time on them, and that thoughtfulness is always appreciated but especially if it involves something to eat.  The first gifts I gave when I graduated from college were simple sugar cookies.  Everyone appreciated them, they were cheap, and I only spent one evening baking.  It was a great life lesson.    

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Making Christmas Special & Unique

Next week is the  beginning of October, and many of us are looking ahead to colder weather and all the holidays to come. Well, just it’s just cooler weather here in Florida, but I like that.  The next few months are filled with special times: Halloween with treats and decorations, Thanksgiving to remember to be grateful, and Christmas a time to share our joy.   The last 6 months have been far from normal, and I must admit, I’m not as enthused about the holidays as normal.  So today I am doing positive affirmations and remembering the reason for the season.  Even  after recent events of the pandemic and the worries about tomorrow, we need to  start thinking ahead and planning what we can do to make this Christmas a special one even if it’s different. With that in mind, here are some of the things to consider.

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Taco Seasoning – Great Small Gift Idea!

This is a simple, fantastic seasoning recipe which will make you give up those packets of seasoning. The flavor is so much richer, and it is such a money saver too. Modify the recipe to fit your taste and spice requirements. Be sure to use fresh spices.  Over time, spices will lose their potency and not flavor your food as intended. As a general rule, whole spices will stay fresh for about 4 years, ground spices for about 3 to 4 years and dried leafy herbs for 1 to 3 years.  The best way to know if the spices on your shelf are still good is by color and smell.

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