I just found this site today and I'm hoping someone can help me. We are having really bad money problems this year and I don't know what to do for Christmas gifts for my children. I don't want them to wake up to nothing Christmas morning. I have a 9 year old boy, a 13 year old girl, a 18 year old boy, and a 19 year old boy. I want to make them something that they will enjoy and appreciate and something that will make them forget that we are having a hard time. Please help. Any ideas will be much appreciated. Thank you.
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We don't know what your crafting abilities are or what interests your kids have. I have been sewing and crafting for about 60 years and by the time you by the materials to make things, you will spend at least as much or more than if you just bought each one a gift.
At the age your kids are they should be able to understand that they won't get as much as they might have in years past. If you have seen what I refer to as "tie" blankets made out of two layers of fleece fabric. They aren't inexpensive (anyway I don't think so), but they are warm and last forever, plus being easy to care for.
I usually make a print on one side and a solid color on the other side. They can be made in school colors, military logos, pro-sports team logos, etc. For the older kids you would need two yards of each fabric, and for they nine year old 1-1/2 yards of each fabric would work.
The cost for the larger ones would be roughly $30.00. Google tie blankets and you will find the actual directions for making these. If you watch sales for fabric stores, you might find some good buys on this fabric too.
Thank you, I appreciate it. Any info is a big help looking for recyclable projects to do.
Check out the Dollar Tree Stores. They have toys, some clothing items, tools, flashlights, books, Barrettes and other Hair related things, and many other items. Each item sells for $1.00.
Those are great ideas for the little ones. For the older, perhaps a cap and muffler set. If you don't crochet, you might find someone who does. You can also sign up for help at the local St. Vincent dePaul, Salvation Army, or other places that get donations for those in need. I have been where you are. Because of my limited income, everyone gets photos that are far away, so I can send them in their cards. They love them and understand. I make what I can for friends in their gift baskets, but again, they don't expect anything. I wish you the best. PBP
Here's something I'm going to make for my grandson. I think it would be good for boys OR girls if you add some details. Also good for lots of ages, again, just add details geared to the child's age you want to give it to.
Hope you can open this link. If not, Google "super hero fort kit". There are lots of ideas at the Tip Junkie site and this one, too. Get busy! :)
tipjunkie.com/hm/1798/megandandymade.blogspot.com/2011/05/super-hero-fort-kit.html
Me again. I was thinking of your 9 year old with the super hero fort, but maybe he's too old for this kind of thing. My grands this age still like stuff like this.
For older kids, what about books? Most libraries have used for sale.
I was in the same situation a few years ago and all i had to give was a packet of cookies i baked myself. The children were so suprised when they got something that they didn't mind what it was.
Even though my suggestion is not for homemade items I would highly suggest you sign up for Freecycle. It is a worldwide org that has an interest in keeping items out of landfill.You start at freecycle.org then you put in your city/zip code and you get directed to freecycle.com for your area (who wants to drive 50 mi for a shirt).
The rule of freecycle is nothing can be sold, bought or traded. It must be for free. You post what you have to give or what you want. I have seen appliances, cars, boats, furniture/bedding, sports equip, toys, clothes, pets, just about everything. I had one family I met said their garbage person hands out business cards with the information on it so they have less to dispose of. One mans trash is another mans treasure Lots of luck...P'
I made initial pillows using the "sewing for dummies" alphabet pattern. I bought batting @ garage sales or thrift stores, then made pillows using material scraps/remnants for 15 g-kids, nieces/nephews...fun, very inexpensive (used a baby crib sheet with tweety bird - $1.00 @ a yard sale for material).
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