Christmas is just 5 days away and although the holiday is truly not about exchanging gifts, it has become a tradition. This year, in the midst of job loss and fear of foreclosures; there is an incredible strain on American families. The need to save is imperative. I personally have found homemade gifts very special because, it says that your loved one put time and effort into creating something just for you. I had a boyfriend once that use to leave me love notes inside the most adorable origami creations and I loved them And my favorite gifts are the drawings my daughter has made for me down through the years.

Anyway, Here are some of my suggestions:

Personalized Audio Book - Choose your favorite childhood read (I personally love-Where the Wild Things Are, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! and I’m Thankful Each Day) and record the story for the young ones in the family. I have to be honest and say, I’m not sure about the copyright issues, I mean you would be giving it as a gift and not trying to make a profit. However, if you’re worried, make up a story and include the names of your loved ones as characters, create audio tape/CD cover artwork on the computer and voilà

Cookies w/Love - Take a trip to the Dollar Store and buy a few holiday tins and colored wax paper then bake some delicious cookies. Who doesn’t love cookies?

SPA JAR - Take an old jelly jar, put in a nail polish, file, buffer and colored confetti. Create a homemade label - and tie a pretty ribbon around it.Ex.Take time to pamper yourself!

Spirits for the Holidays - Find some really pretty bottles, wash them out and pour your favorite cocktail mixes in. Write a recipe and a personal message on the bottle then tie a pretty ribbon around it. Your friends will be sitting around, “Singin’ and Swingin’ and Getting Merry like Christmas”

http://www.drinkstuff.com/products/cocktail-mixers-mixes.asp

http://www.drinknation.com/

Create a Custom Photo Book - My dear friend, Mica gave me a personalized photo album one year and I loved it. She and her mom created them together for friends and family. The photo album I received was a beautiful Christmas pattern, but you can use any material you’d like. Here are some sites that take you step by step. I’ve had mine since 1996,Maybe, I’ll post of a pic. of my album later.

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/11115/how-to-make-a-custom-photo-album

http://www.crafty-moms.com/scrapbooking/photo-album.shtml

Mixed CD - Keeping in mind that I’m corny, I love the idea of someone creating a CD full of songs that remind them of their loved one. It’s my favorite wedding favor. I think, music says so much. It can be applied to anyone in your life. It could be love songs, inspirational songs, holiday music, whatever you decide. Again, you can create CD Artwork online and print it out and voilà

Movie Night for the family - Back to the Dollar store find a really pretty box, tin or basket and put in a gift card for a movie at Blockbuster, include popcorn, candy, and a 2-liter. A gift that encourages quality time w/the family.