The real presence of presents

[NikkiMomof2grls]

I am one who believes that the best gifts are handmade or homemade, thoughtful, creative, and personal.  I don't like the exchanging of money and gift cards, especially at Chrsitmas. 

I make mini scrapbooks or photo collages or something similar for Mother's Day and birthdays for the adults in my family.  Several years ago I made a photo collage for my mom and MIL and all the grandmothers that included a poem about grandparents.  I also make and decorate cakes or favortie desserts and goodies.  I love making gift baskets with a theme.  I made a kitchen themed gift basket for a friends wedding.  He is a fellow magician friend of Jason's, so I included coffee mugs with the four card suits on them in the basket.  I made a gift basket for my sister's baby shower just full of all the little things that you need and you never get and have to go out and buy yourself.  She loved it!  For my husband I cook dinner and dessert among other creative things.  :)

In response to "What's the most creative birthday present you ever gave?"

[Eclipse]

Nov. 13, 2008 at 12:21 PM

I like to make collages. Pretty much all of my friends and family have some sort of collage I have created at some point. I think my favorites were the flower pots. I spray painted them, pasted magazine pictures on them, spread Mod Podge over the entire creation and sprinkled glitter lightly over that. I have also done this cigar boxes. Each one I make is created especially for the person I have in mind, so no 2 are ever similar.

[livewell]

Nov. 13, 2008 at 1:49 PM

I love giving baskets for presents! You can really personalize it without spending a fortune!

[mommaleen]

Nov. 13, 2008 at 3:05 PM

When my son receives a gift, I like to show how grateful we are for receiving the gift.  I take several pictures of my son playing with the toy or wearing the outfit and custom a collage or scrapbook .  I tailor make them to the individuals taste.  It's therapeutic for me and shows how much we appreciate the gift. ;)