| It's never too early to think about Christmas. In | | | | You can get Styrofoam balls or shapes and add |
| this economy it pays to think ahead. There are | | | | sequins and beads with pins. Painted ornaments |
| lots of ways to give special gifts without going | | | | are another way to go. They can be personalized. |
| broke. The best gifts are the ones that have | | | | There are kits available at craft stores for making |
| more thought put into them and come from the | | | | ornaments of wood or ceramic. This is ideal for |
| heart. | | | | kids. |
| One idea for a gift would be a baked good. Who | | | | Beaded jewelry and accessories make good gifts |
| doesn't like receiving homemade cookies, breads | | | | anytime of year. You could make earrings, |
| or cakes?! You could wrap the breads in the | | | | necklaces, or bracelets. Craft stores have earring |
| colorful cellophane that's now available. You could | | | | wires, beads, beading wires, and clasps that are |
| package cookies in goodies gift boxes, tins, bags, | | | | inexpensive. It's cheaper than buying jewelry |
| trays or baskets adding your own decorations for | | | | already made and you can make several pieces |
| that special touch. | | | | with the supplies you buy. You can get key rings |
| Another great gift is a gift basket. You could put | | | | or clips to make keychains with beads. If you're |
| together a basket with candy, fruit, baked goods | | | | creative you could make belts, hair clips or |
| or just about anything. You can make it a theme | | | | anything you can imagine. |
| or mix it up. Baskets aren't the only thing you can | | | | There are many ways to put together gifts at |
| use. You could decorate a box or gift bag. Mugs, | | | | affordable prices. I hope I have helped with a few |
| sundae dishes, or beach buckets make great | | | | of my ideas. Christmas should be a fun time |
| individual gifts especially for kids. Add your | | | | instead of being stressful and financially draining. |
| touches and colored cellophane to finish it off. | | | | Enjoy the holidays with your family and friends. |
| Making an ornament is definitely a personal touch. | | | | |