Anyone started on their

Christmas gifts?

Scrappy or otherwise?

I have some rolodex birthday things I will be making - similar to this one, but with papers appropriate to the various people[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Also trying to decide on gifts for other people that I want to make so I can get going on them sooner rather than later (later always tends to lead me to purchasing something, "just to have a gift" for someone rather than putting thought into things)

Not sure what to give all the Sr's in high school - if all else, I know gas cards or book store cards are appreciated.

I also need to come up with some other items - just wish i could figure out what

Not yet ... but thinking about it. My DH gives gifts to the employees on his team and it's usually handmade with something store bought thrown in and he always says no he's not doing gifts, and then around Thanksgiving or later! he decides that he is.

I started collecting goodies (non-perishable) earlier this year so I'll be ready just in case he flip flops. Probably will do goodie bags that are relevant to each person's interests. Last year, you may recall I did personalized calendars (and food gifts) that about sent me nuts dealing with DH to get them done. He goes from having no ideas to having lots of them that changes each day it seems which makes me bonkers b/c I like to get the gifts done assembly style.

In prior years I did individual mini albums based on each person's family or interests. Not sure why I send myself nuts each year but as his employees on his teams change, prior employees talk about what they've received in past years, so I never want his newbies to feel shortchanged, KWIM?

Boy do I

Dh also starts with, no gifts this year, then around December 1st asks me what I have time to make and will purchase to make basket type things

so - no listening anymore - starting sooner (aka NOW ) rather than later

I'm trying to decide if I want to make the Christmas cards this year or just send store bought. I made a few last year and the relatives I sent them to appreciated them. I've never really been into card making much, but it intrigues me. I imagine by the time I decide to make them I will really be needing to make Valentine's Day cards instead -- so they can get finished in time! LOL

But, I have been working on a small scrapbook album for my sister. But, I think for my mom I'll do a photobook from SnapFish or Shutterfly.

And, BTW..........why'd ya hafta bring up Christmas?????? LOL!!!

cause if I don't start now, I will never finish.

Plus, I was approached by a company to make some personalized Christmas cards for them

I created 9 different samples - hoping they like one of them. No information other than the image whatsoever. Tomorrow they go in. Not tons of $$ and cards were never my favorite, but using the image they wanted plus the Graphic 45 Christmas Past papers (had to use what I knew I could easily order more paper), I came up with some really fun cards.

Cards have always been tough, so instead of trying a lot of new, I stayed with tried and true - basic, simple, layered, etc. I sure hope they like the results and pick one. Then I have to figure a price per card I knew I forgot to include something

You could do wallhangings for people using individual pieces of chipboard mini albums or mdf scrap project pieces. My mom does individualized calendars for family. You could do picture frames with a frame fitting layout as the background, all they do is add pics. Just a few ideas.

Have you seen the Stamping Up Catalog? There's a few ideas for making holiday gifts

Also do you still have access to the Online Editions(Scrapbook Trends, Cards, Bead Trends, Simply Handmade and the idea Books)? If you still do you should be able to find some great Holiday gift making ideas there.

Another Christmas gift idea:

Photo Coasters

Another good idea Thanks

how about one for a person who always lets me know they haven't received enough pics of my kids, but when I send albums (both handmade and some photo book type ones) they are in the back of a closet somewhere.

Non-consumable items are not welcome (my fault, I assumed that photo books would be good based on conversations). Neither are breads, candies, alcoholic products, meat or fruits. I am really at a loss here. It has been large floral bouquets the past few years, and can be again, but it feels like a gift I just throw money at to do rather than something with meaning.

Any ideas?

Scraprageous wrote:Another good idea Thanks

how about one for a person who always lets me know they haven't received enough pics of my kids, but when I send albums (both handmade and some photo book type ones) they are in the back of a closet somewhere.

Non-consumable items are not welcome (my fault, I assumed that photo books would be good based on conversations). Neither are breads, candies, alcoholic products, meat or fruits. I am really at a loss here. It has been large floral bouquets the past few years, and can be again, but it feels like a gift I just throw money at to do rather than something with meaning.

Any ideas?

Wow. They are tough to buy for. Ever tried a gift card to their favorite store or a mall in their town? Maybe if they had to shop for their own gift they'd be more appreciative? Sorry, that's me being my witchy self

How about a shadow box(hang on the wall or sit on a ledge) and do a collage of pictures of your kids? Also if that's to large, what about a collage of your kids inserted into a calendar(the calendars that look like a checkbook holder)?

Love the idea of gift card, but the last time, we evident ally sent something not quite right as they preferred to do themselves hard to avoid witchyness with this one

Shadow box - tried similar one year with frame - took up too much space

Tried sending different size photos and purchasing smaller frame(s). If I can make it fit in a 3"x3" frame - it would be ok - that is the size that still sits on fireplace ledge. Rest are gone.

Calendar - good idea, however, a different relative does that.

On the good side - I have lots of people who enjoy the shadow boxes and calendars (actually have a cow if they don't get the calendar LOL)

How about a donation in their name? You can buy a pig, goat, cow, etc. for people in Africa...now there's someone that would appreciate it!

How about asking them to make a list of 5 things they would LOVE to get for Christmas? Then you would be fairly safe choosing one. I do that with a couple of folks on my list who are hard to buy for.

And, if they say, "oh, you don't have to buy me anything for Christmas. Don't bother." I say, "ok" and I don't bother. (after all, that IS what they asked for! Witchy, too with folks like that! LOL ).

Personally, I think it's beyond tacky to complain about a gift that someone has given you. No one is ENTITLED to a GIFT for Pete's sake!! (Getting off soap box now..........LOL).

Good luck! Now I'd better get busy uploading photos so I can get them printed before Christmas!!! Yikes!

Thanks for all the suggestions - I really like the idea of donating an animal to someone in their name - kids here would love that. (did something similar when dog died - no one cared, but at least this way, I know that the person receiving the animal will be overjoyed). We have done goats - think that is a wonderful idea - THANKS!

ps - I did the 3 things before - didn't turn out so hot - even though on list, I gave receipt to exchange, just leave at not so great.