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Homemade Gift Ideas
By Kathy Burns-Millyard, Fri Dec 9th

There's absolutely no reason to go broke buying gifts throughoutthe year for friends, family and co-workers. Nothing means quiteas much as a gift that is made with love and care. Planningahead and making all your gifts will save you a ton of money anda lot of headaches. Here are some terrific homemade gift ideasthat are easy and fun to make:

Dollar Store Gift Baskets: Your everyday dollar store is a giftgiving haven. You can make really inexpensive gift baskets usingdollar store items. For instance, you can divide sets offingernail polishes, candles, soaps, etc. or separate multi-packfood items like hot cocoa or crackers to make multiple baskets.Most dollar stores also have a great selection of plastic totesand storage containers that can be used in place of thetraditional basket holder.

Bath Salts in a Bottle: Nothing is easier to make than scentedbath salts. Just use equal parts of Epsom salt, baking soda andsea salt. Add some scents and pour into craft bottles that havebeen decorated with ribbons or other embellishments. Make sureto include instructions on how to use. No one should soak inbath salts for more than 20 minutes! It can be very dryingotherwise.

Body Mists: Body mists are cooling, refreshing and very popularamong the ladies. To make your own, pick up some spray bottlesat your local pharmacy, beauty supply or craft store. Sterilizeand fill each of them with distilled water. Add your choice ofessential and you're ready to give a lavish gift!

Hand Painted Golf Tees: Sometimes coming up with homemade giftsto give the guys can be a challenge. Here's an easy and greatgift to make them. Buy some ordinary golf tees and give them alla custom paint job. Choose neutral or wild colors. Or monogramthem with the recipient's initials.

Decorated Bird Feeders & Houses: You can usually find unpainted and inexpensive bird feeders or birdhouses at your local craft store, and in various shopsonline. Hand paint and decorate any way you choose for athoughtful gift. You can even package them up with bags of birdseed.

Pen Holders: Ordinary cans make the best pen holders in theworld! To make, simply wash and dry empty vegetable or soupcans. Drill small holes on either side near the tops of cans (totie on handles on later!). Paint them any way you want. Whendry, use heavy gauge floral wire to make handles. Decorate withglitter, fabrics, ribbons, craft jewels etc. Tie a raffia bow tothe handles and you're done...practical pen holders, awesomegifts.

About the author:© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Need more great gift ideas for avariety of people and occasions? Visit The Home Gift Shopper athttp://www.homegiftshopper.com - And don't miss our new, fullarticle RSS feed!