I was watching Martha Stewart today and saw that she was making something easy that could be given to some people on your Christmas list. She made infused vodka and gave a recipe for a Cosmopolitan made with the vodka. 

Since some people aren’t really crafty or say they aren’t there are things that you can make that may or may not take a lot of time to make or require a lot of specialized skill. I am crafty so when I see segments about making things for people on your gift list, my interest is piqued. Plus, I start thinking about how to improve the gift.

Making your own gifts this year and thoughtfulness in gift giving is really making a difference because of the economy. CNN even had an iReport segment showing people were going to have a homemade Christmas this year. There is nothing wrong with that, but I like Martha Stewart’s idea about making infused Vodka because I know quite a few people who would like that and I would even find a shaker to pair it with and include a recipe. If you don’t know anyone who drinks you could try one of Martha’s other ideas – creating a personalized totebag with a photo transfer iron on. If you are a crafty person, you may feel more comfortable making gifts. Even if you are a creative person, remember not every attempt will work out. I have no problem scrapping something that didn’t quite work out. This is something that will make the inexperienced crafter feel better about something not turning out quite the way they wanted.

Even if you decide to make gifts this doesn’t mean that you will make something that is cheap. You could probably go to the dollar store and get a few things but buying materials still costs money, although the money that you spend for a project could possibly give your enough ingredients or materials for several gifts. I know if I go to the store and buy a wool scarf it would cost me at least $25 but if I make a scarf I could save at least half of that and even use a better quality yarn.

There is hope for people who want to save money this Christmas and give thoughtful gifts. Search around and you will find something for all skill levels. I even saw a few ideas that I hadn’t tried that I could definitely make and I know would be appreciated. [Yes, I know quite a few vodka drinkers!]