I was just reading a story in the New York Times called, “Fewer Gifts and Frills are Expected in a Rough Economy.” I’m definitely feeling the same way this year. Loved ones keep asking me, “What do you want for Christmas?” Beyond a new pair of slippers, I can’t really think of a single thing I want or need. So, instead of exchanging presents, My Better Half and I have agreed that we’ll take ourselves on a snowboarding trip to Powder Mountain in Utah in January. We went last year and had an amazing time! See these tracks? Those were from us!
If you’re looking for some other gift ideas, I’ve got a few for you. Well, first, maybe some people might like a book in their stocking? Ummmm, I know a pretty good one.
Or, you could make everyone aprons out of cute vintage pillowcases, like I did the other day. (Instructions are in da’ book. No sewing machine–or sewing skills–required.)
Or, you could bake everyone on your list a pie. Everybody loves pie!
You could make beer for your friends. I just made a 15-gallon batch, which I’ve named Button Brew, to give out at my book release party on Tuesday. (Thanks to The Beer In Me for posting this, too!)
Hmmm, what else? My pal, Alicia Kachmar, is crocheting ribbon candy. My friend, Jean at Renovation Therapy, is making berets. Kim at The Doe and The Mouse is making super cute coffee sleeves. (You can buy them for $10 a pop at her etsy shop.)
You could even commission a pet portrait by the one and only Nicole J Georges. She’s so cool.
Or, pick up a shirt, designed by my pal, Lucy Knisley, featuring illustrations of 25 different kinds of cheese! She’s also selling signed copies of her awesome book French Milk, which is the next best thing to being in Paris.
Or, and if there’s a baby on your list, here’s a video on how to make a Cinchy Inchy Catepillar, using stuff you already have around the house. Even if you don’t have a baby, watch this video for a laugh. For some reason, at the one-minute mark, I get really serious when I say, “Like a balloon.” It cracks me up every time.
If you have any other great gift ideas, leave them in the comments below. (Comments may take a few hours to post, but don’t worry. They’ll show up soon enough.) I’m off to make myself a cup of hot chocolate with LOTS of whipped cream. Stay warm and have a great day!
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Kim’s coffee cozies are the best out there, hands down. That cheese illustration? OMG. Must have one!
Drowning in berets,
Jean
Thank you Erin & Jean! You guys are so sweet. I wish someone would make me some beer for christmas! Or maybe I’ll make some next year. I don’t know how I could ever keep that a surprise, though.
kim
Thanks for your explanation.