DIY Holiday

Christmas always brings to mind the same dilemma: I love doing things and getting presents for the people I love, but I give a big thumbs-down to mindless consumerism. So what to do?

Lately I've been scouring the net for DIY gift ideas. Though Martha Stewart isn't really my style, she has a great recipe for homemade bath fizzies that seem like a pretty easy way to give some comfort and cheer to the girlies. I'm also thinking that some homemade pasta (family recipe of course!) wrapped up nicely with a jar of tomato sauce would be a thoughtful and very practical gift. DIY gifts for dudes, that's proving a little trickier. Picking up some fabric for personalized bandanas is one idea. There's also the tried-and-true mixtape or CD. Or maybe knitting a scarf? (Of course that requires knowing how to knit, which I don't.) If I knew how to play an instrument, maybe I'd make some "music lesson coupons" for younger friends or family members and teach them a thing or two. As you can see, I'm still brain-storming...

If anyone has ideas, I'd love to hear them. In the meantime, I'll look around and definitely share the best of what I find with you so that you can have a holiday that costs a lot less, but means a lot more.