Simple Gifts Are Best

How many times have you received gifts over a lifetime? I'm sure we all have received expensive gifts, funny gifts, unusual gifts, or totally useless gifts. Gifts for Christmas, Easter, New Year's, birthdays, promotions, accomplishments, weddings, anniversaries and probably some I can't even think of. But, how many of these gifts do you remember receiving, and how many do you actually value today?

Not that many years ago, my wife and I used to spend more dollars on purchased gifts than we care to think about. However, at the time, cost wasn't as important to us - only the act of giving was. It seemed no matter what the time of year, we were always scrambling to find a gift for someone or for some occasion. If truth be told, more money was spent on the gift than time to choose it. In fact, to me, it was always a chore to find a gift that someone could use since we either did not know what he or she needed, or they seemed to have everything we might have chosen.

One thing that has changed now, however, is that since our move to a simple and frugal lifestyle, gift giving has taken on a whole new dimension. Why? Simply put, in most cases, we make our own gifts. There is no better way to give a valued gift than to make it yourself. Some of our gifts are one-of-kind gifts that we make in our glass studio.

You see, we started our own small craft business a couple of years ago as past of our quest to lead a simple life. The crafts we make our based on a theme - that theme means that it has to be a craft that is made from glass, or is a motivational product. One-of-kind gifts are our fused glass jewellery; there are no two pieces alike. This includes pendants on sterling silver chain, pendant and earring sets, and key chains.

While we make most of our gifts from glass, you may decide to make gifts from other materials. For example, a friend of ours makes great gifts from carved driftwood that they pick up on a leisurely beach stroll. Another friend makes beaded jewellery, while another hand paints rocks with animals or scenes. Other people make home preserves - that tasty jam, or pickle. Others make homemade pies, cakes, cookies, fudge, or maple syrup candies.

If you're tired of trying to find that perfect gift, or if you're leading a more frugal lifestyle and don't want to spend a lot of money, consider making your own gifts. It doesn't have to be elaborate; it just has to be something you've made. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised at the reaction of those who receive your gift - don't be surprised if you're asked to make more so they can give it to a friend. We often are requested to make additional gift items, except in our case with one-of-kind jewellery they're all unique.

Surprise others, and maybe yourself, a simple handmade gift is one of the best gifts you can give and receive.