Homemade, Handmade, Heartmade Gift Ideas

Do you love a homemade Christmas? I do! Everything just seems like it means a bit more when you've put your time, effort, and care into it. Homemade, handmade, heartmade, thrifty, money saving gifts can be a blessing to the giver and the receiver. It doesn't happen overnight though. Okay, I admit it. I've been the crazy mom sewing on Christmas Eve and trying to finish wrapping. I don't want to do that anymore!

Now is the perfect time to start brainstorming what you want your Christmas to be like this year. If that is to include homemade gifts, it's never too early to start. Here are some ideas to get you going. It's easy to find tutorials on YouTube or Pinterest. I've added a few links to get you started. 

Homemade Gift Ideas

Paper Craft

~ decorated recipe cards (could add recipes and ingredients)

~ homemade greeting cards

~ scrapbook

~ family recipe book (This was a big project and a big hit with my adult kids last year.)

From the Needles

~ tribbles I love these little cotton dish scrubbies.

~ dishcloths 

~ aprons 

~ hotpads

~ mittens

~ doll clothes

~ skirt

~ tablet stand

~ camera bean bag

~ key chain

~ Christmas stockings

~ hair baubles

~ casserole hot pad

~ drawstring bags

~ kitchen curtains

~ tote bag

~ pillow cases

~ ornaments

~ crocheted chains for hair ribbons

~ tea towels

~ doilies

~ pacifier clip

~ feminine necessity bag

~ earbud pouch

~ baby bib

~ tea wallet

~ pin cushion

~ shawl

~ slippers

~ socks

~ cape

~ camera strap

~ Bible cover

~ mug rug

~ tissue holder

Crafted

~ ornaments

~ magnets

~ candles

~ soap

~ coasters

From the Kitchen

~ cookies

~ homemade vanilla

~ recipe scrapbook with photos or on large cards

~ bread

~ quick breads

~ candy

~ homemade mixes

Acts of Service

~ all clothes ironed

~ clean out car

~ babysitting

Be creative! Your imagination and ingenuity can make a thrifty budget stretch far! 

Happy Making, 

and

Happy Christmasing!

Laura

It's Birthday Season at Harvest Lane Cottage! Gifts for the Ladies in Your Life

 

Three out of four of my adult children have birthdays in August and September. We are right in the middle of birthday season here at Harvest Lane Cottage! In fact, my new grandbaby was also born in August! Here are some ideas to help you with your gift giving.

• A beautiful Acacia wood recipe box and recipe cards 

• Red Door by Elizabeth Arden is one of my favorite fragrances. Alas, it can only be a gift. ~smile~

• Gloria Vanderbilt by Gloria Vanderbilt ~ An old favorite

• Odyssey by Avon ~An old favorite

• A selection of teas I'm wishing for this set. 

• Reading light (or knitting or...) I love mine!

• Label maker On my wish list!

• Mini steam iron for quilting, sewing, or traveling

• Zauberball!

• McCall's Candles are so fragrant. I like Country Store. It's cinnamony spicy and very fallish.

• This mug is on my wish list!

• I love these glass meal prep containers. 

• This new Christmas book is on my wish list.

Happy gift giving!

Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,

Laura 

  

Gift Ideas for the Men in Your Life It's Birthday Season at Harvest Lane Cottage!

 

Three out of four of my adult children have birthdays in August and September. We are right in the middle of birthday season here at Harvest Lane Cottage! In fact, my new grandbaby was also born in August! 

I shared some ideas here for the ladies on your gift list for birthdays, Christmas, or I Love You Days. Here are some ideas to help you with your gift giving for the men in your life. Frankly, I took many of these ideas directly from my sons' and my husband's wish lists. 

• Whirly Pop Hand Crank Popcorn Popper ~ I bought this for my husband a few years ago. He's loved it.

• Digital Photo Frame

• Rubber grip dumb bell

• Orbital Sander 

• Leather Minimalist Wallet

• Coin Collection Album

• Rechargeable Flashlight set

• Tactical Hands-Free LED Pocket Light 

• Bath and Body Works Freshwater Cologne 

• Credit Card Holder / Pocket Money Clip 

• Portable Batery Jump Starter with Battery Pack and Jumper Cables 

• Trading Card Storage Case 

• Bread machine

I hope this gives you an idea or two. The guys are always the hardest for me! 

Happy gift giving!

Laura

I'm an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase something from them after clicking one of my links within 24 hours, I'll receive a small amount at no cost to you. It's just one way you can support my blog and my creative endeavors. Thank you!

Gift Ideas for the Boys in Your Life ~ Birthday Season at Harvest Lane Cottage!

 

Our gift series continues with ideas for the boys in your life. There's more to life than Legos! Birthday season is almost over for us, but maybe not for you. While compiling this list, I found several things that I hope to purchase for my little grandson as he grows. This year, he'll just be four months old, so I'll refrain. ~smile~

I hope this list gives you some ideas. 

Younger Kids

• Melissa & Doug Wooden Construction Building Set in a Box (48 pcs) Ages 4-6

• Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks With Wooden Storage Tray (60 pcs) - Classic Blocks For Toddlers

• Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon

• The Original Big Wheel,Blue-Yellow-Red, Giant 16' Wheel Ride On Tricycle 

• NERF Pro Grip Football, Blue, Classic Foam Ball

Older Kids and Teens

• NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Magnetic Marble Run - 75-Piece STEM Building Set 

• NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit – Includes Rough Gemstones, and 4 Polishing Grits, STEM Science Kit for Geology

• Suspend Family Game (31 pcs) - Wire Balance Game ~ Even my adult kids love this!

• Trekking The National Parks - The Award-Winning Strategy Board Game 

• Ticket to Ride Board Game 

I'll be keeping this list for little Benjamin as he grows! What gifts do you suggest for boys?

Enjoy your week!

Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

I'm an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase something from them after clicking one of my links within 24 hours, I'll receive a small amount at no cost to you. It's just one way you can support my blog and my creative endeavors. Thank you!

 

It's Birthday Season at Harvest Lane Cottage! Gift Ideas for the Girls in Your Life

Harvest Lane Cottage Gift Ideas Series

First up Girls!

 

For Younger Girls

• Baby Doll ~ This one comes in white and black  

• Candy Land 

• Sit and Spin

• Hungry Hippos 

• Spirograph

• Sewing cards

• Paper dolls

• Bubbles

For Older Girls

• A bag filled with flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, vanilla, chocolate chips and my chocolate chip cookie recipe.

• Pillowcase embroidery kit 

• Personalized Stationery and stamps

• National Geographic Microscope Science Kit

• Sewing box with supplies

• Fleece Blanket No Sew Kit

• Embroidery floss for friendship bracelets

• Puzzles

• Jewelry making supplies

I hope these ideas will spark some for you when you next need a girl's gift. 

Happy gift giving!

Laura

Amazon affiliate links included

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♥

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As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small percentage from ANY items you place in your cart and purchase within 24 hours after going to Amazon from one of my links. 

It doesn’t have to be an item I have linked here.  

If you’re going to be making a purchase from Amazon this week, I thank you for using my links to support this site!

Find me online here:

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2025 41 Finished Books Goal 60

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Address available by email

Thrifty and Frugal ~ Gifts for $5 or Less

The view from my thrifty and frugal 1989 Mercury.
Sparkle in the Park

Hello Friends!

    I've been thinking. We're all a bit short on money this year. I've come up with just a few ideas for inexpensive gifts. 

$5 or Less Gift Ideas: 

1. Constant Comment Tea with a thrifted cup or mug

2. Homemade shortbread, sugar, or snickerdoodle cookies

3. Decorate a composition book and include a nice pen

4. Handwritten recipe cards

5. Selection of stationery or cards from $ Tree

6. Inexpensive gloves with buttons sewn on them

7. Christmas ornament

8. Banana, Nut, or Zucchini bread

9. Loaf of homemade bread

10. Jar of homemade jam

11. Simmer pot: Cellophane bag with: orange, cloves, cinnamon stick, and possibly a sprig of rosemary

I'm focusing on Jesus, husband, family, friends, and Kringling.

I encourage you to spend some time this weekend making or finding some frugal Christmas gifts.

I've got more Christmas posts coming out this coming week. Come on by and say hi!

Laura Lane

Gift Ideas for the Kids in Your Life

Photo by Olesia 🇺🇦 Buyar on Unsplash

Happy December! 

  I've been busy kringling for the last few days in between housework, decorating, baking, and substitute teaching. I'll bet you've been doing some Christmas preparations, too. 

  If you're looking for a few gift ideas that you may not have thought about, take a look at this list. 

Younger Kids

• Melissa & Doug Wooden Construction Building Set in a Box (48 pcs) Ages 4-6

• Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks With Wooden Storage Tray (60 pcs) - Classic Blocks For Toddlers

• Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon

• The Original Big Wheel,Blue-Yellow-Red, Giant 16' Wheel Ride On Tricycle 

• NERF Pro Grip Football, Blue, Classic Foam Ball

• Candy Land

• Sit and Spin

• Spirograph

• Hungry Hippos

Older Kids

• NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Magnetic Marble Run - 75-Piece STEM Building Set 

• Suspend Family Game (31 pcs) - Wire Balance Game ~ Even my adult kids love this!

• Trekking The National Parks - The Award-Winning Strategy Board Game 

• Ticket to Ride Board Game 

• National Geographic Microscope Science Kit

• Magnetic 3D Building Tiles

• Sewing box with supplies

• Fleece Blanket No Sew Kit

• Embroidery floss for friendship bracelets

All kinds of kids

• Puzzles 
• Tools
• Wood scraps
• Sewing supplies
• Paper dolls
• Bubbles
• Jewelry making supplies

I don't know about you, but I remember many of these things from my childhood and my children's childhood. Happy gift giving!

Laura

P.S. Some of these are affiliate links with Amazon. Your price doesn't change; but, if you choose to make a purchase, they might give me a little Christmas money. I make maybe $10 a year, but I like to make things easy for you to find. ~wink~

Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids and Adults

 

Welcome to December!

   Most everyone is struggling in some way these days. Hopefully better days will come; but, for now, let's do what we can with what we've got where we are. The enemy of enjoying the Christmas season is expectation. Be frank with your children, and tell them that this is going to be a different kind of Christmas. Celebrate Jesus, and love your family and friends with gifts of time and resources. Think of unusual gifts, things recipient needs, or educational items (for the kids).

Here are some ideas to get you started....

For kids:

• Legos
• toys from historic sites
• polished stones from tourist shops
• non-fiction how-to books
• picture books
• classic chapter books
• socks and undies (Everyone needs them. ~wink~)
• pillows
• slippers
• mittens or gloves
• knit hats
• doll clothes
• matchbox cars
• ear buds

For adults:

• ingredients for recipes with recipe cards
•  I once wrapped the following things individually and gave them to my mother-in-love: 2 eggs, a stick of butter, a cake mix, and a mixer. By the time she got to the mixer, she was really enjoying herself and her crazy daughter-in-law.
• gas card
• STP
• chocolate covered cherries
• warm gloves
• knit hats
• scarves
• Christmas or other CDs
• books
• Bath and Body, Hobby Lobby, or other gift card
• earbuds
• car emergency kit
• bird feeder and birdseed

Use your imagination. There are lots of things that would be nice gifts that don't break the bank. Give one or give a basket, box, or stocking full if you wish.

Whatever you do, don't go into debt for a momentary gift. The important thing is to show love and/or friendship. Your loved ones and friends don't want you to go into debt for them.

God bless you all!

Laura

Just Something to Think About...Precendents and Children's Gifts

Christmas 2023

Hello everyone! 

    Christmas time is upon us. I wanted to share something that I wrote about a long while ago when my children were young. 

    I once heard some mothers talking about how their children were disappointed when they didn't receive a lot of gifts for Christmas.  It saddened me.  I have a word that guided my gift giving with my children.

Precedents.... What does that word mean to you?

    As I was looking for definitions, most were related to law precedents. That tells me it's a pretty strong word. I am most interested in the first definition that the American Heritage Dictionary presented:

"An act or instance that may be used as an example in dealing with subsequent similar instances."

    This is the definition that has been a guiding thought for me. At times, in the past, money has been tight, and some years not quite so tight. Nevertheless, I always thought about the precedents that I was setting with my children when I chose gifts for celebrating special days and holidays. For instance, even when we could afford it, and we wanted to give our children their first bicycles, we didn't buy such a gift for Christmas or a birthday. We don't give many big gifts—we never have. The receipt of their bikes was an event in itself.

During the year, I look for gifts that I think they will enjoy. I put them away in a box until their birthdays, Christmas, or an I Love You Day. Because I don't usually give big gifts, they don't expect them. Because I don't give them often, they are thrilled when they receive one.

Does this mean my children are disappointed with their Christmas gifts?  On the contrary, they are happy with what they receive.  Thrilled in fact. 

When we don't set a high precedent of expectation, our children are free to be grateful for the gifts they do receive.  They can truly enjoy their gifts without thought of cost or quantity. 

I love my children.  I am not required to give them gifts.  I want to give them gifts.  They know that.  They are thankful and enjoy the gifts because they know I am giving them out of love.

Just something to think about...

Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
Laura

A Little Fireplace That Fills a Big Longing ~ Christmas Gift Idea

    My husband and I have been privileged to have a fireplace or woodstove in a few of our homes. Unfortunately, we do not have one now. We've really missed it. Purchasing and installing one will cost thousands. Bummer.

    When I found this little fire pit, I thought, why not? We enjoy candles. Maybe. Just maybe this will give us a hint of what we are missing.

    Boy howdy! It did!

    It cannot be simpler to use. A little rubbing alcohol is all we needed, and that was in the medicine cabinet. My husband poured a little in, and lit it. We were amazed and delighted with the effect. It lasted just about an hour. We enjoyed it immensely. The sturdiness of the pit calmed my nerves when the fire got big. I was confident that we wouldn't accidentally knock it over.   I'm sharing it with you; because, we are really enjoying it. 

    We had friends over for supper and made s'mores for dessert last weekend. We had so much fun!

     If you, too, long for a fire, but have no way to make it happen, this is a great alternative. 

    Let's make our Thanksgiving time, our Christmas time, and our winter time a bit cozier using whatever means the LORD brings to our minds and our abilities.

    Happy Novembering!

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Happy Christmassing!

Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

Momma's Making Christmas

UPDATE:

This product has been recalled.

Christmas in July ~ Handmade Gift Ideas

Do you love a homemade Christmas? I do! Everything just seems like it means a bit more when you've put your time, effort, and care into it. Homemade, handmade, heartmade, thrifty, money saving gifts can be a blessing to the giver and the receiver. It doesn't happen overnight though. Okay, I admit it. I've been the crazy mom sewing on Christmas Eve and trying to finish wrapping. I don't want to do that anymore!

July is the perfect time to start brainstorming what you want your Christmas to be like this year. If that is to include homemade gifts, it's never too early to start. Here are some ideas to get you going.

Homemade Gift Ideas

Paper Craft
~ decorated recipe cards (could add recipes and ingredients)
~ homemade greeting cards
~ scrapbook

From the Needles
~ tribbles
~ dishcloths
~ aprons
~ mittens
~ doll clothes
~ skirt
~ tablet stand
~ camera bean bag
~ key chain
~ Christmas stockings
~ hair baubles
~ casserole hot pad
~ drawstring bags
~ kitchen curtains
~ tote bag
~ pillow cases
~ ornaments
~ crocheted chains for hair ribbons
~ tea towels
~ doilies
~ pacifier clip
~ accessory bag
~ earbud pouch
~ baby bib
~ tea wallet
~ pin cushion
~ shawl
~ slippers
~ socks
~ cape
~ camera strap
~ Bible cover
~ mug rug
~ tissue holder

Crafted
~ arrow holder (quiver)
~ CD holder for car
~ strap for guitar
~ ornaments
~ magnets
~ candles
~ soap
~ coasters

From the Kitchen
~ cookies
~ homemade vanilla
~ recipe scrapbook with photos or on large cards
~ bread
~ quick breads
~ candy
~ homemade mixes

Acts of Service
~ all clothes ironed
~ clean out car
~ babysitting


Be creative! Your imagination and ingenuity can make a thrifty budget stretch far!

Happy Christmasing!

Laura




Shared with: To Grandma's House We Go Wonderful Wednesday

Thursday Favorite Things

Top Ten Wedding Shower Gifts that No One Else Will Bring!

It's the season for bridal showers and weddings.  Have you ever found yourself feeling a bit awkward when you give or receive a duplicate gift? Do you ever find yourself wondering what to give the bride—especially if this is the sixth wedding you've attended this summer?

We all want to show our friendship and support of the bride with a thoughtful gift, but sometimes it's difficult to know just what to give. Let me help!

These are my top ten wedding shower gifts that no one else will bring.

1. Ingredients for recipes with recipe cards
2. Laundry basket filled with homemade cleaners and recipes
3. Ingredients for homemade laundry soap and recipe card
4. Knitted or crocheted dishcloths and dish soap
5. Gas card
6. Apron
7. Totes
8. Embroidered pillowcases
9. A bag filled with spices... even Aldi spices
10. A cloth grocery bag filled with flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, vanilla, chocolate chips and my chocolate chip cookie recipe

The key here is that these are practical items that a wife needs.
She's a bride for a day and a wife for a lifetime!

God bless you and the brides in your future.

Laura
Blessed to be a blessing


You may enjoy:

• The Perfect Baby Shower Gift 
• A Simple, Practical Bridal Shower Gift with Tutorial 
• Cherish Yesterday ~ Dream Tomorrow ~ Live Today

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

A Simple, Practical Bridal Shower Gift with Tutorial

Brides are showered with many lovely things in the weeks leading up to their weddings.  I enjoy seeing the beautiful gifts and seeing the bride's face light up in appreciation.  Having lived through some very hard times, I tend to be practical in my gifts.  While they don't always get the oohs and aahs that pretties get, they are appreciated and useful.

For a simple yet helpful bridal shower gift, I crocheted a stack of dishcloths for my friend and included a large bottle of dish soap. She knows I care, because of the time I put into making the cloths. I know she has something she can really use and maybe enjoy, too. ~smile~

To crochet simple dishcloths:  Chain 21 then single crochet in the second chain.  Single crochet to end of row. *Chain one and turn.  Single crochet in the first stitch and continue to the end of the row.  Repeat from * until you have a square cloth.  It's 18 rows with my stitch tension.  Simple, but useful.  I use dishcloth cotton. I make lots of dishcloths.  We wash a lot of dishes. ~smile~  

Laura
Helping prepare my friend for marriage not just a wedding.
~smile~

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You might enjoy...

A Positive Rule for Wives

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Shared at I Made It Monday.

Want to Knit Some Mittens for Your Little Kittens for Christmas?

KnitPicks Swish Worsted

Want to be knitting mittens for your little kittens for Christmas?  I learned to knit mittens a couple of years by watching a series of video tutorials from Knit Picks. I loved it, because I could stop the videos, back up and have Kelley explain it as many times as I needed.



Kelley's instructions are easy to understand.  I loved having her help me step-by-step beginning to end.  My kids loved their mittens.  They've grown and need bigger mittens this year!  


Wool mittens are so very warm.  Give it a try.  If you can knit and purl, you can do this.  I buy my supplies at Knit Picks.  I like their yarns and prices.  Their customer service is good, too, if you have a problem.  I feel so silly having to write "I am an affiliate or I am not an affiliate"; but, for Mr. Government Man, I am not an affiliate. :)

I need to order some washable wool and get busy if I'm going to be Knitting Mittens for Kittens this Christmas this year.  ~smile~

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May I Suggest?
Three Little Kittens Need Some Mittens

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Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

Building Snowmen ~ Sort of....

Amy made snowmen despite the fact that those lovely little snowflakes just aren't falling.

Amy gave these to all her little friends.

They're little packs of gum.  I don't remember the brand now.

I originally saw the idea on Pinterest some months ago, but I cannot find the original pin.

Shared at I Made It Monday.

Christmas Wishes... Want to be Knitting Mittens for Your Kittens?

Want to be knitting mittens for your little kittens for Christmas?  I learned to knit mittens last year by watching a series of video tutorials from Knit Picks. 



The instructions are clear.  My kids loved their mittens.  They're all asking for another pair this year!  Wool mittens are so very warm.  Give it a try.  If you can knit and purl, you can do this.  I buy my supplies at Knit Picks.

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May I Suggest?

My Littlest Kitten Now Has Mittens

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Wrapping Up Christmas