Over the last year or so I've enjoyed making homemade presents as each birthday party invitation comes home from school. I began this largely for financial reasons, but also to use up some of the fabric I have tucked away. It also gives the girls greater involvement in the present planning, time spent with me on a project and teaches them the act of making something from scratch and giving a more meaningful gift. I want to avoid falling for the trap of having to buy the latest, new release toys and I've learnt that the kids are even more appreciative of a gift that is different and made by their friend's Mum. I daresay this probably won't last into adolescence!
The girls have loved being part of the process: deciding what to make, what materials and ribbons to use and what little something to buy to go with the creation. There have been many pencil rolls, doll and teddy clothes, aprons, pretty drawstring bags and lots of decorated hair bands, head bands and hair clips.
The girls choose what I should make based on their friends' hobbies and favourite things. An Art party called for a pencil roll with Derwent pencils and an apron in embroidered cherry cotton was for an 8 year old having a Cupcake party. At one point, the girls in Sarah's class were discussing whether they would get a pencil roll like the others. Sarah told them I was making rolls for the school fair so they could buy one there!!
The current request is for pretty drawstring bags, made with two fabrics and pretty ribbons sewn on the bag and threaded through the casing. Each bag has something inside: a novel or picture books, a Brambly Hedge DVD, Charlotte's Web DVD, fabric and felt hair bands or a journal with sparkly pens.
Unfortunately, I hadn't thought to take any photos of last year's projects. To tell the truth, there was not often time - more than once they were being finished off while the party attendee was dressing and doing teeth and hair for the party!! This was one of the most recent bags, partnered with a fairy novel of some sort. And now there is a lull - before the next round of invites comes home!
How lovely that they get so excited about your homemade presents. I often make gifts too as it's usually something not faddish. Older girls will still want your gifts, and you'll find yourself making bags for makeup instead. Imagine the thought!
ReplyDeleteIsn't homemade fab!!? I love your little bag and the idea of popping a book inside is so nice :-)
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