Homemade Gifts - Picture Books and More

Are you one to make homemade gifts? I made a few this past year. I used to make many each year, but life took over and there was never enough time, until now, a time called retirement! Although I haven't been as crafty as I would have liked this past year I did make a few things.

The most important of those that I made were photo books. I put together one for my father early last year for his birthday. It focused on his ancestors and his life up until he met my mother. Each of my sisters received one for their birthdays also. My sisters loved them and they generated many questions. Now they are wanting the next volume, and wondering if I will be doing a photo book of my mother and her family.

For Christmas I did a photo book of my granddaughter's first year. I had done the same for my grandsons first year. These also went over very well. I don't know what it is about these picture books, but I love them! I think it is the convenience, organization, color and simplicity of them. Ease to get to is another thing. You can display a book a lot easier than a photo album.

There are many companies that make photo books. Because it is the first of the year, I thought I would give you some food for thought in case you might have an opportunity to use one of these as a gift. It is never to early to start picking out those photos, layouts, colors and words to make a memorable photo book for your next gift! The books really aren't expensive, unless you add a lot of pages. Over the past three years I have bought twelve of these books. I am now wondering, what should my next book be? Hum, I have a couple thoughts already!

A couple of the other memorable gifts I made was for my daughters. I made them each a photo album of our trip to Costa Rica in early 2008. On our trip there last year I found some awesome Costa Rican photo albums, which gave me the idea. I knew neither of them had put anything physically together for that trip. Each album held one hundred photos and I made them unique to each daughter. They loved their albums I know because they each had to sit and go through the whole darn thing when they opened them.

My craftiness continued but I am not so sure anything else I made would be worthy of becoming an heirloom. Blowing up pictures and framing them, making outfits for the prince and princess... they were fun, but I am sure they won't be around forever.

I have a few ideas of what I'd like to make this year. Hopefully my husband will receive a Harley quilt from me later this year. He has always wanted one. This could be an heirloom, one never knows. Oh and yes, I need to make some Christmas stockings for all of the added family members there have been in the last five years. But first, before I start any new projects, I have a couple old ones still to finish!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Comments

  1. I am not what you would call crafty, but I tend to do many of the projects you have mentioned. Don't be too surprised about those costumes you made. I still have mine that my grandmother made for me back in 1948 or 49! Both my sons wore it and if I am ever blessed with a grandchild or two, you can be sure that a third generation will be photographed in it. Thanks for your post.

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  2. Hi Lindalee, I think a lot depends on if "mom" saves that kind of stuff. Thinking of my daughter, I don't suppose she would. So wonderful that you have your costumes! Thank you for commenting!

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