A friend surprised me with a homemade China cup and saucer bird feeder and sunflower feed mix. Looking forward to hanging this at our cottage this summer and will think of her thoughtfulness each time I see a bird enjoying their visit.
A heartfelt gift so much better than a cookie cutter gift from a department store. I loved the surprise!

My best gift has been a Skype call from an incredible friend I hadn't seen in over 5 years. For the first time in almost 3, he's able to start walking again. In January, I'm going to visit as a late Christmas surprise.

My Dad ( rest in peace ) made me an easel one year for Christmas. It was amazing. He made my sister a jewelry box that same year. I don't know how he made them without us knowing about it but he did and it was a huge surprise for us both. My Dad could build anything and was a very talented artist as well. I know that is where my creativity has come from.

The best gift I just received was a call from my stepson asking me to be sure and create another calendar of my artwork. He called last year's calendar (the first one I ever did, using Vistaprint.com) his favorite Christmas present. (geez, I guess we really missed the mark on gifts last year!) My daughter recently asked me if I could have a pillow made (on Zazzle) of a painting she likes. And my brother asked if he's going to get another mug (Vistaprint again) to add to his "collection."

These "photo gifts" are an unexpected hit! Who knew?!? I rather reluctantly had some calendars and mugs made up last year because family members were starting to ask about my artwork. (Nowhere near good enough to sell or "collect" yet!) I recommend trying something similar, with personal photography, zentangles, doodling, whatever artwork you're into. People seem to really like this!

My daughter-in-law makes the most delicious salted caramels ever. She lets me know when she sends them so I can be on the lookout for the UPS man. I hide/hoard the entire package and sneak them one at a time, careful not to let the crinkly wrapper give me away. #lovechristmascandy

A spice blend or a bath scrub.

I was surprised with this art work created for my bedroom by our very own Houzz friend, and PRO contributor Lorraine of LB Interiors. She created this by just seeing a photo of my bedroom on Houzz. The colors are perfect. I also had the thrill of meeting her on our Houzz meet-up in Nashville;) Sorry, my poor lighting does not do this picture enough justice.

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We made 25 rice filled hot pad holders plus hand warmers for all our presents this year. It was a great activity for me and my daughter and the receipients were VERY happy.

Homemade peanut brittle from our favorite neighbor!!

Bird seed ornaments were easy, very inexpensive and well-received. Will do more like these for Valentine's Day.

One fall when my elderly father (an avid gardener) was away visiting my sister, my husband and I planted several dozen tulips in the front borders of his yard. On Christmas, we wrapped the labels and gave them to him along with some other small gifts. He was intrigued and delighted. When spring came, the tulips were glorious. My Dad had a lot of fun telling passers-by about how these tulips ended up in his garden and were a Christmas present.

Six of these.

Last year my adult son gave me "coupons" for board game playing sessions. We had so much fun playing the games through the year! This is what I wanted-- I don't need any "stuff".

I still treasure the hand stitched Christmas ornaments from my Mom and sister.

They're not exactly homemade, but I often 'jazz up' kitchen towels and cutting boards for hostess and other small gifts.

ANY HOMEMADE GIST IS HIGHLY VALUED THAT THEY TOOK THE THOUGHTFULNESS AND TIME TO MANE SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR ME. I HAVE OVER THE YEARS GIVEN CROCHETED AFGHANS, AND DOILIES THAT I HAVE MADE FOR THEM. MERRY CHRIST MAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS

My sister makes beautiful embroidered kitchen towels, aprons and pillow cases. She also knits dish rags and super soft facial wash cloths. When I have guests over I always make sure they are out and if I am preparing food the apron is on.

Eve, that is a wonderful story and the way you told it, I could see the whole thing as if I were there.

When I was 5, my sister made me a Raggedy Ann doll. I still have her and I'm 54.

Our family is reading the Harry Potter series right now, so I made the kids these wands. We'll see how they like them!

A friend made me an apron from parrot fabric this year. I have 2 parrots so that fits my personality perfectly.

Thanks Margo. I'm so happy that the art works for your room.

Margo, thank you so very much for the very nice write-up. It was just something that I wanted to do for a special Houzz friend and to show my appreciation for helping me in Nashville...