Homemade is always better

Quiet book from Imagine our life

When I was growing up, my parents always told me that the gifts I made were better than anything I could have ever purchased.  I just assumed that they were saying that to make me feel better because I couldn't afford much on the allowance I got, which was two dollars a week!  Since becoming a parent, I appreciate all things child created so much more.  Every splash of paint that Gavin puts on paper is a masterpiece in my eyes. I want to frame and hang every crafted creation one of my children makes.

In an effort to move away from the gifts that end up in the next years trash can, we have decided to start making gifts for one another for birthdays and Christmas.  I want my children to appreciate things in life that aren't created in a factory and purchased off of the store shelf.  I want them to appreciate nature and simple acts of kindness,to see the beauty in being blessed by someones love. In case you are worried that they will have to resort to making paper airplanes to keep them busy for the rest of their days, fear not, they have grandparents who spoil them silly! It's just important to me for them to understand the giving process and receiving a gift that was thought out and created just for them.

So, this year for Gavin's birthday, I am going to make him an alphabet quiet book.  I have just started the planning process, even though his day isn't until September.  I know it will be very time consuming and rather than rush through it in the few weeks before, I'd like to start now.  Kaileb is going to make him a quilt. Nothing too extraordinary, but a simple square patch work of love.  Haylie is still figuring out what she'd like to make.

I'd love to hear what your favorite homemade gifts have been?