Library Resources for Making Homemade Gifts

Photo by Flickr user asenat29. Creative Commons License.

Looking for a way to save money on holiday gifts for friends and family? Have you ever considered making homemade gifts but aren't sure how to get started?

Your local ECRL library has got you covered! We've got books that can help you learn to make handmade toys, gift baskets, greeting cards, gifts in a jar, home-baked goodies, and more. Whether you're a beginner or a pro at being handy & crafty, we've got something for you.

Here's a brief sample:

Simply green giving: create beautiful gift wrapping, tags, and handmade materials from everyday materials
http://tinyurl.com/a8nlrlf

Simply handmade: 365 easy gifts & decorations you can make
http://tinyurl.com/bkuhdx2

Simply handmade: 365 easy projects for every occasion
http://tinyurl.com/abuzk22

Country gifts: handmade & homebaked
http://tinyurl.com/bcwy42v

Better Homes & Gardens handcrafted gifts & toys

http://tinyurl.com/aorkrnq

The gift basket design book
http://tinyurl.com/a8bdm8l

The how to's of gift baskets
http://tinyurl.com/azlasas

Creating the happiest of holidays

http://tinyurl.com/a9spx7e

Creating the happiest of holidays, book 2
http://tinyurl.com/a3rqu9k

Handmade gift cards: over 50 original designs for all occasions

http://tinyurl.com/bysunhf

Gifts to make: 365 beautifully easy ideas

http://tinyurl.com/a273h5h

Mary Engelbreit wrap it up!: gifts to make, wrap, and give

http://tinyurl.com/bl3wusw

Pretty gifts that say I love you: over 35 projects with step-by-step instructions

http://tinyurl.com/arprq46

Homemade gifts in a jar

http://tinyurl.com/a4sdshp

Last-minute Christmas gifts: crafting quick & classy presents for everyone on your list

http://tinyurl.com/az4ex2d

Martha's homemade holidays (DVD)

http://tinyurl.com/avj9emk

Gooseberry Patch Christmas: book 12

http://tinyurl.com/adk764y

Gifts for the family

http://tinyurl.com/b3uf6fd

To find more items on this same topic, try searching the ECRL catalog with the following subject terms (which will give you more targeted results than you'd get searching with keywords):

handicraft

textile crafts

gifts

gift baskets

baskets

greeting cards

toy making

holiday decorations
Christmas decorations

holiday cookery
Christmas cookery
Christmas cooking

If you're looking for children's materials, try adding a second subject term, “juvenile literature,” to your search.

Don't forget that each ECRL branch library also has current magazines that may be able to help you with project ideas (such as Martha Stewart Living, Crafts 'n Things, Better Homes & Gardens, etc.). 

As always, your friendly local librarian is happy to help you with all your information needs. Give us a call or stop in today!

Robin Duple, Pine City Branch Librarian