In our family we think it is valuable for our kids to make gifts to give to our relatives, instead of just receiving. That way there is an actual exchange and they begin to understand how fulfilling giving can be. And truth be known, I have seen some genuine delight from those relatives when they see the effort and creativity that went into fashioning a present just for them.

I promised that I would not write about what they made this year, as they felt recipients might not be surprised when they are given the package. Thus, I am going to talk about the personalised articles they made last year. It was a ton of fun for all involved, and I am still using the one they created for me.

We purchased canvas totes, with the intention that they could be used as grocery bags. Nice to think the gift would be helping the environment too. On the outside we stamped the initials of the person the bag was going to. We cut the letters into halved potatoes, dipped them in paint and pressed hard onto the bags. I wish we could do it again, because it was really well received.