Planting Roots with Creative Christmas Gifts : Domestic Cents

Over the next month I’m going to be giving you some ideas for giving meaningful gifts at little cost. Here are todays’ gift ideas.

Create a Plant Slip. I did this for my mom two years ago, and the plant is full and beautiful now. Basically all you do is cut a leaf from a plant at the joint and then place it in a tiny vase of water until it sprouts some roots. Then you plant it. I am not a horticulturist so if you are reading this with more precise instructions, please feel free to enlighten us! This method has worked for me several times, and creates a lovely gift, giving someone a part of your home. Simply decorate a vase, or other small pot-like vessel, plant your plant and tie a bow around it. If you choose to try this out you’ll need to do it today though because it takes some time to sprout the roots.

Three Benches and One Tree

photo credit: friendslovme

Don’t feel like attempting a real plant? How about a Family Tree? Your grandparents may enjoy something like this. Purchase an 11×13 or other large-size frame. Use posterboard or other firm paper and create a tree on it. You could paint it, draw it, trace it, make a collage, etc. Then the hard part … gathering a small photo of each person on the tree. Then assemble your tree, complete with all the info you’d like. If your family is young you may want to leave some blank space for additional kiddos that come along. My instructions aren’t specific because it really depends what style you’re going for. If you put a little time into it this could be a really beautiful, original gift, for very little cost.

photo credit: roblisameehan

Make a Wreath. Balsam wreaths are beautiful and especially nice to give as gifts to friends or even a hostess gift for Thanksgiving. However, the price of 3 or 4 Christmas wreaths can easily cost you upwards of $100. A couple years ago I purchased a metal ring which is used for wreath making and some craft wire for a total of about $5. The ring us reusable every year, I have not run out of wire and there are pine boughs everywhere around me for free. The only thing I need to purchase is the ribbon and I have a beautiful gift. For step-by-step instructions check this site out. P.S. You’ll want to wear long sleeves and a pair of gardening gloves. Pine needles are very pickly. Good luck!

Why I do what I do ~ because what’s important is my daughter’s giggle, my husband’s laugh, and a good night sleep knowing I had something to do with it.

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