Homemade - A Gift Full of LoveI remember back when I was first married we were saving diligently for our first home. Well times aren't' much different now with the economy the way it is. Keeping your head above water takes me back to those times of saving for our first home. With the Holidays just around the corner it brought to mind all the home made gifts I use to make for family and friends. My first attempt looking back was not all that wonderful and the presentation I must say has improved over the years. Making fudge I thought was my specialty, but I remember a few batches being a little softer then they should have been. Being new to this whole homemade gift giving idea and not having the expertise I have now I gave the fudge out proudly even if it wasn't up to par. If like the rest of us today you are struggling with your budget I would like to give you some idea's on making your own homemade gifts you can be proud to give. Homemade fudge is a wonderful idea, just make sure you put the love in every piece. Display your fudge just on a pretty holiday paper plate with clear cellophane tied at the top with a festive bow and you will be ready for any holiday house warming or visit. If you want to spend a little on the presentation go to the dollar store I am sure you will find a candy dish or decorative box for your fudge. Last year for Christmas I made canning jars with friendship soup mix in them. You can find recipes for all kinds of canning jar gift ideas on the internet, from soup, dip or cookie and brownie mix. For just the cost of a pint or quart jar you can make a wonderful gift. You don't even have to have the lids because you can use a piece of cardboard and cover the top with fabric and a beautiful ribbon. Don't forget the DIRECTIONS on how to make. How about a cookie bouquet made with sugar cookies. For my daughters graduation party I made cookie bouquets for each of the tables. You can take and inexpensive terra cotta pot, fill it with Styrofoam. Bake your best sugar cookie recipe making sure they are extra thick. Use kabob skewers to place the cookie on. Make sure you put the sticks in while the cookies are still warm. Decorate with frosting let dry, then push the stick into the Styrofoam so that it stands up straight. Put 5 or 6 cookies per pot and fill it in with tissue paper. Cover with clear cellophane tie with a pretty bow and you will have something spectacular to present or your friends and family.Or if that's to much fuss for you just take the cookies you make for the holidays and double the recipe so that you have enough for your family and to also give as gifts.My personal opinion is that anything presented that is homemade comes from the heart. Be proud of what ever you decide to try your hand at, because nothing says love more then something you made with your own hands.These are just a few of the ideas I have used in the past but there are many more and I challenge you this holiday season to come up with some of your own. I know you will be proud of what ever you decide to give because it was done with love.