Buy Nothing Day & Homemade Gifts
Nov. 28th, 2008 11:22 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithNov. 28 is National Buy Nothing Day, and Nov. 29 is International Buy Nothing Day. BND protests against rampant consumerism and the idea that only a constantly expanding economy is a healthy economy. Here's an article about BND and the economic meltdown.
What I recommend is that people use the day to make or plan gifts instead of buying them. Homemade gifts are usually less expensive and more personal than storebought gifts. Consider sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidering, cooking, gardening, painting, sculpting, beading, scrapbooking -- whatever craft(s) you enjoy and do well. Some projects, like scrapbooking and cooking, particularly lend themselves to teamwork. (I think I was about two when my mother and grandmother first started having me hold patterns down and other simple sewing tasks.) Some people dislike homemade gifts, but many treasure them beyond all others. My favorite cookbook is the home-printed family one that my mother made for me and still adds to every year. Sort through your family memories and see what you think would work for you and your relatives.
Here are some links to get you started.
General:
Specific Holidays:
Specific Crafts:
If you find this post useful, you are welcome to link to it from any relevant venue.
What I recommend is that people use the day to make or plan gifts instead of buying them. Homemade gifts are usually less expensive and more personal than storebought gifts. Consider sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidering, cooking, gardening, painting, sculpting, beading, scrapbooking -- whatever craft(s) you enjoy and do well. Some projects, like scrapbooking and cooking, particularly lend themselves to teamwork. (I think I was about two when my mother and grandmother first started having me hold patterns down and other simple sewing tasks.) Some people dislike homemade gifts, but many treasure them beyond all others. My favorite cookbook is the home-printed family one that my mother made for me and still adds to every year. Sort through your family memories and see what you think would work for you and your relatives.
Here are some links to get you started.
General:
Buy Nothing Christmas
How to Make Your Own Gifts [Vocabulary tip: "mahalo" = "thanks" in Hawaiian)
How to Make Your Own Christmas Gifts
DIY Make Your Own Gifts
Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas
Specific Holidays:
Christmas
Hanukkah
Kwanzaa
Yule
Specific Crafts:
Add Embroidery to Projects
Cookie Creche
Crochet Gifts
Gift Baskets
Gift Wrap
Gifts Scrapbookers Can Make
Gifts from Your Kitchen Recipes
Holiday Beading
Knitting Gifts
Make Your Own Gift Certificates
Making Gifts from Your Garden
Painting Craft Patterns
Scented Bath Salts
Sculpey Holiday Projects
Sewing Gifts
If you find this post useful, you are welcome to link to it from any relevant venue.
