My father called the other day to see what I wanted for Christmas this year. He likes me to be very specific— exact item, size, color, dimensions, where he can get it, and by the way, would I consider just getting it myself if he sends me the money. Well, not this year. I was prepared for his call this time as I had been giving a lot of thought to material items lately. I didn’t want him to buy me something – I wanted him to make me something. I wanted a gift from him that came from the heart. It can be anything – just think of me when you are making it, I said.

Wow, I thought! What a great idea, maybe all my gifts this year should be made by me, with love. I searched several craft Web sites and came up with a huge list of possibilities. I narrowed my focus to items generated on the computer or with artwork.  Decisions, decisions. Using my daughter’s artwork, I could make laminated placemats, note pads, holiday rubber stamps, or photo buttons.  Family photos could be printed on year-at-a-glance, month–at-a glance or monthly calendars, note cards, or framed collages. Several could be placed on a CD in a PDF slideshow with a photo CD label or CD cover. I could make fancy return address labels, note cards and letterhead, or even coupons or certificates for personal items. Etc., etc., etc.! Now all I need to do is narrow it down.

If you enjoy crafting, consider making your gifts this year. If you don’t have the right paper, printer, scanner, binder, button maker, rubber stamp maker, padding machine or other necessary equipment to complete your gifts, come to The UPS Store®— we’ve got you covered. And if you are a AAA member, you can save on shipping and other services.

 So many possibilities, so little time. Merry crafting and a very happy holiday season.