The sales are in full swing, Santa is as ubiquitous as Starbucks, and houses are lit up like carnivals.  There's no denying that the holiday season is here.  Now is they time that people start getting a little crazy about gifts--selecting gifts, wrapping gifts, what they want, what they need, and how they can save money and still have it all.  Since I've been circling the mommy blogs and craft sites, I've seen numerous requests for DIY ideas and thoughts about how to make the holidays special without spending a fortune.  So, I'm here to do my part.  Here are some gift ideas that let you show off your thoughtfulness and creativity (and that of your children):

1.  A holiday book.  Work with your child to make a book for grandparents or other special people.  Come up with a theme that your child can write/draw about--something like "What does Peace mean" or "What do the holidays mean" or "Things l like about winter" or "A story about my family".  The theme should be open ended enough that your child can get creative and write/draw several pages about it.  Set your child up with crayons and computer paper and let them create.  Think about doing one or two pages a day until you have enough for a book (let's say 8-10 pages). To make the cover, get two pieces of poster board or card stock the same size as the pages or slightly larger.  Let your child write the title or draw on a 5 x 7 piece of paper, and affix this to the cardstock.  Hole-punch two holes along the edge of the cover and pages, and string a ribbon through, tying the bow in front.  That's a simple and priceless gift.

2.  A family scrapbook.  Another great way to present memories to a relative, collect some of your child's artwork (I'm sure you've saved some this year).  Scan, photocopy, or photograph them so that you have pages all the same size.  These will be the pages of your scrapbook.  Now, gather together family photos from throughout the year and glue them to the art pages.  Talk with your child to come up with captions for the photos and write them, or type them and cut out labels.  Bind the book as mentioned above (under Holiday Book) and use another photo for the cover.

3.  Paint-your-own pottery.  Terracotta pots are very inexpensive, and offer a great opportunity for a low-cost hand-painted gift.  See our "Paint your own pottery" project under Recycled Art for the detailed instructions.  And give some thought to the saucers (the little trays that go under the pot).  You can have your child paint these (or paint them yourself) and give them as jewelry holders, catch-alls, coasters, or pillar candle holders.  Or even as a painted plaque that can be hung on the wall.  Try using letter stamps and paint to spell "JOY" or some other festive sentiment.

4.  Jewels for kids.  For kids gifts, glue-on rhinestones from the craft store can make just about anything look as good as real jewels.  I saw my daughter's friend squeal in happiness at the sight of a bejeweled necklace my daughter made for her.  So if your child is giving gifts to a friend or cousin (and if that friend or cousin is into sparkly stuff), you might want to buy a pack of gems for a few dollars.  Try making the simple necklace (see instructions under Recycled Art).  Or try adorning an inexpensive headband with some of these gems.  Glue them on the top of a baby food jar or a small plain box to make a keepsake box that shines.  Glue them onto a longer box to make a pencil case, and add the child's name with permanent marker or sticker letters.  Remember, the sparklier the better.

5.  Just plain art.  For a special relative or friend, a child's painting or drawing can be the most special keepsake.  Get an inexpensive frame and mat for your child's drawing and give a masterpiece.  (Also see a canvas painting option under Paint & More.)