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By Lena Pearson

For the Clemmons Courier

As the season of giving is upon us, the village is bustling with excitement for the winter festivities. The Tanglewood Festival of Lights is on full display and Christmas spirit is in the air. What comes along with this cheery time of year, however, is often much stress about gift giving and the cost of buying presents. Although we can get swept away in the mindset of needing to splurge on fancy gifts for the special people in our lives, it’s important to remember that personal, heartfelt gifts mean just as much. For those with creativity in their heart, the winter holidays are the perfect time to use these meaningful gift ideas to show your appreciation for others. 

Making a personal cookbook

There is nothing as special as receiving a batch of cookies or a homemade loaf of bread from the baker in your life, and they always serve as a thoughtful gift during the winter season. However, for family and friends who live far away, a personal cookbook is a perfect way to share these recipes even when miles apart. Cookbooks can range anywhere from an easy snack all the way to a full course meal, but no matter how simple the recipe, sharing your favorite foods and cooking wisdom with others is a gesture that is sure to be remembered. 

Sewing, knitting or crocheting

With the brisk winter weather, one can never go wrong with a warm piece of clothing to keep warm. For those who have mastered the art of weaving yarn and thread, creating a winter hat, scarf, or a pair of gloves is a meaningful gift that will be appreciated by anyone who dislikes the cold. The time spent tying each individual knot is proof of the thought put into the gift, despite not having to break your wallet. Wearing a piece of clothing or an accessory made by an important person in your life is a special honor due to the intricate details and the time it takes for it to come together. The art form requires a lot of skill and is incredibly admirable, making it a very thoughtful present to give to those you love.

Memory scrapbook

One of the best feelings is to look back on positive memories and recall all of the good times spent with friends and family. Whether it be exciting travels or childhood nostalgia, a physical display of these experiences is a perfect gift to give to keep the memories alive. Through a scrapbook, one can relive their best moments with photos, short stories, and mementos that are a reminder of the great time. Scrapbooks can be kept forever and passed down among generations, acting as a timeless gift that will forever tell the stories of moments that have already gone by. For your travel buddy or closest family member, a physical book is the best way to share your favorite memories and smile at the past.

Cook a meal to share

Going out to dinner is always a nice time spent with someone you love, but it can be costly. Instead, consider cooking at home for a special meal. Cooking with someone can be a fun, bonding experience full of quality time with each other, followed by enjoying the meal you created. It is a great way to make an event out of something as mundane as making dinner, as you can turn it into a night of trying new recipes and getting inventive. Food is a universal love language, and cooking is the perfect activity to bond over with the people close to you. 

As the gifting season proceeds, it is important to remember that your appreciation for others can be shown through homemade gifts, acts of service, or time spent together, and doesn’t need to cost a lot of money. Embracing your personal talents and utilizing them in presents for your loved ones is a personal, one of a kind gesture that will be remembered for more winters to come. The next time that you are stressing about gift giving, consider some of these creative options.