The past few years my extended family and I have drawn names for Christmas. The idea was that we would all save money, especially a few members of my family who (bless their hearts) can be a little overly generous. I still think it is a good idea to save money for everyone, but I have to admit it is not that fun to buy just one gift for one person. Giving is what the holiday is all about!

This year, however, we are trying something a little different. Instead of drawing names, we are putting a $5-15 limit per gift with the option of people going in on gifts together. For example, two people can go in on one gift and spend as much as $30 for that one gift to give to one person. The idea is that everyone will get a little something from everyone else with emphasis on it’s the thought that counts.

On my end, I’m being thrifty and a little ambitious at the same time. I plan on making gifts for everyone, starting with loom knit hats for the guys. Pictured is one I have made already using Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick in a color called Denim Twist. I am on my third hat and have a total of six that I hope to make. I love how these turned out, and because the yarn is bulky-weight, they are very fast to make. I can get one finished in a day if it is a weekend, and I have time to work on it off and on.

For the gals on my list (most of whom have already gotten hats, scarves, and/or fingerless gloves from me in the past), I am not 100% sure what I plan to make. I am leaning towards market bags, but I am not sure if I will have the time to do them. Granted, I have started really, really early, but when I look at the calendar and also see how much I have going on this semester, it is hard to see if I can do it all. I’m very busy with the school craft club, and I am making a lot of stuff with it in mind since we have a show in mid-November and have two charity groups we hope to give items to. My gift-making may end up having to wait until school is over and I have a week or so before Christmas, eek!