bearisgray

If you can't, you can't. Explain it to the family and let it go at that.

clem55

I love the little purse, I just bought that same butterfly material. Think I will copy after you!! And Gramma, the dollar store for little girls is a great place to shop. I did it last year for my 7 year old , bought hair items, lip gloss,( and real lipstick too) nail polish , bubble bath and lotion, hand cleaner, polish remover pads (ready to use) She loved it and still is using those things. Gel pins, post it notes, a big pack of white paper, stickers, beads and elastic for making braclets. For the little brother, I could find lots of little things in the party supply area, plus cars, play dough, puzzles. To make it more fun to open, I put it all in one big box, I wrapped everything so it took a few minutes to see what was there,LOL, And for the teen-agers, they love the cash rather than gift cards. That way they can shop where ever they like. I've also bought those big cans of flavored popcorn, cans of nuts.

Mary M

I love that litle purse and I know it would l look great on a DG. Sure wish you had a pattern for it! Sewwwww cute. Mary M

Willa

I agree. Work on your projects after Christmas or whenever you feel you can for next year and don't stress over it. Prepaid Visa cards, cash for older kids. Savings bonds and a small toy for the younger kids. My kids are so very happy now to see their bonds, now that they want to go to college and buy cars where as the toys, they no longer play with or remember who gave those toys to them.
Give them extra hugs. Hope you and your hubby get better soon.

mrspete

A lady at church had sometimes such as you have, and she made little swatches from the intended project and took Christmas Cards and put slits inside page on left and stuck those swatches through the slits. At the signature space she added IOU, God Willing. Now that spoke volumes to me.

Blessings,
Ruth

moonangel12

Gift cards are definitely a good option - not too "fun" to give (they don't feel very personalized I guess), but very nice to receive. My 3 year old DS got one for his Bday and had a BLAST picking out what he could get with it (a good lesson in money, too, since he only had X amt of dollars to spend).

If you still want to make something, the pillowcases and purse/wallet combos are a good idea. Maybe some beanbags for the boys? I'm sure you could find tons of game ideas online to print out to go with them.

Mousie

I agree with this 100%...excellent idea!
Kids love having their own money and choices, even if you don't have much bc of medical bills.
It will help them feel better too, if they ever need to give themselves a break, so for this year, give yourself a break...um, not a good choice of words...let up on yourself? :thumbup:

Quiltforme

Why not take a break and give them the gift of your time in creating their gift with you the older ones. My kids would love it if their grandma would do this. That way you cut down the gifts and get more time with the kids!!

starlite

I would gladly get gift cards if money allowed. The shortage of cash is why I sew from scraps I will try for smaller projects thank you for all the kind words. Jan

quilterella

Go with the gift cards. Since I still can't sew due to shoulder surgery, my grandchildren are getting gift cards with a catch. After Christmas, I will take them shopping and do lunch with them. A day out with just the Grandkids adds a finishing touch to the holidays. This way it doesn't appear like "I only gave gift cards"...I am also giving them time with me one-on-one...NO Parents Allowed that day!