I started making my gifts when I was a child. I can still remember my Grandmother and my Aunts being so proud of the aprons I made them when I was 9 years old. I also remember going to my Grandmothers for a sleepover and on the bed were the pillowcases I made her. And my grandsons were so thrilled to take their quilts to college with them. I believe gifts should come from the heart; not the mall. Anyone can shop, it takes a special person, or artist, to make a gift with her (or his) own hands. I think mine stems from the fact that my parents couldn't afford nice gifts for us. My dad made me the most wonderful curio shelf for my bedroom, and I always got a flannel nightie from my mom. And now that the Gkids are growing up, and DD and DDILs don't need any more table runners, I am making quilts for charities and giving them in the name of my family members. All but one appreciated the thought.