build or fix something today

Today is Black Friday when everyone goes to the malls for the sales. 

Here is another idea 

Why don't you spend some time repairing what you have or making something with your own hands. Homemade things make wonderful gifts from the heart and fixing stuff means it isn't going to the dump and you save. 

This is really good if you are a kid. Show 'em how creative you are! Zula and Daisy Mae would do it if they could, but you can't imagine how dangerous they are with power tools.

(image is cc geishaboy500)

Comments

[Sukie]

Here are some other things you can do for the holidays:

Does someone you know have some absorbent and soft cloth scraps that can be washed? All it takes are a needle and thread (which many super markets carry), some pins, and a scissors to cut the cloth into squares to give people napkins or handkerchiefs in the fabric patterns they like.

Do not use fabric that is too heavy like denim or it will be hard to sew and you will accidently stick yourself with the needle (a lot).

Just take your time and get an adult to help. Cut the cloth into the right size squares. Fold each edge twice so that the edge that could fray if it were exposed will be sewn safely inside. Pin them in place. Thread your needle (or have the adult do it for you), knot the thread, and start. You can sew a continuous line if you sew back over the open spaces, or if you want stitches that don't show pick up just a little fabric with your needle each time and run the needle through the loop of thread on the hem side with each stitch to make it more secure.

Once you can do these thing for a small piece of cloth like a napkin or handkerchief you will be able to repair hems to save family members time as your gift to them, or even make them cloth scarves.

Use safety measures as with anything else. Make sure that all needles and pins are safe from the little ones and from pets, same with the scissors. Never hold pins or needles between your lips or in your mouth. Pick up any you drop. Never run with scissors. Don't cut the thread with your teeth or you will need to have tooth chips repaired by the dentist like I did. You know the drill, and the adult who is helping you will help with safety, too.

Sewing is a very useful skill. Not only can you make things and reduce waste, but you will know how to repair your own clothing when it does not fit right. I began when I was about 13 and my mother wanted all my hems to be much longer than was fashionable. I just picked up some sewing things (which are cheap) and sat in the back yard hemming one dress and skirt after another. It took a long time but I had just what I wanted and the labor was all my own so I was very proud of it.

What else can you do?

Does your family have favorite holiday treats? There was a special cake my grandmother used to make but it had a very thick batter so one of my holiday gifts of labor for the family was to stir that batter. Even earlier I began cutting pie crust and fitting it into the wavy sided tart tins for mince tarts because that is hard for adults with arthritis or big hands to do, and using cookie cutters to help cut the holiday cookies. You can decorate cookies, too! The adults will teach you about kitchen safety. Cooking and baking are essential skills that will help you save money when you grow up and help your family save money now. Plus, the food is better and safer.

Then there is holiday cleaning. So many people visit on holidays that there is a lot of cleaning. If you can do the dusting, or help with the vacuuming, or dry dishes, or rake leaves outside, or shovel snow, or do some other chore your family shows you how to do then that is a wonderful, wonderful gift to your family because it reduces a lot of the pressure that adults feel when they are getting ready for guests. There is an added bonus to that because when they feel less stressed they are less likely to get upset, so everyone benefits.

Are there some well loved family friends or relatives who get lonely this time of year? Many of them would love to have a kid show up to visit, chat, maybe sing for them or bring a holiday treat.

If you think about it there are a lot of things you can do this time of year to make life better for others. Talk about great gifts! :-)

The holidays are about sharing and giving, and often giving of yourself is the best gift possible.

[Jheri]

This is a very good idea. If people take a day off from buying, they will still buy the next day.

Some of the best gifts I have received are those that are made of the time and thought of someone I hold dear. This can be good for kids. If you make or fix something you can pour your personality into it.

[Sukie]

You can make holiday ornaments as gifts!

Here is a website showing how to make some:

http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/ferrets/ferret-interaction/create-a-ferret-themed-christmas-tree.aspx

This one shows ferret ornaments youcan make whatever theme you want: ferrets, people, aliens from outer space, dogs, cats, seals...