Simple gifts

If you're on a shoestring but don't want to be stingy this Christmas, making your gifts yourself is just the ticket. Handmade is usually better than store bought, anyway. When I wear the woolly socks my mother-in-law knitted for me last Christmas, they warm more than just my feet. Sewing a cushion cover or crocheting a hat or building something for your children is also an exercise in creativity and can be a welcome break from the daily grind. Wouldn't it be nice to have enough time to make presents for everyone? 

Here's a tip if you like the look of handmade things but can't afford the time: DaWandra (www.dawandra.com) is a website that lets independent artisans market their crafts as presents. You will find very chic and reasonably priced handcrafted articles there, made by people with obvious talent. My favourite find is the iPhone Bacon Case, artfully hand-felted to look just like a piece of bacon. It would be the perfect gift for someone who "brings home the bacon", that is: earns most of the family income. The site is a great place to look around to get your creative juices flowing.

This week our language exercises focus on making simple but creative gifts in the Christmas spirit.

Anne Hodgson