Why not start working on gifts for next Christmas now? A few ideas to keep in mind are:

1. Blank scrapbooking calendars - Date a blank calendar for 2008, and at the end of each month create a themed scrapbook layout for the top of the calendar page. For example, February could be a Valentine’s theme, and July could be all about summer fun. This would be a great gift for anyone who would love a year full of memories to keep forever!

2. A themed card gift set – Make a 2008 dated calendar and fill in all the birthdays / anniversaries / celebrations that you think will be celebrated. Throughout the year, make a card for each of the dates recorded (for example, if you have 6 anniversaries, then you’ll need 6 anniversary cards). Give both the calendar and cards together with a nice pen, and you have a great gift for someone who is super busy or tends to forget those important dates.

3. A square a month afghan – sew, knit or crochet a different square for each month of the year. They can be themed or not, but I would suggest making each month different. In December, attach all the squares together for a unique throw that will surely be a conversational piece.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on next year’s Christmas gifts, which will be easy on both the pocketbook and stress level by being completed throughout the year.