Christmas Workshop Week 1: Gifts and Cards

For Kids: Sock Dog

What better gift is there to receive than a puppy? Perhaps a handmade version (that doesn't require walking)!

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Christmas Workshop Week 1: Gifts and Cards

For Her: Dot-Painted China

It's easy to find plain, reasonably priced ceramic pieces at home goods stores; applying dot-painted designs transforms them into meaningful gifts. Add a friend's monogram or favorite motif, or design a pretty pattern yourself. For an elegant presentation, tie a stack of flower-covered plates with a ribbon.

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Christmas Workshop Week 1: Gifts and Cards

For Him: Custom Cufflinks

Cuff links for less than $15? It's possible; it just takes a pair of buttons and a little epoxy.

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Christmas Workshop Week 1: Gifts and Cards

For Anyone: Crafty Cash Holder

Fresh bills stay crisp in these colorful paper wallets that double as gift box and card.

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Christmas Workshop Week 1: Gifts and Cards

Evergreen Card

The silhouettes of evergreen sprigs adorn homemade greeting cards; a light layer of white spray paint highlights the shape of the branches against the colored paper. With a bit of glue and touches of glitter, you can create your own sparkling messages.

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Christmas Workshop Week 1: Gifts and Cards

Glittered Berry Gift Topper

Make your gifts even more special by crowning packages with a stunning glittered gift topper.

Make the Gift Topper

Christmas Workshop Week 1: Gifts and Cards

Creative Gift-Giving Solutions

The holidays are hectic enough without having an overwhelming amount of shopping to do, especially at the last minute. This year, make gift giving less stressful and easier to accomplish by trying out some of our creative ideas. You might just find yourself with extra holiday spirit -- and cash -- to take you into the new year.

Learn Our Secrets

Christmas Workshop Week 1: Gifts and Cards

Martha's Holiday Tip: Tipping Service Providers

Show your gratitude to the people who make your life a little easier. Below is a short list of common service providers and suggested gifts; for a more comprehensive list, read our article on gift giving. You might opt for more or less than our suggestions, depending on your circumstances and your personal relationship to the service provider, but remember that no matter how much you tip, any amount will seem more thoughtful if you tuck it inside a personal note of thanks or holiday good wishes.

• Babysitter: up to two nights' pay
• Dog groomer: the cost of a visit
• Hair stylist: the cost of a visit
• House cleaner: one week's pay (if you use a service that sends a different person each time, do not tip)
• Mail carrier: up to $20 gift
• Manicurist or pedicurist: the cost of a visit
• Newspaper deliverer: $10 to $30
• Parking attendant: $20 to $30
• Personal trainer: the cost of a session (if she's affiliated with your gym, you don't need to tip, but you could give a small gift)

Christmas Workshop Week 1: Gifts and Cards

Seasonal Strategy: Tackle To-Dos with Friends

If you consider writing and addressing holiday cards to be more tedious than fun, don't trudge through the process alone. Invite friends over for an evening of "card pooling" (or gift wrapping or cookie baking). With a bottle of wine and more than a few laughs, the task will be an easy and enjoyable one to cross off your list.

See Our Handmade Card Ideas

Christmas Workshop Week 1: Gifts and Cards

This Week's To-Dos

1. Update holiday-card mailing lists.

2. Take advantage of early holiday sales to start your Christmas shopping.

3. Make or buy holiday cards.

Print the Entire Six-Week Holiday Planning Checklist