Paths of Lorien

I really like homemade gifts.  I feel that they really show the gift giver thought about me.  (Not that it can’t be done with a store bought gift– but it often isn’t).  I really like giving homemade gifts, too.  Likewise, I feel they show I thought about you, and spent my time making you something.  My husband likes homemade gifts, but not for people outside the family.  So it is with those critical eyes that I am heading off to a little girl’s birthday party with homemade gift in tow.  (I really like it, but store bought was NOT an option this week).

Last night the kids and I worked together to make a play dough.  I have a great recipe for one that is really soft and lasts a very long time.  It is also not overly oily like the last recipe that I had.  We included two colors and a recipe so the family could make more if desired.  TL made a homemade card and taped on a little “secret compartment” that holds a coin (denomination unknown to me– but it is silver-colored) since she thinks the recipient would like to save up to buy something that she likes.

I am really happy with the gift.  I know that my kids would like really enjoy the clay if they received it as a present.  I feel that this is really teaching my children what gift giving is about.  I am also amazed that TL will raid her piggy bank and share her bounty so another can save for toys like she is.  I guess the biggest problem with homemade gifts is that sometimes the recipient doesn’t think they are up to snuff.  So what do you think… storebought or homemade?