Sewing Tutorial: Marble Maze Mats

 These are great sensory/fidget toys, especially for people with special needs or who need help with attention spans.

SUPPLIES

Two pieces of fabric, an inch wider and an inch longer than your desired finished size
Two or three marbles
Ruler
FriXion or similar pen (the ink disappears with heat)
Optional: ribbon to sew in a corner to make a loop for attaching to keychain or similar

I like fleece on one side and flannel on the other, but it's up to you what you prefer to work with and what tactile sensitivities your recipient might have. Depending on what types of fabric you choose, you might or might not need to prewash it--fleece doesn't really need prewashing, but flannel does. Test your FriXion pen on the fabric to be sure it will disappear, too. As for size, that's up to your preference and the stability or "stiffness" of the fabric. I wouldn't make one smaller than 4x6 inches (10x15 cm) or larger than about 9x14 inches (23x36 cm). 

I like two marbles, because even numbers are
superior to odd numbers.

DIRECTIONS

Cut the two pieces of fabric one inch longer and one inch (2.54 cm) wider than you want the finished product to be. For example, these two marble maze mats are six inches by ten inches (15x25.5 cm), so I started with pieces of fabric seven inches by eleven inches (17.5x28cm). Right sides together, sew around the perimeter with about a 3/8 inch (0.95 cm) seam allowance, leaving open a spot for turning. If you're adding a ribbon loop so the maze can be attached to something, do this now by folding a loop, putting the loop between the right sides of the fabric with the ends sticking out on the edge, and sewing over the ends.

Probably iron the fabric better than I did, too.

Trim the edges and turn right side out. Before you top stitch, put your marble inside.

Don't forget this; it's super annoying to rip out 
stitches to put the marbles in.

Top stitch around the perimeter with a narrow zig zag, being sure to catch both fabrics especially on the opening you left for turning.

Now for the fun part!

Using your ruler and pen, draw the maze. I use a FriXion pen because disappearing ink pens disappear too quickly, well before I can sew the maze lines. You don't have to use disappearing ink, because you'll be sewing over them. If you don't mind the lines showing through or you know you can wash out the lines (e.g.; if you're using washable markers), then a FriXion pen isn't necessary. I just find them really convenient for marking fabric, so I already have them on hand. The lines do come back in very cold temperatures, but I mean cold: 14F/-10C. Plus, the lines disappear again with a quick trip through the dryer or a swipe of an iron. Your choice of fabric is important here, too: some designs make it very hard to see markings. That's why I like at least one side to be fairly plain!

To draw the maze, use your ruler to keep the lines straight and let your creativity take over. There are only two rules for drawing the maze lines: don't leave a part of the maze cut off from the rest, because the marbles won't be able to get to that spot; and keep the lines about an inch (2.54 cm) apart to let the marbles pass through.

I stuck with right angles, but you could also make lines
at 45 degree angles to others.

Now, sew along the lines. Make sure to back stitch to prevent the thread from unraveling! I like to use sparkly thread, but anything that gives a bit of contrast to the fabric will work. Even if the thread blends in in places, whoever you're making the maze for will be able to feel where the lines are. 

Just don't get distracted and sew past your lines!

Then trim the threads.

Be sure to check both sides for threads.

Do what you need to in order to get rid of the marker lines--wash, iron, etc. And you're done!

They're really fun to make, and the people I've given them to have really appreciated them. Find some nice fabric, decide what size you want, and in just a little while, you'll be done!

Bigger mats allow for more lines, but are "floppier"

Smaller ones are studier and easier to carry around, but 
have room for fewer lines.

Making Gifts with Kids

Most hand-made gifts that an adult might make can also be made by a child, given enough patience on the part both the child and the adult helping. Here are some ideas for gifts more with children in mind.

Check the library or a book store for ideas too; 
there are tons of craft books for kids.

CRAFT KITS

You can find craft kits just about anywhere, from dollar stores to craft stores to impulse buy sections of grocery stores. Suncatchers; modeling kits for soaps, candles, ornaments, candies; stepping stones; beading and jewelry; yarn, sewing, and other needlecraft; even baking kits--baked goods are an excellent gift for kids to help make, because even a very young child can help put sprinkles on cookies or stir a batter. Craft kits come with everything you need already in them, making them a convenient way to get all your supplies. Well, everything except patience and cleaning supplies...

You can also get ideas from the kits--maybe you have the supplies on hand already! 

TOOTHPICKS, POPSICLE STICKS, CLOTHESPINS, AND OTHER WOOD IDEAS

Little pieces of wood are great for crafts. Provided they're smooth (i.e.; no splinters), your child can use them to make flowers, butterflies (with dyed coffee filters), model planes, bookmarks, frames, and even 3D shapes like bird feeders or pencil holders. You'll also need things like paint, glue, and twine for lots of projects. Let your child's creativity lead the way!

SALT DOUGH, CLAY, PLASTER, AND OTHER SCULPTING MATERIALS

Most kids love molding and sculping shapes. While it can get messy (have them work outside, in a garage, or over spread out newspaper or junk mail ads), it's a fun way to help kids create a gift. Materials that will harden and be water-proof are good for coasters, stepping stones, and even cups, plates, and bowls so long as there are no toxic materials that can leach into food. Be sure to give these sorts of creations with instructions to hand-wash!

You can buy ready-made clay or make your own. Salt dough is popular and easy: 1 part salt, 4 parts flour, 1.5 parts water; bake the creations for two to three hours at 250F; let cool; paint. A tip: kneading salt dough is an excellent way to find paper cuts you didn't know you had. Wear gloves if you have any scratches!

Good for handprints, paw prints, any shape you have a 
cookie cutter for, and 3D objects.

There are also pottery studios that can fire higher-quality clay in a kiln, and place to paint sculptures and other pottery. At both types, you'll need to be able to get back to the studio in a week or two to pick up your finished pieces.

FILLING CLEAR VESSELS

I've most commonly seen this idea used for Christmas ornaments, but you can also make suncatchers and curios. All you need is a clear glass or plastic item and something pretty to put inside. They can be filled with ribbon, fabric, crinkle paper, silk flowers, Easter grass, colored sand, or glitter. You can drip some acrylic paint in the bottom and tip them upside-down over a paper cup until dry, letting the paint swirl around the inside. You can also paint the outside or help kids make designs with their fingerprints.

There are more shapes available that spheres,
and other sorts of containers like fancy jars.

You can also fill a jar or other container with dry ingredients for cookies or other recipes. This past Christmas, one of my kid's friends gave us plastic Christmas ornaments filled with hot chocolate powder, crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, and marshmallows: fancy hot chocolate!

JEWLERY AND SIMILAR DECORATIONS

Beads made from various materials, ribbon, charms, embroidery floss, jewelry wire, fishing line, maybe some chain links or earring hooks and needle-nosed pliers: have some on hand, and your child can make something as simple as a necklace with a single charm on it, or weave an elaborate friendship bracelet, or make a hair bow, craft a keychain, or even create a windchime. Be aware of choking hazards and keep an eye on things to avoid spills, and see what creations your child comes up with!

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Maybe you want something easy, something that can be done in few minutes and that your young child can handle without making a mess or getting frustrated. There's nothing wrong with a simple wildflower bouquet or a card with a picture your child drew. A painting on a piece of cardstock, felt, or thin foam makes a nice bookmark or frame for a picture! If you're already making cookies, let your child add some food coloring to part of the dough, cut some shapes, or add sprinkles or frosting. 

If your child wants to make a present for someone, gauge your child's patience, attention span, and motor skills and help guide toward a suitable craft. It might get messy, but your child will have fun and enjoy making something special to give to someone special.

Sending Gifts Near and Far

 It's nearly the holiday season in 2020. I don't know about you, but I'm not going to be able to have my usual Christmas Eve party with my extended family this year, which means I need to figure out a way to still distribute the presents I want to give. Every year there are a few cousins I don't see in person, but this year none of us will be gathering together. So...how do you make sure someone gets a present when you can't get together?

DROP-OFFS

There might be a variety of reasons beyond a pandemic that prevents you from conducting a normal visit or family event. If you live close, you can still arrange a time to drop off a gift. I'm already plotting out a map for a day's drive around my area dropping off Christmas cookies to my extended family. 

Things to consider when dropping off a gift: will your recipient be home at the time, and is a visit expected? Can you safely leave the gift--does it risk be stolen or ruined by the elements (e.g.; a plant that could freeze)? If your recipient lives in a gated community or apartment building with secure access, will you be able to get in? Is there parking nearby, or adequate mass transit to get you there and back? Do you need to plan for tolls, parking fees, or bus tickets? Does it make more sense to drop off a gift at your recipient's work or another location instead of the home? And finally, a fun one: is there something interesting you can do nearby? My last stop for delivering Christmas cookies this year is near a zoo!

MAILING OPTIONS

I prefer to mail packages through the post office--I find their services the most cost-effective and reliable. Other people prefer UPS, Fedex, or another shipping company. Regardless of how you send a gift, you need to remember a few things. 

First, what are the delivery estimates? Every late November or early December, USPS posts a list of dates which are the last days to send packages for guaranteed delivery by December 25, based on factors like whether the package is going overseas or whether you choose expedited shipping. For packages staying in the same country, I like to send at least a week beforehand, but you can find overnight shipping services with all the package delivery companies--it'll just cost a lot more. If you're sending to another country, especially one in another hemisphere, you'll need to allow more time for things to get to their destinations.

Second, will the present survive the trip? Delicate items need to be packed carefully, with bubble wrap or newspaper or something similar to cushion them on their journeys. Perishable items need to get where they're going before they spoil--some shipping companies allow a few pounds of dry ice in shipments; check their websites for specifics. And make sure you've properly sealed the shipping box! It would be awful if the box popped open during transit.

Third, are the shipping charges within your budget? Planning ahead is helpful here. As long as the gift isn't something that will spoil for a while, if you have it ready several days before you want your recipient to get it, you can send it the slowest (that is, the cheapest) option. If you don't want a surprise amount when it comes time to pay, then flat rate boxes are your friends--and often cheaper than sending the same item priced by weight. Shipping companies offer various insurance plans, too; consider if you want those when mailing. Some are included automatically, some are extra. Either way, keep your receipt and tracking number until you know the gift has arrived safely.

Fourth, is it allowed? Some areas don't allow certain items in the mail. Alcohol is the go-to example; you can't mail it to specific states or countries. When sending agricultural items like home-grown fruits and vegetables or seeds (homegrown or storebought), you'll need to check if there are restrictions meant to curb invasive species and pests. Restrictions like this are more commonly an issue when sending packages from one country to another, but they can also exist within the same country, especially if the country covers a wide geographical area.

And finally, make sure you've written the address clearly. If you're concerned about your handwriting, you can type the address, print it out, and tape that paper to the package; or ask someone with neater handwriting to write it for you (also good if you want it to be a surprise and don't want your recipient to recognize your handwriting). If you're worried about the address getting smeared or otherwise rendered illegible, you can also put a slip of paper inside the box with the address. If the shipping company ends up having to open the package to look for clues of where it goes, your paper will be right there to help the gift get back on track.

COMBINED AND COORDINATED EFFORTS

My brother and I live two thousand miles apart, not exactly an easy drive. But my sister-in-law came up with a convenient way to save on shipping costs: buy online, pick up in store. If they want to get us something, they find it at a business that has an online store, pay for online, and arrange for pick up at the location near me, specifying my name as the pick up person. Then I just go to the pick up desk and collect it. Super easy! In another instance, I moved out of state, and as a going-away present was given a zoo membership in the new state. The family who gave it to me bought it through the zoo's website and printed out the proof of purchase, which I took with me to the zoo on my first visit, and then was given a membership card.

The business doesn't necessarily have to be huge for this to work. Once, my brother wanted to get our dad a gift card to his favorite restaurant, which only has one location run by a husband and wife. I live near it, he's two thousand miles away. My brother called the restaurant, explained the situation, paid for the gift card via credit card over the phone, and I picked it up the next time I was in the area. Considering other restaurants in the past have wanted to charge shipping costs nearly equal to the gift card itself, having the local person pick it up is far more cost-effective! And with the ability to pay over the phone or online, there's no need to remember to pay anyone back. If you're not sure whether paying over the phone or online is an option, call the business and ask. You'd be surprised how much can be done remotely--my best friend was able to pay the adoption fee for a kitten in an animal shelter across the country over the phone, and her friend picked up the cat that day.

You can also coordinate within the same area. In a few weeks when I deliver Christmas cookies, my first stop is a cousin's house. There, I will leave cookies not only for him and his family, but also his dad and his sister, who both live quite a ways away in opposite directions. Going to both their houses would add three to four hours to my day! But he'll see them at Christmas, so he's happy to hang on to those presents for them. In return, I'm going to collect Christmas cookies he and his family have made, and deliver both sets to the rest of my stops that day. And that third family member who lives too far away to pack in to the drive? Both sets of Christmas cookies will fill out a flat rate box easily; they'll get mailed together.

DIRECT FROM THE SOURCE

If you find the perfect gift in a storefront and plan to give it to someone who lives hundreds or thousands of miles away, why not simply have it sent directly from the store to your recipient? It's going to be mailed anyway, so why mail it twice? You can usually specify that you don't want an invoice sent (seeing how much you spent can make recipients feel uncomfortable) and sometimes pay a bit extra for gift wrapping, too. Just be sure to warn your recipient that a package is arriving! 

This is especially a great option for gift recipients in other countries. It can take a while for a package to cross oceans and continents. If you're looking for a gift for someone far away, check local businesses to see if you can shorten the shipping time by purchasing from a store the next town over instead of half a world away.

A word of caution when ordering online: make sure you're purchasing from a legitimate and trusted website, and that your financial information is secure. A product might be an unusually low price on a website you've never heard of because it's being sold on a scam website, or isn't as advertised (e.g.; maybe it's a doll-size dress instead of an adult-sized one). Check your credit card, bank, Paypal, or similar statements for unauthorized use often, and report any instances of fraud. 

Whatever your plans this holiday season, have fun and stay safe! Here's hoping that this time next year will be far less stressful.

Sewing Tutorial: Sleeping Mask

 My daughter had a great idea: sleeping masks as party favors for a sleepover. They're not hard to make either! You can even embroider a fun design on the fabric prior to cutting and sewing.

Try to guess her favorite animal.

SUPPLIES

Elastic (I used 1/2' wide knit)
Less than a fat quarter's worth of flannel
Tracing paper or similar

Washed, ironed, and all the boring prep, of course.

DIRECTIONS

Take a couple measurements of the person you're making the sleeping mask for: temple-to-temple around the front of the face, and temple-to-temple around the back of the head. For my late-elementary aged child who wears a size 12, those measurements were 9 inches (23 cm) and 15 inches (38 cm).

Next, cut a template for the mask, making it a touch longer than your first measurement.

You could just do a rectangle, but a little shaping is nicer.

Fold it in half and check for symmetry, trimming if needed.

Trace the mask template on your flannel (if you want an embroidery design, do that prior to cutting) and cut out two per mask. Also cut a piece of elastic the length of your second measurement.

If you have embroidered something, be sure to center it.

I found that a 10x10 inch (25x25cm) square was 
a great size for hooping for embroidery,
and yielded fabric for one mask.

Now, layer the two pieces of flannel and the elastic. The flannel will be right sides together with the elastic in the middle. Be careful to place the elastic so that it will be evenly attached on both sides AND so that you won't sew over more than just the two spots where it will be attached (at either temple). Pin or clip the layers in place.

The elastic just barely extends past the edges of the flannels.

Now, sew around the perimeter, leaving a little space for turning.

Be sure you catch all layers, especially where the elastic is.

Turn right side out, iron, and top stitch around the entire perimeter.

I made this seam narrower than the previous one.

Another quick press with the iron and some thread trimming, and you're done!

Good night!

In-Kind Charitable Gifts

I've mentioned before that money is a great thing to donate to charities, as they can use economy of scale and other resources to stretch their dollars further. But plenty of charities accept in-kind donations, and many people prefer to give something tangible.

HOW TO PICK A CHARITY OR CAUSE

There are so many important charitable causes. Which ones you want to donate are up to you: different people have different priorities and different interests close to their hearts. Start with thinking of what group you want to support: the homeless, veterans, nursing home or memory care residents, people with special needs, hospital patients, marginalized or minority groups, abuse survivors, refugees, animals? What sorts of causes are important to you: conservation, disease research, literacy, youth development? 

 

Some of these groups have well-known, established groups. Others might be harder to find charities for. If you can't find a local, national, or global group, you'll need to investigate further. I find that asking schools, craft guilds, shelters, and the government offices that arrange social services are good places to start. For example, the McKinney-Vento Act provides certain guarantees for US public school students in unstable living situations, and a school district's McKinney-Vento liaison may be able to advise you what donations are needed or what organizations support the district's students. 

NEW OR USED?

Some charities are able to accept gently-used donations, especially ones that sell items in second-hand stores. If you're going through your home and find you don't need some of the clothing, household goods, tools, furniture, or other things, there is probably a charity that can accept them if they're in good condition and clean. Donating worn-out items just means the charity needs to spend its time and resources disposing of them. If you're not sure if your item is too used, think about why you're getting rid of it. Is it the wrong size, a duplicate item, a book or sports equipment you've barely touched, something you changed your mind about? Is it something you don't want to be pack for a move simply because it takes up too much room and you can buy another later? Probably fine. Is it torn, frayed, stained, missing parts, or not working right? Probably not (although Goodwill and other places can take worn out clothing to sell to textile recyclers, and pet shelters can often take old blankets or towels to use as animal bedding). Popular charities that accept donations include Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and the Salvation Army. Some will even pick up at your home! Charity shops sell items to support their specific causes; look into what you might be supporting to see what causes are close to your heart.

Other groups must insist on new items. For example, some children's hospital maintain a wishlist of items that can be donated, and due to the fragile health of many patients, it's simply safer to pass on used items. And for reasons I hope are clear, donated underwear should always be brand-new.

Food drives are another example of in-kind donations. Often, you can request a list of greatest needs, which helps the food banks not be overloaded on certain items and low on others: it could be frustrating to have a glut of pasta but no sauces to put on it. Food banks usually are also able to accept diapers, toiletries, pads and tampons, and first aid items. Some can also take kitchen items like plates, cups, cutlery, can openers, and cooking pans and utensils; and some accept toys and cold weather accessories like hats. Expired food and food with damaged packaging (e.g.; dented cans or opened bags) cannot be accepted, and while some food banks can take fresh or frozen fruits, vegetables, and meats or even home-grown food, call first and ask about the food bank's capacity for these non-shelf-stable items.

HANDMADE OR STORE BOUGHT?

If you like to make things, there are many charities happy to accept your creations. Like to knit or crochet? Extreme weather shelters and groups like Joy of Sox and Stand up for Kids are often happy to accept knitted socks, hats, scarves, mittens, and other cold weather gear (store bought items are also welcome). Want to make something bigger? Project Linus collects crocheted, knitted, woven, tied fleece, and sewn blankets to give children in hospitals. There are likely to be many local charities as well. Quilting, knitting, crochet, and other craft guilds are great places to ask for ideas, as are local churches and food banks. You can also look into donating handmade crafts to charity auctions.

Don't have the time, material, skill, or inclination to make something, but still want to give? That's fine too! Around the holiday season, it's common for churches, schools, and other charities to set up Angel Trees or Advent Trees. These allow you to pick the (anonymous) profile of someone in need to buy presents for, which can range from a special toy to new clothing to household appliances, so you can choose what fits your budget and what's on your heart to give. The profiles have information to guide you, like favorite colors, clothing and shoe sizes, and biggest needs and wants. When I was growing up, my parents would have my siblings and me pick profiles for children our age, which made for a fun family tradition. Other groups like Toys for Tots show up around the same time, collecting new items that will be given to those in need. You can also contact schools, churches, community resource centers, homeless shelters, pet shelters, and charities to ask if there's a person or family in need of anything, and purchase from that wishlist.

There are lots of way to help those in need, and lots of items to make or buy. Decide what causes are important to you, and see how you can help.

Gifts for: Hikers, Campers, and Outdoor Enthusiasts

 If you're looking for a gift for someone who spends lots of time in the outdoors, it makes sense to use that as a starting point. While your recipient probably has most of the basics and knows what works best for a given specific outdoor activities--hiking shoes, a good tent, and so on--you can still think of ways to show that you want to enhance the love of the outdoors. 

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

I recently saw this idea on a Reddit post, and I love it.

The compass, emergency whistle, and paracord are all on the handle

It's a set of emergency supplies for being out in the wilderness: first aid supplies (including medicine, in the red, green, and blue containers, and antibiotic and burn ointments), an emergency sleeping bag, a knife, water purifying droplets, hand warmers, energy gel snacks, a flashlight, a compass, an emergency whistle, paracord (that doubles as a handle on the water bottle), a lighter, and bright flagging tape to mark your location. They fit into the large water bottle, and the whole thing weighs a negligible amount. You'd hardly notice it in your bag, if at all.

The sleeping bag does fit inside, but there are two in the pouch
so it's easier to hang it by the carabiner

I have this wrapped and ready to put under the tree for Christmas: my husband likes to go hiking, and while he takes the essential precaution of telling me where he's going and how long he plans to be gone, it's always a good idea to be prepared for emergencies.

What sort of emergencies might your recipient want to be prepared for? Are the outdoor adventures in desert areas, dense forests, snowy climates, steep terrain, bear country? Is there any cell phone signal nearby, or is a satellite phone the only option? Does your recipient car camping and might need emergency roadside assistance (you can give AAA memberships as a gift), or is hiking to a primitive campsite preferred (maybe pay for a first aid course)?

REPLACEMENTS

In general, you should trust people to pick out the essentials of their passions on their own--they know what they want and what works best for their situations, and may have preferences on brand or material or other specifics. But if you notice that your recipient's outdoor supplies are in need of repair or replacement or even upgrade, those can make for an easy gift. I prefer to NOT have these sort of gifts be a surprise, in case I've guessed wrong. For example, maybe the hiking boots aren't worn out, they're finally broken in! But when my mother-in-law noticed our little camp cooking set was very subpar for a family with kids and offered to get us a proper camp stove, we were thrilled. If you're not sure you can get the specifics right, a gift card to a store that sells outdoor gear works well.

What might be past its prime? Is the tent too small now that a couple has children--or too big now that the kids are grown? Is the hiking backpack fifteen years old and showing its age? The boots might be in good shape, but are the laces? What about clothing?

You might even be able to make a replacement yourself. My husband had been trying to replace the carry bag for our tent for over a year to no avail. Looking at it, the bag was just four long rectangles with squares at either end, and a zipper. I got my seam ripper, took off the handles and zipper from the frayed and ripped bag, and sewed a new one out of duckcloth (a stronger material than the original).

Old bag (with cat for scale)

New bag--and the tent even fits!
Plus I was able to stitch our phone number into it.

CONSUMABLES

Outdoor adventures usually require snacks at the very least. There are myriad granola bars, trail mixes, and other snacks available to buy. Or maybe you know how to make some yourself! Homemade beef jerky, fruit leather, or nut mix offer quick energy. For overnight trips, dessert or breakfast items work too. As with any food items, be aware of allergies, intolerances, and other dietary restrictions. Also keep in mind that there won't be much refrigeration outside of coolers, and that crumbly food might not hold up well. If your recipient is going to be in an area with lots of large predators like bears or big cats, make sure the food can be stored safely.

Other things that might need to be replenished include insect repellent, sunscreen, firewood, batteries or lightbulbs for flashlights and other such items, water, propane or other fuel including gasoline for the driving part of the trip, first aid supplies, bear spray, ammunition, special cleaning supplies, yearly state or national park passes, and so on.

EXTRAS

Especially for hiking, most people don't want to bring more than the essentials. But there are a few things that are worth the extra weight and space. For example, a rain fly for a tent makes a huge difference if the weather turns bad while camping, as does a small fan when nighttime temperatures don't drop low enough to sleep comfortably. As I've gotten older, I vastly prefer to bring a camping cot rather than a sleeping on a mat on the ground. A brimmed hat is great for sun protection, but one that offers neck and ear covering is a nice addition for very hot or sunny areas (or anywhere for fair-skinned people). If your recipient likes to take a dog along, a dish for the dog to drink water from is great. or maybe a coat for the dog or balm for its feet. There are even sewing patterns to make collapsible bowls and coats--you could customize them to fit your recipient's interests or for visibility.

If they wouldn't add too much weight or take up too much space, field guides can be fun. Especially if your recipient might encounter new plants or animals or likes to stargaze, consider locally-geared books and pamphlets or topography and star maps. For the US, I really like the field guides by Stan Tekiela, full of pictures and arranged in easy-to-understand categories (the birds are arranged by color!). There are also hiking books specific to states and other locales that help people find hikes with particular geological features and explain how the landscape came to be. Astronomy guides help people identify stars, planets, and other celestial bodies, and mark the best times to watch for meteor showers, eclipses, and other exciting features. Binoculars and telescopes, if not too unweildly, might be a nice addition--if a solar eclipse is in the plans, be sure your recipient has the proper equipment to view it safely!

The August 2017 solar eclipse, viewed from Wyoming, USA--
I had eclipse glasses not only for me, but for the camera, too.

For other ideas, consider the off-season and the times surrounding outdoor adventures. Maybe your recipient needs some storage space and you know how to build shelves. Maybe the car is packed too full and a roof rack or trailer hitch carrier would be helpful. If it's a long trip, how about a gift card to grab food along the way? Or if you live between the adventure destination and your recipient's home, a shower after the trip!

If you're not sure whether your idea is a good one or something that will be annoying, check with your recipient. Surprise gifts are lots of fun, but it's better to know that your gift will be appreciated. And sometimes your idea is exactly what your recipient wants--but already has! At least in that case you know you had a good idea.

Gifts on a Budget: Things to Keep on Hand

Giving presents doesn't need to break the bank. Planning ahead lets you take advantage of sales, lower shipping prices, and is less stressful overall. Keeping some gift-related items around will help you be ready faster. Here are some ideas to get you started.

GREETING CARD SUPPLIES

Having ready access to rubber stamps, paint, markers, cardstock (or any paper) makes it easy to whip together a greeting card in minutes. They don't have to be fancy as long as they're from the heart.

It took longer to clean the stamps than to make the card.

And nothing says they need to be handmade. The most expensive of these cards were bought in a pack of six at a dollar store. Some are from thrift stores, some were sent by various organizations encouraging me to donate to their causes, and some are just the front half of cards I've received, with the personalized part torn off. I keep them with my postage stamps, ready for any time I want to drop someone a line, from condolences to congratulations. 

Most of the front halves are just the right size for postcards.

QUICK HOMEMADE GIFTS

What can you make quickly and easily? For me, it's baked goods. Knitting and sewing I can do too, but they take longer and require more concentration. So I make sure to keep baking staples on hand, and pounce on fun extras I see on sale.

Seasonally-colored icing and sprinkles go on sale after holidays and keep well,
and things like cookie cutters and other baking forms are abundant at secondhand stores.

Because I already have the supplies, it's not hard to make a quick batch of treats for a gift.

Some sprinkles, icing, or chocolate chips can quickly turn plain cookies into
 a festive Valentine plate, a Pokemon ball, a favorite animal, or a Minecraft piece.

They also add a nice touch to treats for celebrations like the end of Ramadan,
ready to mail when you can't celebrate in person during state-wide quarantines,.

What can you have on-hand? Do you have a flower patch that you can use for bouquets? Do you like to embroider or silk-screen, and can you keep some plain dish towels or shirts by the machine for quick designs? Do you like to make jewelry, and can you store beads or other supplies you see on good sales? Is there space in your freezer to store an extra casserole that you can either enjoy in a few weeks or give as a gift?

STOREBOUGHT (OR FREE) SAVINGS

If you see something useful on sale, especially clearance, and you have the funds, grab it. Even better for a budget, check groups like BuyNothing, where people give away things they no longer need for free. If you can hang on to a selection of things, you're ready for last-minute baby presents, birthdays, and lots more.

Especially nice when your kids get invited to things at the last minute,
hence my desire to store child-appropriate gifts

And for wrapping the gifts? You can often get away with free. Save gift bags and tissue, or scope out free sources like BuyNothing. Have a place to keep them, and you'll never to need to buy them.

There's also the old standby of newspaper as gift wrap
(mailed ads on newsprint are easier to come by nowadays),
or you can use children's coloring pages.

Don't go overboard: you don't need to be a hoarder. I don't keep more things than can fit in their designated spaces, and I don't let them overflow. And don't buy what you weren't already planning to: spending a ton of money, especially if your budget is tight, on paints is useless if you don't paint. But if you do have a bit of extra space in your home and your budget, it's really nice to take advantage of sales so you can be prepared.

Sewing Tutorial: Toy Hammock

This is a very simple pattern designed to keep toys in check. My children like to have a few special toys in their beds, and I did too when I was their ages. With just a yard of fabric and some elastic, you can help the toys not take over the bed.

My kids keep pajamas in theirs as well.

SUPPLIES

1 yard cotton fabric
2.5 yards elastic (1 inch wide, non-roll)

Conveniently, the stores near me sell elastic in 2.5 yard packages.

INSTRUCTIONS

Hem around all four sides.

Hooray for irons and being able to crease the fabric before sewing it!

Next, you'll be sewing a tube on the cut edges (i.e., the non-selvage edges). Fold the hemmed cut edges down three inches or so, and sew along the hem. There will be one tube on each end, and the yard of fabric will have shrunk by about seven inches between the hems and the tubes.

It's not critical to get the width exact, so long as there's plenty of room for the elastic.

One tube on either cut end.

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together. Line up the two tubes and sew the narrow edges together.

Like this. Sew on the short parts, from the folded edge to the tubes.

Don't sew over the tube; you'll need it open for the elastic.

Run the elastic through the tube.

Hooray for giant darning needles!

Finally, making sure the elastic isn't twisted, overlap the ends at least an inch and sew it together. Hide the seam inside one of the tubes, and you're done!

You could also use thread that matches your elastic, but I'd still work this inside the tube.

Ready to hang on a bed.
Depending on how heavy what it's holding is, you might want the elastic shorter,
or need to loop it around the bedposts a few times.

Gifts for Emergencies

When disaster strikes, be it a friend losing a job or an earthquake leveling a city, it's natural to want to help. But what can you do, especially if the people you want to help are far away? What can you give that will be helpful rather than burdensome and respect the dignity of those you're trying to help? How do you safely get it to the right people?

STRAIGHT CASH

In many cases, the immediate need is money. People might need a hotel to stay in while escaping an abuser, new clothes after surviving a fire with only their pajamas, or food and medication to make it through to the next day. When people can choose their own things to buy, it ensures they get the correct items to meet their needs, like correct shoe sizes or things that won't aggravate allergies. It also allows the victims some dignity: asking for help requires a lot of humility. When a wide-spread disaster affects a whole region, buying necessities locally also helps the business owners and employees who are struggling with the same problems. Gift cards are also helpful this way. 

Monetary gifts can also be funneled through various charities, which have the advantage of being more efficient through the use of economy of scale, buying in bulk, and already-established connections. However, it is imperative that you be sure the charities are legitimate and reputable. It's all too common for fake charities to pop up in the wake of disasters and scam people who want to help. Be very suspicious of new charities you've never heard of before, and research them. Charity Navigator, Charity Watchdog, and Guidestar are good sources to check, as well as Consumer Reports and news outlets. If you're unsure the legitimacy or efficacy of a given organization, don't give it a cent. If you have reason to believe it's an outright scam, contact someone who can do something about it, like a news reporter, law enforcement, or the attorney general's office (or local equivalent).

IN-KIND DONATIONS AND MASLOW

There is a place for physical gifts--money isn't the only thing that can help. Right after a catastrophe, what's needed? What gets priority? Don't assume that the thing you want to give is the thing that's needed. The season nine M*A*S*H episode "Death Takes a Holiday" drives this point home (spoilers alert: go watch the episode if you're able; it's really good): a main character donates exquisite handmade chocolates to a local war-torn orphanage, continuing his family tradition of giving such luxuries to the less fortunate. He's initially outraged to learn that the orphanage director sold the chocolate on the black market, but softens quickly when the director points out the happiness from the treat would have lasted a moment or two, but the money from their sale will provide food for an entire month. The donor apologizes for his outburst with an eloquent epiphany: "It is sadly inappropriate to give dessert to a child who has had no meal." 

https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

Maslow's hierarchy of needs puts the needs at the base of the pyramid as the first priority: food, water, medical aid, shelter; what we need to survive. After addressing these--that is, ensuring the disaster victims stay alive--psychological and self-fulfillment needs can be addressed. They don't need to be strictly linear though; you can comfort someone while providing food, for example.

In the immediate aftermath, there might not be time to go shopping, or even the ability, depending on the time and scope of the disaster. But if you have on hand extra food, blankets, clean water, or a spare room--and you can safely share them--feel free to. Be sure your items are appropriate: you'll have to search long and hard to find someone who wants used underwear, no matter how new it looks. Heat-and-serve meals can be convenient and are often comfort foods, but not very easy to make if there's no home to cook it in. Don't give just the sake of giving; give something useful. 

As the recovery progresses, there is likely to be ongoing needs. This is when hand-made items might be more appropriate--you can invest the time needed to make something after basic needs are met (either by you or someone else; you don't have to do it alone). Sometimes groups will auction off a large items made for a specific. For example, after the 2014 Oso mudslide in Washington, a small group of people came together to commission and sew a quilt that was auctioned off with other donations at a gala (https://www.heraldnet.com/news/oso-memorial-fundraiser-seeks-to-help-build-a-place-to-heal/). All the proceeds, including ticket sales for entry, went to help the community that had been destroyed and build a very moving memorial for the 43 people who died. Similarly, groups like the Linus Project provide handmade blankets to children in hospitals, and other charities make other keepsakes to help families through difficult circumstances. Pre-existing social groups like churches and guilds often organize meal trains or house cleaning when a member is beset by financial, medical, or other catastrophe.

Currently, the world is still dealing with the already months-long COVID19 pandemic. People are stressed over the uncertainty of...everything, and the end is unclear. Initially, the concern was scrambling to have enough hospital space and medical equipment. While that's still being addressed, there are other issues that need attention too. There's plenty of time for those with the ability and resources to sew masks for people, either for donation or sale (no moral objection from me; people need to be able to buy food). People feeling isolated need phone calls, video chats, or letters to feel connected again.

Along similar lines, some charities help victims of long-lasting or widespread disasters funnel their talents into businesses, setting them up for long-term success. Fair trade items, though not without controversy, are a good example of this, and available in a variety of physical and online stores.

BURNOUT AND OXYGEN MASKS

As you help someone through an emergency, watch out for your own well-being. While you can absolutely make a difference to some people, you can't save the entire world. You also won't do much help in the long run if you, for example, visit a disaster-torn area and end up taking much-needed resources from the actual victims of it. 

Burnout is a real thing. Far too often, family ends up sole caretakers for a loved one who needs professional help, and feels too embarrassed or proud to ask for help, or doesn't realize how much the help is needed until it's too late. It's not wrong or unloving to admit that you can't do it alone; on the contrary, I think it takes more love to be able to let people help--your love for your family member is more important than your pride. Take care of yourself and don't spread yourself too thin. You won't be able to continue helping if you run yourself into the ground. As the saying goes, put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others with theirs.

It's okay to say no sometimes. You don't need to help every single person, especially when doing so is detrimental to yourself. Don't metaphorically set yourself on fire to keep someone else warm. Sheltering an abuse victim is undeniably selfless, but are you opening yourself up to danger from the abuser? It might be better in the long run to get the abuse victim to a safehouse or professional shelter. 

THE LITTLE THINGS

Depending on your circumstances, you might not be able to do much in the way of monetary or in-kind support. You yourself might be one of the victims of the disaster, or maybe the disaster was of a scale that you really need to step aside and let the professionals handle the matter. Those of us who remember the 9/11 terror attacks might also recall that people lined up to donate blood...but there weren't enough people who survived to use that much and blood banks turned people, including my brother, away and asked them to come back in the next few weeks to keep the baseline blood supply adequate.

So, what happens when it seems like there's nothing you can but you're still drawn to help? You remember that your gesture doesn't need to be huge. Even a five dollar donation to a food bank can be added to the small donations from dozens of others and stretched to help far more than you could do on your own.

As you would with someone grieving, you can also show support just by being there. Even if the disaster doesn't come with actual loss of life, it will be jarring to the victims. A card, a phone call, attending a public memorial--this means something to people trying to put their lives together, and helps with the higher parts on Maslow's hierarchy pyramid.

When you feel called to help, take care to offer real, meaningful, and useful help--and answer the call. 

Gifts for Delivery People and Other Service Industry Workers

No man is an island, and all of us rely on people to help us at one time or another. Some people have standing appointments with a regular hairdresser or other beautician; some people need or want food and grocery delivery; some people have household help like cleaners, maids, nannies, and maybe even cooks and drivers; many subscribe to newspapers, landscaping and pest control businesses; and waste management services; and most, if not all, get mail and more from the post office and other parcel delivery companies. Often, people want to display their gratitude around the holidays or at other times. Here are some ideas.

COLD, HARD CASH (OR GIFT CARDS)

You can't go wrong with this! Many people add an extra tip for newspaper delivery, beautician services, and household help around the December holidays, or add a bonus to the last paycheck of the year. Make sure your tip gets to the right person--send or hand it directly to your recipient if possible.

It might be more prudent to give a gift card in some cases. I leave envelopes with coffee shop cards taped to our trash bins for our waste management people, for example--it's a little more secure, it's obviously not garbage, and since they don't always come at the same times each week, it's ready when they are. Same for my letter carrier--it's easy to leave a note on my mailbox, as it's on my porch. When I was in an apartment with dozens of other tenants, I was able to figure out our normal delivery time for days I was home (package tracking will tell you what times packages are left), and hang out to meet the letter carrier.

Some companies limit the value of a gift their employees can receive. For example, US postal workers cannot accept gifts worth more than $20. Check to be sure your efforts are within such guidelines.

REFRESHMENTS

Some people make a habit of leaving snacks and drinks for service workers. I try to leave a cooler with water bottles for letter carriers, parcel delivery, and waste management workers if it gets above 90 (hot for my area, and they tend to come in the middle of the day). In the winter, I leave out hand warmers. In that same large apartment building, a UPS driver dropped off a package shortly after I put cookies in the oven. I told him he could come back when he finished delivering the rest of the packages on his cart. He did, and it made my day to be able to give him fresh cookies. During the COVID19 lockdowns when people were ordering more and more online, I put out a basket with (fresh) snacks each day, and sewed face masks for delivery people and waste management workers (those I put in Ziploc bags and taped to the trash bins, with notes).

I also printed out this comic strip to adorn the mailbox

If a service worker is fixing something in your home or you have landscapers outside, it seems only polite to at least offer water and use of the bathroom if needed. 

A PERSONAL TOUCH

If you know the service worker well enough, you can make or buy something more personalized, even if the personalization is limited to a heartfelt note. I used to be a nanny for a particular family, for four years. The first December, I was pleasantly surprised to see a large bonus in my paycheck. The following Christmases, after we knew each other better, I got gift cards to stores the family knew I liked and my children were given fancy Christmas dresses. When I found out my letter carrier liked Cherry Coke, I gave him a six-pack of cans for Christmas. 

Although, one time I got a Christmas bonus of a microfiber throw blanket (not as a service worker, in an office)... some co-workers commented they'd seen the same throws at Costco for very cheap, much less than previous years' holiday bonuses... the office manager was later arrested for embezzlement. You don't need to break the bank to give a thank you gift if you feel so inclined--as these people are doing their jobs and hopefully being paid well to do so, you don't need to give anything at all. But whatever you do, don't embezzle to do it!