DIY Parkinson’s Holiday Gifts 2018

While I’m still recovering from my health complications, I thought I would update my “Do-it-yourself” holiday gift blog.  Christmas is right around the corner, but if you find yourself with some free time, making your gifts is a great way to show someone that you care.

I know that having Parkinson’s disease can be a bummer, but then to throw the holidays in the mix…. well that’s just like trying to play darts with spaghetti. There’s so much you have to think about, from the food preparation to traveling, dealing with family members that might not fully understand what PD is… oh, and then there are the gifts.

There are many reasons that gifting during the holidays can be stressful. The extra-added stress can come from,

-Trying to pick out the perfect gift.

-Going to the store to get the gift, or ordering it online.

-The cost of gifts. I know that having Parkinson’s can limit your income and increase your healthcare costs, so why not save some dough and give a special gift.

Now if you’re interested in gift ideas that you can purchase, check out my Parkinson’s gift guide. But if you want to find inexpensive, do-it-yourself, thoughtful gifts… well, you have come to the right place, my friend. Below are 5 gift ideas that will leave your friends and family feeling loved and appreciated.

Memory Box

This is one for the artistic Parkies. Get small, unfinished wooden boxes from a craft store. Then here’s the fun part… paint, draw, or bedazzle those boxes… let your Van Gogh-ness shine. While your working on those, ask your family or friends share their favorite memory about that person. Then put those memories onto index cards and place them into your gift box.

*Don’t worry if you don’t know how to paint, part of the gift is because it’s from you, even if you have a tremor… paint away. You can say you were inspired by the artistic style of Pablo Picasso.

Here is a picture of the boxes I created for my parents. I know… it’s hard to be good at so many things… it’s my curse.

Mason Jar Treats

This is super-duper easy for those who love to bake. Bake your favorite treats, like cookies, fudge, rice crispy treats, brownies or gingerbread men. Then put them in a Mason jar, which you can find at any at any craft store, Target, Walmart, or Amazon… what can’t you buy from Amazon? Then tie some pretty ribbon and a tag on the jar and you have a delicious gift anyone would want.

*If you’re like me and don’t bake, you can always fill your mason with your favorite holiday candy. FYI… FroYo doesn’t really work in a jar…. I’ve tried.

Book Folding

Book Folding is an art that uses folds and/or cuts that create a message, picture or shape within the pages.   Just by looking at these pictures, a book folding gift might seem pretty complicated. But as long as you follow the pattern, you will become a book master in no time. You can purchase patterns on websites such as Pinterest, or Etsy and then check out Youtube for tutorials.  I do have to say, this was a bit challenging to start, but once you get moving, it gets easier.

Here is a heart that I made for my Mom out of a hard copy “Alice in Wonderland” book. First, I downloaded a pattern that I liked, then I practiced on another book that I wasn’t going to use… oh, alright! I might have messed up the pattern on my first try, so I had to get another book.  But the finished project turned out pretty awesome… if I do say so myself.

365 Day Note Jar

This one is for those that say, “But I’m not artistic, how can I create a gift?” This one is easy but does take some time. You start with a jar, preferably with a top that closes. Then you cut pieces of colored paper into small squares. Let’s say I will use my favorite colors, Pink, Purple, Yellow, and Periwinkle… trust me, it a color… Google it. Then write on the:

Pink squares: Reasons why I adore/love/cherish our marriage/friendship.

Purple squares: Favorite quote or song lyric.

Yellow squares: Places/things you want to do together

Periwinkle squares: Favorite memory.

*If you think that 265 different notes are a little overkill… how about trying to do 52 squares for weekly notes?

For the couples out there, time to ignite that flame. These gifts are to help you express your love for each other even when Parkinson’s is making it challenging to show emotion.

A Year of Dates: Create 12 dates for a once a month adventure that you would like to take your loved one on, then make 12 little gifts that have the details of the day and if possible, the items needed for that date. You get bonus points if you can come up with holiday-themed dates for the correlating month. Put all those gifts about the upcoming monthly dates in a box and voilà… instant flames.

Hope this has given you a few ideas on how to make your holidays sparkle.  Be sure to send me a picture of the gifts that you’ve created! Happy Holidays!