Is it better to give than to receive?

Here's a wrap-up of some of the handmade gifts that were given for Christmas.  Next year, I'll keep all gifts a secret until after the holiday because one person (possibly two) that I didn't think was a blog reader, was, indeed, reading my blog.  So, in an effort to not spoil any surprises, next year my lips are sealed!

My favorite thing to do was to pair a handmade gift with a little something else -- like this pencil case (Heather Ross fabric) with some Japanese erasers.

And this reusable coffee sleeve with a Starbucks gift card and a wish that I could sit and have coffee with a faraway friend.

 

I wanted so much to put something in this little basket (the pattern is from Zakka Sewing: 25 Japanese Projects for the Household) but I just couldn't think of the right thing.  What would you have tucked inside?

This lunch tote (with matching napkins) gave me the most trouble.  The pattern is from Cotton & Cloud and can be found here (and it's free!).  I used Anna Maria Horner's Little Folks laminated cotton for the inside, so it could easily be wiped out (the outside and napkins are from Amy Butler's Love collection).  It was my first time working with laminated cotton.  I was surprised at how soft and flexible it felt.  But I did have a bit of trouble sewing it.  I'm sure it was operator error and I don't blame the pattern or the fabric -- I just need more time working with this fabric. 

Another Buttercup bag, this one in a Marimekko fabric.  I used a leather strap instead of a fabric one this time and I really like the look of it -- it dresses the bag up a bit.

My father-in-law ended up with a gift after all!  I made him this ipod/digital camera pouch using a tutorial at Sew, Mama, Sew! that you can find here.

Even though there were a few moments where I wanted to pull my hair out, I had so much fun making these Christmas gifts and I wouldn't trade a minute of all that work.

As to the question of whether it's better to give than to receive...normally I would say yes -- I love giving gifts, especially when I find (or make) that thing that is "just right."  Giving makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside rather than my general cold and heartless mode (I'm kidding!  Really, I am).

This year I received a lovely present from my husband.  I'm so excited about it!  It definitely makes me feel that receiving was better than giving this holiday season, at least from where I'm sitting.  I'll keep you in suspense about the gift for now...