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For those desiring to invest in their relational gift-giving, as suggested by The Advent Conspiracy, take a look at Sew, Mama, Sew! where each day in November focuses on a particular theme for handmade gift giving this season. Via Serina via Tricia.

Some other time consuming, yet fulfilling gift ideas from those posting on the Advent Conspiracy's Facebook Group and Merry and Meaningful from Christianity Today include:

1. Family: 
   • Writing/illustrating short kids stories to make homemade books, using family members in the story (testimony from the facebook group: My son loves to pull these out and re-read them, especially the ones that star HIM!)
   • Coupons to do chores for family members
   • I agree that getting kids involved enables them to give gifts with purpose, enthusiasm and joy, thereby changing the overemphasis on the trading of gifts and the overemphasis on children receiving gifts that they want.
   • Family journal recalling the year's blessings
   • Set a place for and give a gift to Jesus from your family (and/or members of your family) for His birthday
   • Gothic Gingerbread (Try your hand at a gingerbread church. You can work alone or with friends or family members. Pour some apple cider, start the Christmas music, and get to work. Choose a different country each year and create its most famous cathedral or simplest country church in miniature. Travel books can provide ideas. Then, pray for that nation throughout the month of December). -- Merry and Meaningful from Christianity Today
2. Office:  Baked goods for office giving that you maybe feel is mandatory but aren't sure what to give or how much to spend. Believe me, a gift of homemade cookies or sweet bread is much more greatly appreciated than another cheap (or maybe expensive) candy dish that probably won't ever be used. -- testimony from the facebook group which I think is particularly good.
3. General:
   • Homemade salsa
   • Homemade calendars:  family, scenic pics
   • Paint, write, draw, sing/play!
   • Spend time together (and/or make the commitment to do such)
   • Forgiveness Eve
   • Giving to those in need, whether a family, a women's shelter, Christmas gift box, Angel Tree,

Let me know other ideas which you have . . .