Handmade: Group Gifts!

Photo by Saquan Stimpson on Flikr

Is there ever a season that's not for giving? Birthdays are year round after all, plus there are tons of other celebrations and a whole variety of holidays in between (including Mother's Day and Father's Day, which are quickly approaching!). Instead of buying something for your friends and family, why don't you consider making a group gift this time around? Here are some ideas for you to consider:

The Group Letter
If you have a friend who lives far away, a great (and easy) gift to send would be a group letter. Next time you have your friends together, pass around a paper and pen, and have everyone write a little something. It's a great way to share good times with a friend who can't be present.

The Group Story
Let's say you're more on the creative side. If that's the case, you really ought to write a group story. Instead of just having friends write a letter to the recipient, have them contribute to a story. Google Docs can make this super easy, especially if not everyone is in the same location. Chances are you'll end up with something really hilarious- and certainly more memorable than 99% of the impersonal disposable gifts out there!

The Group Scrapbook
To give contributors more flexibility, you can allot them space in a scrap book instead of giving them a specific writing assignment. They can design special pages, include pictures, write stories, or do anything they please. In the end, you'll have a beautiful collection of wonderfully personal contributions that the recipient will love.

The Group Photo Album
If you are planning your gift far in advance, consider this an option: buy a couple of disposable cameras (or lend out your digital), and give the recipient's friends and family a chance to take some pictures of themselves for you to put in a special album. You can ask people to make all of the pictures related to something- such something that characterizes their relationship with this person. You'll get really fun results!