by Lorry Patton

December 2002: Do you dabble in photography? Are you an avid golfer? Does knitting relax you? In other words, do you have a hobby that brings you pleasure? If the answer is yes, instead of battling the crowds at the sweater and socks counters this Christmas season, make use of your special talents by creating your own gifts.

If your friends and family rave about your flavorful dinners, write out a dozen or so recipes in your fanciest handwriting on lined blank cards, tie together with a gold ribbon and place in a jumbo size mixing bowl along with some of the ingredients in your recipes that aren't commonly found in our cupboards.

Purchases: Blank Cards, Ribbon, Large Mixing Bowl and Spices and Herbs (Walmarts or Kmarts.)

Arrange a collage of your travel photos by sticking them on a piece of cardboard with double-size tape desert flowers, sunsets, wildlife and then get glossy color copies made of the collage so it will look like one picture. (Most reasonable stores for color copies are Costco and Office Depot). Enlarge to fit a medium-size frame and your family and friends will drool at the scenes of your ever- changing back yard.

Purchases: Double-Side Sticky Tape and Frame. (Walmarts or Kmarts)

If you enjoy playing with the paint programs on your computer and/or own a digital camera ( I love my Fujifilm Finepix 2800), copy one of your favorite images (digitally via computer) or draw one of your own (again using the computer) onto the front of 24 blank greeting cards (sold in office supply stores), place in a small colorful plastic container with pens, pencils, erasers and stamps. You'll need a color printer to do this.

Purchases: Pens, Pencils, Erasers, Stamps, Blank Greeting Cards and a Plastic Container. (Office Depot, Walmarts.)

Yarns come in all shades and textures, and squares and rectangles are so simple to knit. Good choices are scarfs, shawls and place mats. Place inside a decorative knitting basket.

Purchases: Yarn and Knitting Basket. (Kmarts, Walmarts).

If you fancy yourself an expert golfer, offer an afternoon of free lessons and introduce your friend or relative to the world of golfing.

Purchases: Greeting Card with time and place options.

Canning jams and preserves are quick and easy even when not in season, in fact, most corn relish recipes call for canned corn. Give a couple of jars of this sweet and tangy home-made condiment along with a pretty serving dish.

Purchases: Serving Dish and Corn Relish Ingredients. (Walmarts)

Most little girls love playing with dolls, especially changing their clothes, so why not sew up some outfits like pj's or beach wear for the doll? Box the clothes in a jewelry chest.

For little boys sew or iron on their favorite cartoon character on a white tee-shirt.

Purchases: Fabric Remnants, Jewelry Chest, Tee-shirts, Transfers or Cartoon Patches. (Walmarts, Kmarts, )

Home-made Peanut Brittle takes only minutes to make. (Melt sugar and butter over low heat until golden brown and then add peanuts and cool.) Prepare and place in a candy dish along with candy thermometer and candy recipe book and wrap in cellophane.

Purchases: Candy Dish, Candy Thermometer, and Candy Recipe book. (Kitchen Gadget Shops)

Use your imagination for other ideas. For example, if flower arrangements are your forte, fill a beautiful vase with artificial flowers; if you paint, give a signed print. Woodworkers can give personal name plates.

KOA certificates are available online at http://www.koakampgrounds.com/gift/gift.htm or send request to Gift Certificates P.O. Box 30558 Billings, MT 59114 or call 406.248.7444.

Who doesn't appreciate fueling up for free? Gas cards to a variety of oil companies are available at www.valuecards.com

Family can be scattered all across North America and telephone cards are the most economical way to stay in touch. Telephone cards can be purchased at most convenience stores and department stores.

Denny's Gift Certificates can be purchased directly at the restaurants and online at http://www.dennys.com/gifts.asp or call 800-733-6697.

Give a cell phone with a prepaid plan for a year or less. Most cell phones are free with a contract. Research, research and research for the best plan and company.

Soft-cover best selling mysteries. Most RV campgrounds have book exchange bins which means the book gets read over and over again.

Happy Shopping and a very Merry Christmas to all!.