Christmas Time is Near

It is. Does it make you want to have a panic attack?
No?
Well, I was feeling pretty good about it. I have been buying Christmas gifts pretty much since the day after Christmas last year. I'm cheap frugal like that.
Target has an amazing toy clearance every July. It works out nicely as we have an August birthday. I try to wait until things are marked 75% so that I can be the cheapest most frugal.  I filled up 2 big Target bags by mid-August with goodies for all 3 kids and spent less than $50 total.
Last week Target had a large selection of summer toys and sporting goods clearanced out at 75% off. I bought the little man a tricycle for his 1st birthday. What, its over 6 months away? Well, when am I going to find another brand new, cute, green $50 trike for $12 again?? Its in storage. Birthday gift - taken care of!
On to my point -- its crunch time. I was feeling pretty good about myself as I browsed the 90% off dollar stop (yes, 30 cents each!!) for stocking stuffers on Tuesday. I felt proud of the fact that for once I was ahead of schedule. As I mosied on to the back of the store I got that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. There, near the back, on the far left wall were Christmas lights. And an entire aisle already overflowing with Christmas cards. I'm behind. It was the second to last day of summer and I was behind.

Fear not, faithful blog followers. All none of you. I have 2 gifts stored in the sewing cabinet waiting to be sewn and wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree (which if you're counting will be going up exactly 9 weeks from tomorrow).

Gift # 1   Hooded Towels

For this handmade gift I will use this tutorial. Its super easy! I picked up 2 hot pink Ralph Lauren towels on clearance at T.J Maxx the other night. I made a couple hooded towels earlier this year using towels that have been in use for 8 1/2 years for practice's sake. I am excited to make new (bigger) ones as a surprise. With about 20 minutes of my time and a little monogramming they'll be good to go!

Gift # 2  Princess & the Pea Softie

For this handmade gift I will use this tutorial. I know a little girl who can quote word for word the entire story of the Princess and the Pea that will be beyond thrilled Christmas morning!

Are you ready for Christmas? Will you be making any handmade gifts this year? Only 113 days til Christmas!