Homemade crafts and novelty items might take time and effort, but the pocketbook won’t be quite so slim when bills come due in January.

“When people get homemade gifts, they know it comes straight from the heart,” said Cheryl Walker from the Milam County Extension Education Association.

Ms. Walker and several 4-H members from Cameron explored the idea of thoughtful, inexpensive gifting at a “Holiday Idea Gift Exchange,” on Nov. 19 at Bea’s Kitchen.

About 20 youngsters and their families attended.

The children, aged 7-17, took turns presenting the various crafts they had made. Most items were suitable for Christmas gifts.

Guests received the crafts as door prizes while the children earned 4-H credit for their work.

“Our ideas are simple things,” Ms. Walker said. “They use inexpensive stuff from around the house. The materials are recycled and turned it into new and different things.”

The children seemed to enjoy their projects.

“It’s handmade. Personal work was put into it,” said Carson Cobb, 10, of Cameron. “And that makes the gift mean more. I like that.”

Chandler Barton had plenty of reason to smile over his homemade candy jar.

“You get to eat as you go,” Barton said. The 7-year-old boy grinned as big as he could.

The teenagers who participated stood behind their younger 4-H comrades, not as chatty. They said their fun with ribbons and bows did not embarrass them.

“Crafts stay fun as you get older,” said Logan Kostroun, 17, of Cameron.

His cheeks went crimson as everyone’s eyes went to him.

In a quick addendum, Kostroun said, “They’re better because they’re cheaper.”

The children said their crafts were not perfect at first effort. They had to practice to learn how to use the glue gun and how to cut straight.

“I learned it takes two minutes to burn sugar,” Miss Cobb said, laughing. “I got it right, though.”

Jarret Beckhusen, 17, learned something too. His voice hinted at mischief.

“I learned that cats don’t like it when you spray them with white snow,” Beckhusen said. “I had it cleaned up before Mom found out.”

It seems these Cameron youngsters got more than a few good holiday gift ideas.

They got some cute stories that will one day turn into treasured memories.

--Email Tomie Lunsford at tlunsford@temple-telegram.com