Look around you and benefit from the amazing supply of seasonal fruit, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, flowers and nuts that can so easily be turned into something quite delicious, personal and beautiful simply because you or your family made it with love.
After all, our Grandmothers and their Grandmothers before them were experienced at transforming fresh food into forms that would not only make personal gifts, but would be preserved to sustain their own families over the cold, barren months.
Nothing can beat the personal gift that is more precious than any expensive item bought and made somewhere in another country.
It doesn't have to be difficult either.
Take a look at these ideas that will inspire you into generous action and will even keep your children entertained on a rainy day.
You might not have your own farm or estate, but the great thing is that for most of us, we can still get out and explore the natural world around us, which will reward us hugely.
1.
Nuts- all kinds, from walnuts (which are harvested in December) to sweet almonds.
Make cookies, place in pretty boxes cut out from the ends of tissue boxes and covered in pieces of fabric or lace.
Make a handle and give them with pride to a friend.
2.
Berries- In late Summer, go berry picking, whether you get out into the hedgerows and find the wild ones or pick your own from local farms.
Collect jam jars and make some delicious jam.
Label and share.
3.
Apples and plums- In Autumn, whoever has an apple or plum tree is sure to have plenty to give away.
Make pies or jars of chutney that will be a welcome addition to any larder.
4.
Tomatoes- if you have an ample supply of Summer tomatoes or they are being sold cheaply in season, stock up on tomato sauce, pickle or even soup which can be frozen and enjoyed when the colder weather comes.
A jar of tomato sauce will be everyone's favourite.
5.
Pumpkins- oh yes, with Halloween providing us with many ideas for great recipes and artistic creations, their colourful appearance make them attractive.
We can be thankful for freezers that can keep the pies available for just that bit longer.
6.
Holly, ivy and various evergreens make impressive wreaths, especially at Christmas time if you want some easy decorations, whether to use with candles on a table for advent or to hang on a door.
Make one for you and one to give away.
7.
Flowers- of course this list wouldn't be complete without the addition of flowers.
Flowers are timeless in their popularity and with their vibrancy of colour and aroma make perfect gifts for those whose senses will be stimulated, whether in need of recovery from sickness or to make someone special feel loved.
Dried and pressed flowers make pretty decorations on home-made cards.
8.
Herbs, spices and shrubs- We all have friends who have these thriving in their gardens, such as lavender which can be used to fill a small sachet or pouch made with pretty material or cloves which can be pushed into oranges in Wintertime to bring fragrance into the home.
Herbs can be lovingly potted and given as a thoughtful gift.
A variety can also be dried throughout Summer to make your own Pot Pourri and packed into boxes (hoard pretty boxes whenever you find them) and given as attractive gifts.
9.
Elderflowers- which bloom in early Summer.
Their creamy coloured flowers can be made into wine, sorbets, ice-cream or cordial.
Their berries can also be made into wine or used in jam-making.
10.
Conkers- these seeds from horse chestnuts can be made into doll's furniture (stick pins in the bottom for legs and the back and thread wool over to make chair back) or simply attach to string and play the old-fashioned conkers game.
Get out the glue, pins and string and let the kids get creative with you (not safe for young children).