Do you enjoy giving special heart-felt presents at Christmastime?  Are you tired of giving the same old stuff every year?  You can make the perfect Christmas present for each person on your list.  A cross stitched piece is a wonderful piece of artwork to give. I've put my thinking cap on, and have come up with no less than 10 good reasons why a cross stitched item makes a great Christmas gift, here they are:

1. You can personalize your cross stitched piece to suit the person who'll be getting it.  There are patterns for every single interest available.  You can find patterns for various sports, animals, artwork, family, or friendship.  There are also cross stitch patterns for different occupations as well.  With so many wonderful designs available, you're sure to find something for everyone. 

2. You can commemorate a very special date such as a wedding, Anniversary, or brand new baby.  If you know someone who got married, had a new baby, maybe celebrated their 25th or 50th Wedding Anniversary earlier in the year... a cross stitched item is the perfect way to help them celebrate that special event.  They can display the piece proudly and enjoy the memories of that special day all year through.

3. Small cross stitched items are perfect for those times when you need that extra little gift you weren't planning on needing.  There are literally thousands of smaller designs available everywhere you look.  These are fast and easy to stitch!  You can turn them into a framed piece of art, coasters, light switch covers, potholders, or towels.  These items make a great quick gift for those unexpected times such as work exchanges, etc.  They're inexpensive and handmade so they make great gifts.  You can work on them throughout the year and just have them sitting there ready to go when you need them.

4. Cross stitched gifts are a great way to have cherished family heirlooms that can be passed down through the generations.  You could stitch a family tree pattern.  Maybe you would leave room so that as new additions to the family arrive they can be added to the design.  You could stitch the family tree with the current year so others can look back and see how everyone was related up to that point.  These gifts can be given at Christmastime to your adult children, and then eventually passed down from generation to generation.

5. These items are a perfect way to show your love for someone.  You can stitch a special design with your name and the name of your significant other.  It would make them feel very special to know you care enough to spend all that time and effort stitching something to display in your home showing everyone who enters how much you love each other.  These designs can be as simple as two interlocking hearts, or as elaborate as a Celtic prayer blessing that love.

6. Is there a sports fanatic in your life?  You can stitch a design showing their support for their favorite sports team.  There are tons of sports patterns available.  You can find team logos or just general sports related patterns.  If they have a favorite team, stitch the logo or the jersey of their favorite player.  If they love golf or running, stitch a person swinging on that first tee, or someone jogging down a pretty country lane.

7. Maybe you're saddened by the loss of a loved one.  You can stitch that person's name in the middle of a design and then surround with small motif designs of things that person loved, or things representing great memories you have with that person.  Opening a Christmas gift and seeing something representing the memory of someone who's dearly departed is a heart-warming way to keep that person's memory and spirit alive.

8. Do you know someone moving into his or her first house, or just remodeling an old house?  Cross stitched stockings, table runners, and bell pulls with bright colorful Holiday designs make wonderful presents.  They'll add a vibrant, festive Holiday touch to any home or apartment.  The recipient will be glad to have to get something homemade to display during the Holiday season.

9. Small cross stitch designs can be used to create unique greeting cards.  Since they can't be bought in any store, you're sure to give something personalized that won't match any other card they'll receive.  A simple Christmas star would be perfect for a more religious card.  A decorated Christmas tree is great for a more colorful fun card!

10.   Cross stitched ornaments can be a great family Christmas tradition. Every year each family member receives a new ornament with their biggest current interest and the year stitched on it.  These gifts are especially good for children.  As they grow up, they'll be able to see how their interests changed from year to year.  I'm sure they would also trigger wonderful memories of those favorite things. 

As you can see, there are several things you can give at Christmastime that can be cross stitched.  This is an extremely versatile craft.  With the extensive variety of patterns available, and the many finishing options you have… making that perfect gift will be easy and fun!  After putting your time, effort, and thought into these cross stitched gifts, seeing the people's reactions when they open them will make it worth while.  It will create a truly special Christmas memory!