knit knit knit.

Well, it's that glorious time of the year again, when I try to provide presentage for Smallchild (a mix of practical, creative, and what she just can't live without) and also for the remainder of my family, on a teeny tiny budget. (The non-genetic portions of my family will have to wait a bit after 12/25 to get their presents.)

So, I am currently knitting furiously on hat #2, and contemplating Sock Pair #2, and wondering whether I can do presents for 9 people in 19 days (I'm pretty sure I can), and how best to present them in wrapping.

I'm thinking I may have to actually shell out for:

*the Big Present that kiddo wants (the thing she can't live without), $60
*a couple of little entertaining things that I want to get her, $20 or so tops
*boxes and tissue paper for wrapping hats, socks, potholders, and edible sundries; $10.
(I already got the kid some new clothes and the traditional new pajamas.)

And whatever I want to give my co-workers; the supervisors go in and buy something for all the employees, usually candy or a little practical thing of some sort, $1 or so per employee, so I'll probably need $20 or so for that.

I might possibly need more yarn, especially in really neutral colors (dark brown or black or navy blue). But that won't run me more than $16. (I'm getting a lot of mileage out of my stash, even though there's only four small baskets of it.)

It's terribly nice not to worry about REALLY IMPRESSING people, and just think about making them something they'll like, by hand.

So I'm off to shower and get ready to go shopping.