Simple Handmade Gifts Bring Treasured Memories and Big Savings

(MS) -- Holiday gift-giving can be extremely stressful for even the most experienced shoppers. Deciding how much to spend, which brands to choose and what size to get are enough to frazzle those fragile holiday nerves. This year, Brad Staggs, HGTVPro.com and DIY show producer/host and licensed contractor, has some excellent advice for all gift-givers: make your own!

"People love receiving handmade gifts, so making gifts for your family and friends is a winning situation for everyone," explains Staggs. "By making your own gifts you avoid the holiday shopping crowds, save money and get the satisfaction of knowing that you are giving a little piece of yourself with each handmade gift."

Staggs offers several ideas for holiday gifts that can be made in a weekend:

Southern Chalet Birdhouse. Who doesn't love watching birds in the backyard? A birdhouse is simple to make and requires very little time and very few supplies, but it can provide countless hours of enjoyment for the recipient. And the options for customizing this project are endless -- let your imagination run wild!

Chattahoochee Chair. This is a great one for the gardener in your life -- build a Chattahoochee (or Adirondack) chair so they can sit outside and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor. This project can be accomplished in a weekend, but seeing the recipients' reaction will stay with you forever.

Sweet Dog Suite. If Fido could tell you what he's really thinking, he would beg you not to give him another sweater for Christmas this year. Give your pooch a well-deserved new "home-away-from-home" by building a new dog house. This is a great project because the whole family can get involved -- spending a weekend with your family building your four-legged child an awesome new pad will be a gift everyone can enjoy.

Once you decide on a project, do your homework when it comes to choosing building products. The market is flooded with options right now, but which one is right for you? For strength, durability, beauty and the best environmental choice, choose pressure-treated Southern Pine. Every project listed above can be completed using pressure-treated Southern Pine, and you won't break the bank in the process. The preservative in the wood works to prevent moisture and insect infiltration, and it can be stained and painted for a true custom touch.

According to Staggs, "It's always a good idea to use treated lumber in projects that will be exposed to ground contact or outdoor elements on a consistent basis. In fact, check your local building codes: some require the use of treated lumber -- which actually works out well for you, the homeowner!"

To download free plans for these projects and learn more about pressure-treated wood, visit www.realoutdoorliving.com.