Make Your Own Holiday Compilation CDs

"A mix tape! He made a mix tape! He was thinking of me, which shows he cares!” sings Kate Monster in Avenue Q. While technology has changed since the irreverent musical debuted in the 1990s, homemade compilations still please gift recipients because of their highly personal nature. Since this Christmas has forced us to maintain strict budgets, Christmas compilation CDs are an inexpensive gift option for family and friends.

You can create CDs to match everyone's tastes on your gift list, particularly since holiday carols have been recorded in virtually every musical style you can imagine. Today's software enables you to create professional-looking covers and labels, and CD burners can quickly and easily record any playlist you can devise. People will appreciate your thoughtfulness in customizing a CD to match their preferences, and they may view such a holiday compilation as a keepsake to play every Christmas season for many years to come. Best of all, the materials needed for CD projects won't break the bank.

First, assemble the materials you need, namely blank CD-Rs, labels, jewel boxes, and jewel box inserts (optional). All of these supplies can be found at any office supply store, superstores like Wal-Mart, or electronics stores like Best Buy. The CD brand typically matters very little, though older players may only play those marked as specifically for music.

Labels come in brands including Avery, Neato, and Memorex. Like the blank CDs, the brand makes virtually no difference. If you've never designed CD labels before, you may want to opt for a starter pack including labels and inserts, a holder for affixing the label onto the CD, and either software or a link to free software (often with additional templates and graphics) for downloading. More experienced users can choose page refills, which include just the labels and inserts. No matter which brand you choose, be sure to visit the brand's website for free software, templates, and graphics.

Some software, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publish, Open Office, or (if you already own it) Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition, comes with templates included. Additional label and CD booklet templates are available on the Microsoft Office website, or execute a Google search for freeware or shareware.

Article Author: Kit O'Toole

Kit O'Toole is a lifelong music enthusiast who maintains a music blog, Listen to the Band. In addition, she is the internet columnist and a contributing editor for Beatlefan magazine. She also holds an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology.

Visit Kit O'Toole's author page — Kit O'Toole's Blog