The holidays are coming up whether you're prepared or not, and purchasing gifts for your loved ones can get a bit tricky, especially if you're a college student ballin' on a budget. The people you love may deserve a trip to Europe or a brand new car, but your bank account definitely says otherwise. This holiday season, maybe it's time to try a fun, cheaper alternative to Christmas shopping. I went through tons and tons of Pinterest pages and picked out the cutest and most affordable do-it-yourself and simple Christmas gifts that everyone on your Christmas list will be sure to love. Time to get crafty.
1. Manicure-in-a-jar
One of the most pampering and relaxing gifts a girl could ask for! Give your friends and family a pretty, decorated mason jar filled with manicure necessities such as nail polish, nail files, cuticle softener, lotion, nail polish remover, cotton balls, and pretty nail decals to make their hands looking better than ever.
2. Homemade shower jellies
Another relaxing gift is DIY homemade shower jellies. Most recipes only call for boiling water, scented body soap, soap dye, and Agar powder. Pour it into a pretty shaped ice cube tray and let them sit, wrap them up in nice bags and you're done.
3. Cookie-in-a-jar
Nothing says "I love you" more than some nice warm cookies. Give this gift to someone who loves to bake. Look up some cookie recipes and buy enough ingredients for a batch of cookies, then layer them in a jar (without eggs and milk, of course.). It may drop some hints that you want some cookies too.
4. Shadowbox
This is a very thoughtful and creative gift to give to a loved one. Buy a shadowbox and fill it with memories you have with that person! Shadowboxes can be found at any craft store or places like Walmart or Target. Use some glue tabs to attach pictures inside and take advantage of the scrapbooking section and use stickers, decals, and colorful paper stock.
5. No-tie fleece blanket
The easiest blanket you'll ever make in your life! This only requires two pieces of fleece, scissors, and our hands. You can buy fleece from a craft/fabric store such as JoAnn Fabric. Pick a patterned fabric and a solid fabric and buy 2 yards of each material (about $4.99 per yard.) Layer the two fabrics and cut about one and a half inch by two inch slits around the blanket and tie the upper and lower fabric pieces together, and you've got yourself a cozy blanket.
6. DIY decorated mug
A cute way to spice up their coffee and tea experience! Get a plain white mug and decorate it with Sharpie however you'd like, and pop it in the oven at 275 degrees for thirty minutes. This bakes the Sharpie design into the mug forever. Throw in a couple of tea bags, tea diffusers, etc.
7. DIY photo transfer wood slab
A very cute and different way to display a photo! Take a photo memory and print it on paper and transfer it onto a slab of wood by applying several layers of Mod-Podge and let it dry for two days.
8. Mason jar lid magnet
What better way to remind someone of how much you care about them than reminding them every time they open their fridge! Measure mason jar lid widths and cut out pictures and attach them to the lid. Glue a magnet to the back of the lid and put it on the fridge!
9. 365 jar
Give someone you truly care about a gift that keeps on giving! Write 365 notes and put them in a large jar, and everyday they will read a cute message. Awww!
10. Snacks-in-a-jar
Because who doesn't love snacks? Fill a giant jar up with their favorite snacks! Ask them to share them, too.
