The Christmas season is an amazing time, but it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to finances. That’s why homemade gifts are great! They’re cheap, easily personalized, and they mean even more because of the amount of time and effort that you put into them. Here are some relatively simple DIY gifts that are sure to be a huge hit with all of your loved ones this holiday season!
1. Memory Shadow Box
If you share a lot of memories with someone or if they have a very memorable life, this is a great gift! But, you might have to do some snooping to get the items and pictures that you want to put in the shadow box...shhh.
2. Collage
Making a collage can take some time, but it could potentially cost you no money and it’s incredibly easy to personalize it to your loved ones’ interests.
3. Photo Ornament
This takes about 5 minutes to make and it will mean a lot to whoever receives it because it will remind them of you.
4. Sharpie Mugs
You don’t have to be an artist to do this because luckily, stencils exist. Just use Sharpie, bake the mug, wash it, and you’re done!
5. Ball Jar Snowman
Buy 3 short, wide-mouthed jars, fill 1 with mini marshmallows, 1 with hot chocolate mix, and the last 1 with some peppermint candies. Stack them and then decorate them to look like a snowman, and you’re done!
6. Spa-in-a-Jar
Buy or make a couple of bath bombs, throw in some mani-pedi supplies, a face mask, and give it to someone who needs a rest.
7. Mason Jar Candle
8. Mix Tape
This is a classic, old-school gift that you can never go wrong with. Making a mix tape for someone shows them that you truly know them, so it's virtually foolproof.
9. Reindeer Pot
10. "Open When" Notes
This is another very sentimental gift that costs you nothing. All you have to do is write several notes that would be appropriate to receive during certain times. For example, write a joke that would make your loved one laugh and put it in an envelope that says “Open when you’re feeling down.”
11. Tea Wreath
This is extremely useful to tea-lovers, but it also makes a beautiful decoration. It’s refillable as your loved one uses it, so it’s a gift that keeps on giving.
12. Jar of Love
Just fill a jar with short phrases about why you love someone and you’re done! This gift requires no money and it will mean a great deal to whoever receives it.
13. Book Secret Compartment
My sister made this for me last year and I absolutely love it! This takes a bit more craftsmanship, but it makes for an amazing, personal gift.
14. Heating Pad
A microwavable heating pad is a great winter gift, but be warned: it requires sewing.
15. Large Photo Letters
I made this for my mom and dad for their birthdays, and they loved it. It can add a level of both sentimentality and class to someone’s home.
16. Photo Block
Your parents are sure to love this gift, and if they need a paperweight, this makes it even better!
17. Wood Plaque Quote
18. "Love You to Pieces" Frame
19. "..." in a Tin
As long as you have a large tin, you can customize this to the person who’s receiving it. Maybe they love movies, so you could make them “Move Night in a Tin.” This might include some popcorn, typical movie candy, soda cans, their favorite movie, and a blanket to keep warm.
20. Mason Jar Snow globe
Snow globes are a classic Christmas gift, but this snow globe is special because you made it with your own 2 hands and you can fill it with any knickknack that you like.
Ultimately, Christmas is about being with your loved ones and gifts are only as great as the amount of thought and effort that you put into them. So, make this Christmas special (and cheap) with these homemade gifts!
