Ah, the holidays. That special time of year when your spirits soar even as your bank account balance plummets.

If you are out of ideas for sentimental Christmas gifts, or just flat out can't afford them, here are some unique homemade gift ideas that are cheap, and fairly easy and quick to make.

1. Decorate a mason jar

My friend did this last year and I still love it. Bedazzle, glitter-ify the jar. Dipping it in water with nail-polish added can also dye it well. My friend put a little electronic candle in it for me and made it into a candle-holder but there are many other ways you can use it. There are tons of other things to decorate — mugs, plates — anything!

2. DIY beauty products

Usually organic and amazing for your skin/hair. There are recipes for body scrubs, face masks, hair masks -- really anything you could think of! They can be challenging, but there are also some super easy "recipes" out there. One time I made bubble bath out of oatmeal and ivory soap. And there is a very popular candy-cane sugar scrub recipe that is perfect for the holidays! You can add whatever scent your friends like, too.

If your friend doesn't like beauty products, you can always just make them their favorite food! Or better yet: edible beauty products!

3. Watercolors!

If you have the artistic skill. make your friend a watercolor painting.

Watercolor paper from Walmart comes in big packs and can be a bit pricey, but thick multi-purpose paper can also work well. I got the brushes and paint for only about $10 and it was enough to make over ten big watercolor paintings. They weren't the best materials, and my drawings certainly weren't the best either, but my friends loved them in the end.

4. Make a collage, scrapbook, or video compilation

Collect the images or videos of you and your friends (or family) and format them into a gift. Adding in some sappy Christmas music wouldn't hurt, either. If you sing or play an instrument, you could also write them a song, or work that into some bigger gift.

5. Offer to do a huge favor for them

Not really homemade but this is a last resort if you really can't think of anything. Babysit their kid for a whole day, do their makeup for a huge event, or help without with a big project -- find a way to use your own skills to do something for your friend that would be big enough to be considered a gift.

If your friend is really your friend, they'll appreciate whatever you give them, but a homemade gift really shows that you took the time to create something special for them. In the end, just make sure the gift is personal and something they'd actually enjoy receiving, and you're sure to make your friend happy.