For the past couple of years, I have really been into making my Christmas gifts. It is a great activity to do during the break after the semester ends and before Christmas. It is usually cheaper than buying a gift and it is always more personal when something is homemade. Here are my top five suggestions for quick, easy, budget-friendly DIY gifts for the holidays.
- Granola
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Any baked good or homemade treat is a popular gift around the holidays. I like to make granola because it stays fresh for a while. Once you are done, put it in a cute mason jar, decorate the outside, and add a bow, and people will be delighted to receive your gift. Check out this recipe which is one of my favorite sweet and salty mixes.
- Aromatherapy Rice Bags
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Last year someone gave me a rice-filled sock that I could heat as a comforting, warm, pillow. This year, I am going to make similar gifts, but using essential oils to add another level of relaxation. This step-by-step instruction guide shows how to make the scented rice back with fabric, and requires sewing. If you aren’t into sewing you could just find a new sock or a little drawstring back to fill with essential oil-infused rice.
- Photo Book
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Every year, my mom makes my brothers and me a photo book with photos from when we were younger. It is always one of my favorite gifts because it is fun to look back at the great memories; however, it is also a great way to pass on her photos to us to keep when we are older. Other awesome gifts involving photos include collages, frames, or larger prints. Check out Shutterfly for good deals on your photo gifts.
- Fleece Tie Blanket
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When I was younger, this was the go-to gift that I would make for my friends and family. It is so simple, but also very appreciated. You can go to any fabric store near you to pick up some fleece fabric, then after a little bit of cutting and tying you have the most comfortable blanket that anyone would be happy to receive. Here are some directions on how to make the tie blankets if you are unfamiliar with them.
- Incense Holder
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I made two incense holders for my brothers for Christmas this year. If you know anyone who likes to light incense this is a great gift that is even more meaningful when it is homemade. All you need is a small piece of wood. Then you can add some paint, wood stain, or stickers to jazz it up. The final step is to drill a small hole at the top for the incense to sit. This blog has some great suggestions to make an incense holder as a last-minute gift.
If you are still looking for a gift for a family member or friend, I suggest one of these. They are pretty straight forward and based on personal experience, they are always very appreciated.
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