It’s the holiday season once again. The Christmas bells are ringing. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees stand tall and ugly Christmas sweaters are being dry-cleaned. Families are bringing out holiday recipes that were safely tucked away last year. The anticipation of meeting up with the whole family, eating Aunt Mabel’s Christmas Turkey, listening to Uncle John crack jokes that could make you roll with laughter, putting up Frosty and his friends in the front yard, listening to Christmas carols, and everything else is what makes the season magical.
It is also a season of spending. Even with Black Friday sales, we need to spend a large amount to get gifts for family, neighbours, colleagues, classmates, teachers, and more. Giving gifts can make us feel joy and pride, but the stress of deciding what to buy, stretching budgets, and wrapping all the presents can be overwhelming.
How can we make Christmas gifting easier?
The trick here is to look past the Christmas commercials and flashy ads to find something that strikes an emotional chord. It doesn’t have to be expensive. A little planning ahead of time can save a lot of money and add a personal touch. Some inexpensive DIY Christmas gift ideas are:
1. Photo frames
Gift not just any photo frame, but a personalized one. Dig through the treasure trove of family photos for that special photo. There are ways to photo-correct very old pictures and print them. You can make your own photo frame easily out of cardboard. Framing photos and giving them to someone is such a lovely way to remind them of good times they may have forgotten about.
2. Family heirlooms
Christmas can be a wonderful opportunity to pass down a family heirloom. Get the object cleaned if needed and place it in a beautiful box. Then write a small story about how it came to you and why you chose to pass the heirloom down to the recipient. Add a picture of the family member who bestowed it to you. This is a heartfelt way of showing love.
3. Handmade paper or clay ornaments
micheile henderson from Unsplash
If you are having a Christmas party, making handmade ornaments out of card stock paper or clay is a wonderful idea. There are many tutorials online showing how to make simple ornaments. Card stock paper and clay is easily available in craft stores and very inexpensive. Make a cup of hot chocolate, put on some carols, and spend the evening crafting away. The whole experience can be therapeutic. This is wonderful craft to do with children who can then give those ornaments as gifts to their teachers.
4. Infused oils, salts or alcohol
Do you know someone who loves to cook or bake? Infuse some herbs or spices in moderately hot oil and bottle them up in pretty bottles from the dollar store. Same for alcohol and salts. Write up a recipe card that uses your oil as an ingredient and tie it to the bottle. Infused oils and alcohol can be very expensive, so those who receive your DIY versions as a gift will appreciate it.
5. Preserved jams and chutneys
This is one of the best presents for the foodies you know. Use fresh or frozen ingredients and make jam or chutney. Add a card explaining the best way to eat it or the best wine or other beverage to pair it with. You can also make them in batches and take care of multiple people on your gift list in one go.
6. Propagated plants
Do you have a plant lover in your life? Cut a piece from an existing plant and propagate it in soil or water. Once the roots develop, put it in a pretty pot for gifting. Nothing makes plant lovers happier.
7. Personalized calendars
Chandan Chaurasia from Unsplash
Making your own personalized calendars can be easy. Find an online platform. Add in pictures of your choice and get them printed. If you wish to print it yourself, download empty calendar templates and add in all the details. Then print them on good quality paper and bind them. This is a perfect gift for parents or grandparents. You can mark special days like birthdays and anniversaries for a greater personal touch.
8. Seed starter kits
A seed starter kit is the perfect gift for your gardener friend. Usually, seeds are started indoors in February. A box of packets with organic seeds and instructions is a very inexpensive and personal way to show your love during the holiday season.
9. DIY bath bombs
This is a relaxing gift to encourage your busy family member or friend to relax during the holidays. You can make some together with family/friends/colleagues as well as gifting them to others.
10. Candles
It is easy to buy candles, but you can make them yourself. To make it more fun, buy unusual cups and containers from thrift or dollar stores and pour beeswax into them. Your present will be one-of-a-kind and most appreciated.
It is almost impossible to avoid buying anything during this season. If you decide to buy any gifts, make sure to support small local stores and brands. You can also buy gift certificates for local stores as a present for your friends and family.
Conclusion
Some of the DIY Christmas gift ideas above are just unique and sustainable twists to commercialized items. They are also all simple and fun to make. You don’t need to be skilled or spend long hours to make a heartwarming gift. Christmas is all about traditions. So why not start one by making these gifts?
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