You don't have to spend a fortune to give a great gift. With a little ingenuity, you can create a gift that will be more meaningful than anything you could buy at a store. You don't need to invest a ton of time, have a bunch of supplies, or even to know the first thing about crafting in order to pull off these fantastic gifts. So, clear off a space on your table, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to start making your own homemade holiday gifts that are perfect for teachers, neighbors or friends.
Frugal DIY Holiday Gifts
A Mason Jar of Potpourri:
Give a gift that will add a lovely seasonal scent to their home. All you need is a mason jar, some dried flowers, cinnamon sticks, cloves, a little bit of lace, and a ribbon.
Fill the mason jar with the dried flowers, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Cut a piece of lace to fit over the top of the jar, leaving enough material so it hangs over the sides, just past the lip where the lid would screw on. Tie a piece of decorative ribbon around the lace to keep it in place. In a matter of minutes, you have a thoughtful and inexpensive holiday gift.
A Personalized Tote Bag:
Photo Courtesy Of: We Heart It
Every teacher needs a tote bag to carry around all those books, lesson plans, and supplies. A personalized tote bag is also a nice gift for a piano teacher or Girl Scout leader.
DIY Stenciled Tote Bag – pick up a few plain canvas tote bags at a craft supply store; you can usually find them for around $5. Grab fabric paint in your choice of colors and some letter stencils. Use the stencil and the fabric paint to print the letter of the recipient's first name onto the bag. If you want to add some extra interest, you can use stencils or free-hand paint some decorative images onto the bag. Or you could apply some self-adhesive rhinestones.
Chalkboard Coasters:
DIY Chalkboard Coasters – simply pick up some ceramic tiles and chalkboard paint. Apply four coats of the paint to each tile. When the paint dries, stack the tiles up, place a box of chalk on top, and tie the package up with a piece of ribbon. FYI – Chalkboard Coasters make great teacher or hostess gifts!
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels:
Photo Courtesy Of: We Heart It
Instead of using glue and fabric, you can create a homemade gift that is just as thoughtful – and super tasty – with some pretzels and chocolate.
All you have to do is melt some chocolate chips in a double boiler pan. Roll pretzel sticks in the melted chocolate, leaving just one end uncovered. While the chocolate is still wet, pour some sprinkles, M&Ms, shredded coconut, toffee bits or nuts onto the pretzels. Set the treats on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper and place them in the fridge to harden. Arrange the tasty tidbits in a decorative box and voila! – you have a homemade, edible, delightful gift for the holidays.
This holiday season, keep your budget in check and boost up the spirit of the season by crafting your own homemade gifts for teachers, neighbors and friends.
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written by: Bridget Galbreath
