The season of light is upon us, and with it comes a bit of magic. It’s a time to celebrate loved ones, revel in late-night festivities, and indulge in the spirit of coming together. For many, the holidays can also be a time of stress – standing in long lines, hustling through crowded malls, and spending too much on gifts that may or may not be appreciated.
These unique gift ideas are a great way to embrace the holiday spirit without spending a fortune. Get in touch with your crafty side this year with these personal, affordable gift ideas you can create yourself!
Image Credit: Learning Creating Living; www.learningcreatingliving.com
First up is the perfect gift for loved ones near and far – a tribute to that special place in your heart that can be whipped up in an afternoon. All you need is some string, a few woodworking tools, and a sense of adventure. Check out Learning, Creating, Living for all the details.
Image Credit: Rosy Red Buttons; rosyredbuttons.blogspot.com
This elegant clock is a great way to turn your favorite photo into your favorite timepiece. It’s an excellent gift for parents and grandparents, but you’ll also be tempted to keep one for yourself. Check out this fun tutorial from Rosy Red Buttons.
Image Credit: Kelli Murray; www.kellimurray.com
These elegant gold leaf paper mache bowls are both practical and pretty. Yes, they require some advance planning to account for dry times, but they are well worth the effort and totally fun to make. And really, who can resist gold leaf and polka dots? Find out more at Kelli Murray.
Image Credit: Sugar and Cloth; www.sugarandcloth.com
And while we’re on the topic of gilded gifts, check out these cute gold animal memo holders by Sugar and Cloth. These little guys are great gifts for your favorite entertainer – they’re whimsical, straightforward, and totally one-of-a-kind.
Image Credit: I Heart Naptime; www.iheartnaptime.net
Have you always wanted to try your hand at making soap? Now is the time, and this tutorial from I Heart Naptime makes it so easy to do so. These little hand-crafted soaps are great stocking stuffers or teacher gifts.
Image Credit: A Beautiful Mess; www.abeautifulmess.com
Looking for a new and inspiring way to gift your favorite family photos? These beautiful circle frames are super simple, but will really take your wall art to the next level. Get the details over at A Beautiful Mess.
Image Credit: Simply Designing; www.simplydesigning.net
Every bathing beauty needs these amazing vanilla bath salts under the tree. They will chase away the chill of winter in no time at all. Plus they’re so simple to make – perfect for last minute gifts! A trip to the drug store and an hour are all that you need. Get the recipe at Simply Designing.
Image Credit: House on the Way; www.houseontheway.com
Looking for a way to share precious memories with close friends and family? These collage letters make a fantastic personalized gift for anyone near and dear to your heart, plus they’re a great way to get those photos off your computer and onto the wall where they belong. Learn how to build these eye-catching collage letters over at House on the Way.
Image Credit: Happiness is Homemade; www.happinessishomemade.net
Here’s another one that can be made with the help of the kids, both toddlers and teens. Great party craft for all ages! Just grab some plain ceramic candle holders, beeswax beads, and permanent markers. You can’t get much easier than that. And the results? Amazing! Get all the details at Happiness is Homemade.
Image Credit: The lovely Drawer; www.thelovelydrawer.com
This list wouldn’t be complete without some homemade jewelry to round out your options, and if you’ve been patiently waiting to try your hand at beading, now is the time. These elegant tube beads are made with Fimo, an oven-baked polymer clay that is really fun to use. Learn how to create these pretty beaded necklaces at The Lovely Drawer.
Image Credit: Ruffled; www.ruffledblog.com
Take a quick trip to your local home improvement store and spend an afternoon creating these beautiful painted lanterns. They’re really quick to make and are the perfect accompaniment to the Christmas or Hanukkah table setting. Get all the details over at Ruffed.
And there you have it – 11 last minute gift ideas that are easy on your wallet, beautifully personalized, and a pleasure to create. Make your list, check it twice, and then get crafting!
