With the holidays approaching, anxiety and stress can arise, especially when you’re on a tight budget. Because of this, you may struggle to find something meaningful, and the gifts you can afford may not be cherished. So, what do you do instead? Try considering hand-making your gifts, not only can this be incredibly cost-effective, but it also adds a special personal touch that makes your gifts all the more valuable. Chances are, you already have most of the supplies you need lying around your home, and even if you don’t, you can still make some incredible gifts without breaking the bank. So, here are some of the top five handmade holiday gifts that are perfect for anyone, and easy on your wallet.
01.) Photo Collage
One item found in nearly every home worldwide is simple yet significant – a picture. A photo collage is an excellent way to showcase your and your loved ones’ special moments while being an easy, budget-friendly, DIY gift. Using a printer, you can upload and print out your favorite photos. Then attach them to a decorated and personalized background (you can create this using cardstock, or cardboard you may already have on hand) that may have special meaning or significance to the person you’re making it for. You can also find an old picture frame you might already have lying around to place your collage into. Or, if you don’t already have one, you can easily find one at your local thrift store. Then you can assemble it and wrap it up!
02.) Salt Dough Ornaments
Do you enjoy baking? Do you enjoy working with clay? Then this craft is perfect for you and your wallet! Salt dough ornaments while not edible are an easy and thoughtful DIY to add to your list for this holiday season. Salt dough is made with flour, salt (obviously), and water. Chances are you already have everything on hand; making this holiday gift budget zero! After you create your salt dough, the creations you can make are limitless. You can either create something super intricate or keep it simple. If you have pets, you can even stamp their paw print into it as a great way to personalize this gift. You can also use cookie cutters, stamps, paint, and any craft supplies to customize and further personalize and embellish your gift. This is a perfect gift with meaning that can be displayed all holiday season or beyond, making it incredibly meaningful and functional.
03.) Sugar Scrub
Many people’s wish lists this holiday season include beauty and self-care products. However, most products are costly. But, did you know that you can use ingredients in your pantry to create an amazing gift that anyone is bound to love? You only need three ingredients: coconut oil, sugar, and a scent of your choice. You can use essential oils to customize the smell of your sugar scrub. Or if you don’t have any essential oils, you can even use lemon or orange zest to scent your scrub. This is once again a great and budget-friendly gift, as chances are you already have what you need lying around. And even if you do need to buy ingredients you won’t need to worry about your bank account afterwards. When you’re done making your sugar scrub, place it inside any sealable container, such as an empty and clean jam jar. You can even take it one step further to personalize this gift by decorating the outside.
04.) Chunky Throw Blanket
Everyone loves a good blanket to have to cozy up with, especially this holiday season with the colder winter coming in. So, if you have some extra money this holiday season but still want to be on a budget this one is just for you. The blanket itself is quite easy to make and it’s something anyone can figure out. The process is simple and involves using your hands to knit a cozy, chunky blanket. This gift is more challenging to personalize, however, you still can. Finding yarn in your loved one’s favorite color is a simple yet meaningful touch that can make it all the better.
05.) Cookies in a Jar
Lastly, a sweet treat is always a hit. Especially during the colder months when baking is the perfect indoor activity. Why not gift someone a head start on their next batch of cookies? Cookies in A Jar is the quintessential budget-friendly gift that is incredibly easy to personalize, as you can choose your recipient’s favorite recipe. Chances are all the ingredients you need are already in your pantry! Making this the perfect last-minute budget-friendly gift that’s also great to pair with any of the other ones listed above!
Don’t let your wallet dictate your ability to give the best gifts this holiday season. Today, we often get caught up in valuing quantity over quality, and fall victim to the idea that the more you spend the better a gift will be. Sentiment and thoughtfulness, however, can be worth more than their weight in gold. So, if you’re struggling to put together gifts for your friends and family this holiday season, remember you can make a meaningful gift for under $20, or even for free with things you already have around your home.
