Between family, friends, and one too many Secret Santas, gift-giving can get complicated and expensive during the holidays. That’s where DIY gifts come in.
I know what you’re thinking: DIY, really? Why would you give someone your Pinterest fails? But DIY doesn’t have to be super complicated, so it doesn’t always have to end with a fail!
Here are some suggestions for fun, easy, cheap DIY presents for all the people in your life:
Hand-designed mugs
A plain white mug is super cheap, and most people have Sharpies somewhere in their house already. A quick Google search will turn up lots of methods, but I’ve seen good results from the classic Sharpie method.
Self-care kit
Favourite snacks, homemade face masks or bath bombs, eye masks, earplugs, cheap paperback books, a deck of cards...anything that might help a person take care of themselves and keep busy over the break!
Putting together a bunch of small, cheap, or homemade gifts in one care package is an awesome way to show someone you're thinking of them. Remembering what a friend or family member wants/needs, whether that’s a particular brand of lip balm or a much-loved author, shows your giftee that you pay attention to their unique quirks.
Snack in a jar
Everybody loves food gifts. With these, you put all the dry ingredients for a snack in a mason jar (or other cheap container or bag) and then attach instructions for how to prepare it.
It works for basically anything, including cookies, popcorn, and hot chocolate!
A meal
It doesn’t have to be fancy, but making someone food is sure to put a smile on their face.
My brothers and I used to struggle to figure out a gift that our parents would use and appreciate. Then one year we decided to make them dinner. They sat on the couch and relaxed while we prepared everything. It made them really happy, even though it was simple!
Mixtape
Or a Spotify or Apple Music playlist, since it’s not 1987.
Most people like music, so put together a bunch of songs (some they know, some you think they might like) with your giftee in mind. It will show that you really thought about your relationship with that person. Extra brownie points if you make a custom playlist cover, or gift the playlist on a flash drive (for a hint of mystery!).
The holidays are a time for relaxation, so don’t let gift-giving stress you out! Simple gifts can make people happy, and something homemade always feels more personal.
