The countdown to Christmas is on, and many people are already working hard to find the perfect gifts for everyone on their lists.
However, sometimes the best gifts don’t come from a store, but rather from the heart. I love the idea of gifting handmade items during the holiday season, don’t you? With this in mind, today I am sharing some of my favourite easy and inexpensive DIY Christmas presents. You are definitely going to want to make one of these gifts this year.
The most wonderful thing about a DIY gift is that it provides an opportunity for the giver to share his/her unique abilities and skills. For example, a good cook can create gifts from the kitchen, a seamstress can share sewing projects, a crafter can make unique home décor, a woodworker can build something, etc. Assess your skills and find a way to share your talents.
Holidays are synonymous with “festive treats” so DIY edible gifts is a fantastic option. If sweet treats are your speciality, package up your favourite holiday cookies. If you are better with savoury fare, homemade nuts and bolts can be gifted in mason jars.
Another fun holiday gift from the kitchen is a jar of cookie mix (and it’s a great project for kids to help with, too). Just layer cookie ingredients in a jar, include instructions for baking, and add a simple “Cookies for Santa” tag. When I create these gifts, I use my favourite chocolate chip cookie recipe, but instead of topping the mixture with chocolate chips, I use mini red and green M&Ms.
Handmade holiday décor is another excellent DIY gift idea. Consider the style and preferences of the recipient, search Pinterest for inspiration, and get crafting! I love the idea of making a simple holiday wreath. Recently, I created a gorgeous white pom pom wreath that would make a wonderful Christmas gift. I wrapped a foam wreath form in white yarn, made a bunch of white pom poms, attached the pom poms to the wreath, and hot glued three bottle brush trees to the base of the wreath.
Another DIY décor item that is easy to make for a gift is a yarn-covered monogram. Choose a “Christmasy” red colour of yarn, wrap the yarn around a wooden letter (you can find these at any craft store), and embellish the wrapped letter with felt flowers, bells, or Christmas greenery.
Edible gifts and holiday décor presents are always well received, but my favourite DIY gifts to share during the holiday season are homemade Christmas tree ornaments. They are quick to craft, festive, fun, and easily customizable. Wood slice ornaments can be painted with simple Christmas designs or messages. Alternatively, hand-stitched felt ornaments are wonderful and they are fit perfectly inside a Christmas card. This year, I designed some delightful gingerbread ornaments wearing masks… a brilliant way to commemorate the “COVID” Christmas of 2020.
This Christmas, I hope you share a few DIY gifts with the people you love. Creating something handmade really is the best way to share the most precious gift of all… the gift of your time.
Gina Bell writes the East Coast Mommy column, which runs every second week. Follow her blog at www.EastCoastMommy.com or contact her at [email protected].
