Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
The holidays are right around the corner, and you haven’t even finished your shopping yet, have you?
We don’t blame you. Even as the Northern Hemisphere shifts into a holiday-focused mindset, it still seems to sneak up on us time and time again. Nevertheless, gifts need gifting and bells need a-ringing.
Never fear! These holiday gift ideas are great options for someone gifting on a budget, but still keep that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you know someone has handmade a gift for you.
Candles
Making your own candles is an easy and affordable way to give someone an item that will last, and will give some jars that have been sitting in your home a new purpose. You can even melt down old candles to save a little bit of money.
The only thing we recommend you have for this is a double-boiler setup, aka a pot and a heatproof bowl, to melt the wax effectively.
From there, you can pop your new candle into a (heat-safe) jar, add a wick, and even add some essential oils for a delightful scent. If you’re feeling really fancy, you can also use non-toxic crayons to add a touch of color.
Oils/Infusions
This could be one of two things. For the foodies in your life, a specialized oil, cocktail infusion, or even a syrup that they can use to elevate their meals. It can be a bit labor-intensive, but if you really love them, then it should all be worth it, right?
You can infuse just about anything using herbs, flowers, spices, berries, and the like, depending on what you’re making.
For the beauty lovers, a handmade hair, bath, face, or body oil would go a long way. You can either infuse with the items mentioned above, but even adding something as simple as rosemary or lavender would do just the trick.
Something Designer
Unless you’re Louis himself, we don’t mean that kind of designer. You can buy cheap shirts, tote bags, hats, or other accessories and dress them up yourself!
If you’re an embroiderer, you’re already good to go. A little design doesn’t cost much, but adds a bit of personal flair that your gift receiver will love.
Alternatively, graphic designers and artists can create something to have screen-printed for your loved one.
Knitted or Crocheted?
Aside from just being useful skills, knowing how to knit or crochet means everyone you love is going to get a handmade gift of some kind.
If you love these old-fashioned hobbies, blankets, scarves, hats, mittens, beach cover-ups, tea cozies, or even a little outfit would be perfect items to make for your friends and family.
Food!
If nothing else, your excellent baking skills can solve just about any gift-giving problem. A big box of homemade cookies, a delicious roll, bread, or any other kind of dessert will be accepted with a huge grin.
If cooking isn’t an option, another idea is to create soup or simmer pot jars, where all your gift recipients have to do is toss it in a pot with some water.
