We all have a few people in our life that we'd like to give a small gift to during the holidays–a neighbor, coworker or the super helpful bank teller. This year why not pick one project that you like and make enough to gift all of those on your list that you want to remember with a small, thoughtful gift? It's easier to make a bunch of one thing than to make or shop for 10 different items. Set up your own elf station and craft away!
Here are 10 gift suggestions that you can make inexpensively that the recipient will love.
fabric covered spoons
1. Fabric-Covered Wooden Spoons. I'm a little reluctant to share this one because it's the one I'm planning as my go-to small gift for Christmas. Buy a bunch of wooden spoons (or other wooden utensils), pick up small swatches of fun fabrics in coordinating colors and a jar of ModPodge. Carefully apply strips of fabric to the ends of the spoons and once dry, you have a really cute, really useful gift that anyone will use.
In making my first batch I realized just how important it is to measure and cut the fabric carefully and be neat during the entire process. When I was careful in glueing, put on thin coats and allowed lots of dry time, this looks like a store made product. When I got a little sloppy, it looked pretty amateurish.
http://aliceandlois.com/diy-fabric-covered-wooden-spoons-handmade-gift-series/
cupcake ornament
2. Cupcake Ornament. This ornament is as easy to make as can be. There are no directions at the link but it's easy to figure out just by looking at the photo.
Glue a ball ornament into a holiday printed cupcake liner, press on some glitter and glue on a plastic or china cherry (find them in the floral section of Michael's or Joann's). Add a pretty ribbon and you're done.
You can buy small white boxes in bulk at a crafts store or just loosely wrap with tissue paper and put into a Christmas-themed paper bag for giving.
http://momsbyheart.net/100-days-of-christmas-day-63-2/
roasted cinnamon almonds
3. Roasted Cinnamon Almonds. Baked goods can be a little too plentiful during the holidays so if you'd like to present a gift from your kitchen, why not consider an alternative? These roast cinnamon almonds are delicious as is or can be used in other recipes. They are easy to make, use only a few ingredients and the biggest bonus? They make your house smell like Christmas when you're making them.
Get creative with packaging to make the gift even more special. A mason jar, take out containers or plastic bags tied with beautiful ribbon would all look adorable.
http://asouthernfairytale.com/2012/11/12/roasted-cinnamon-almonds/
bath bombs
4. Bath Bombs. Most women I know love bath bombs but they are expensive–costing between $2 and $10 each. That's a lot of money for a one-time use and giving the gift of 4-6 of them would get expensive quickly. But not if you make them! You'll need baking soda, citric acid (I found it on amazon.com), sweet almond oil, fragrance oils and food coloring. You'll also need a small mold of some sort–you can use two-part ball molds available at crafts stores, a soap mold or even a small bowl. I found that the best size was about the size of a golf ball–larger than that and it was waster and smaller didn't add enough fragrance to a bath. You can also use a square mold–there's no reason the bombs have to be circular.
Once you get all the ingredients carefully mixed, you can experiment with color combinations and fragrance. Let your bombs harden and then package by loosely wrapping with tulle and adding a ribbon. Or put several in a glass container.
http://www.dreamalittlebigger.com/post/homemade-bath-bombs.html
bath salts
5. Bath Salts. Epson salt, baking soda, oils and coloring: 4 simple ingredients combine to create a fragrant, pretty gift. Bath salts couldn't be easier to make and if you combine the salts with some of the bombs, it's a really awesome gift.
Start early to collect pretty glass containers for packaging or buy inexpensive ones bulk online at amazon.com or locally at the dollar store. You can even use cellophane bags and then the recipient can pour into their own container.
http://www.dreamalittlebigger.com/post/diy-smell-good-bath-salts.html
Monogrammed Tote Bag
6. Monogrammed Tote Bag. This stylish and useful bag is an awesome gift for a teacher, gym rat or anyone who carries their own grocery bags to the store. You can pick up all of the supplies needed at a crafts store and after a practice run or two, you'll get the hang of it.
http://www.womansday.com/home/craft-ideas/diy-style-monogrammed-tote-113634
cement votive holders
7. Laced Cement Votive Holders. These sweet little votive holders will find a home anywhere! Other than a small bag of cement, the items you'll need to make the votives holders can be found around the house.
http://sayyes.com/2012/06/diy-laced-cement-votive.html
dip dyed candles
8. Dip Dyed Candles. Just about anyone can use another candle but if you want to be sure it will be used, you'll need to make it special. These dipped candles fit the bill and aren't hard to make.
Stock up ahead of time on plain white candles in a variety of sizes. I prefer unscented because then they can be used on the dining table. Then dip to your heart's content. The finished product is chic, modern and so much better than a plain, old candle!
http://www.marthastewart.com/268734/dip-dyed-candles
animal bookends
9. Animal Bookends. These quirky, whimsical bookends are easy to make and so adorable that they'll find a home outside of children's bedrooms. Gather some plastic animals at a thrift shop (or buy new if you can't find ones you like). You'll need sanded blocks of wood or chunks of rock for a base. Spray paint the plastic animals, use super glue to attach to the base and you have a very high-end gift at a very low price.
neck pillow
10. Therapeutic Neck Pillow. These pillows are filled with flax seeds and lavender and can be heated in the microwave to soothe aching muscles. They're easy to whip up in different sizes–smaller ones are perfect for keeping in your desk at work!
http://cherrystreetcottage.blogspot.com/2010/06/diy-therapeutic-neck-pillows.html