If you’re on the lookout for something to give that special someone this year, you might not have to go too far. Whether your budget is tight, or if your loved one is especially difficult to shop for – even if you’re just bored of shopping – consider some DIY gift making. It’s relaxing, fun, and it will be a memorable gift for years to come. Unless it’s something they can use up, in which case, be prepared to make more again next year!
Snow Globes
Snow globes are a hugely-popular holiday gift all over the world, and while you can order snow globes with picture frames in them, or customized snow globes, you can also make your own out of mason jars. Using a mason jar, a figurine and some salt, you can make snow globes that will stand out above the rest.
Planters
Plants give us oxygen, and they add color to our environment. And if you’ve chosen to give succulents, why not also create your own succulent planter? Giving someone a low-maintenance plant and a custom planter says “I care, and also I don’t want to inconvenience you with chores.”
Make Your Own Phone Tripod
If your phone needs a kickstand (or “tripod,” even though most of these don’t have three legs), you can make one yourself. The tutorial we link to is about turning dinosaur toys into simple phone stands using a suction cup, but you can use anything that’s sturdy and heavy enough to keep your phone propped up for show watching or recipe reading.
Candles
Everybody likes their home to smell good, and when the holidays come around, nothing says holidays like the smell of cinnamon, cloves, mint and pine. Nothing else says holidays like cookies, so why not use cookie cutters to make your own candles? You can even just pour your wax into mason jars, but pouring them into fun shapes means they’ll last the season and remind everyone of holiday warmth. Pick some fun cutters or molds, and make your perfect holiday candle.
Coasters
No one wants to leave drink rings on their wood, or to have their wet drink glass slide off of a glass table onto the floor. Fortunately, it’s increasingly easy to make coasters at home. You can also purchase disposable coasters in bulk and screen print your own designs on them. However you do it, keep it holiday-themed or customized to the person or people you’re making them for. If you have extra time, put a meaningful and/or useful drink recipe on the back!
Summary
Some people are afraid of DIY because they aren’t experts at making the thing they want to make, but that’s the whole point! You aren’t an expert and you still took the time to learn something new and make something for someone. Learning something is your gift, and you’ll get better at it the more you make, and there’s no better motivation for finishing than doing it for someone you care about.