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DIY: Christmas Gifts for Your Million & 1 Friends

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at KU chapter.
Christmas is a time for joy, love, and togetherness. But if you’re anything like me, it’s also a time for broke-ness.
Not only do I have to buy gifts for my family, but my friends as well. And don’t get me wrong, one of my favorite parts about Christmas is giving gifts of appreciation to show the people close to me that I love them, but my wallet can only take so much. Especially if you have serious problems deciding which friends to buy for and which friends will get a good ol’ pat on the back in exchange for that super cute scarf they bought you. So in light of this, I have comprised a list of great and CHEAP Do-It-Yourself gift ideas for your million & one friends this Christmas. 
 
1. Personalized Coasters
 
What you’ll need:
 
Cork Coasters
Masking Tape
Vinyl Letters
Stencil Brush
Craft Paint
Ribbon
 
-This idea is super cute for your friends with a classier side and an apartment that can use some spiffing up. 
 
For instructions on how to do it, visit:
 
2. DIY Coffee Mugs
 
 
What you’ll need:
 
Plain Coffee Mug
Sharpie Paint Oil-Based Markers or DecoArt Glass Paint Markers
Pencil (optional)
Masking Tape (optional)
 
This is one of my FAVORITE gifts so far. This is perfect for your coffee-obsessed friends (so, like, all of them if you’re in college).
 
For instructions on how to do it, visit:
 
3. DIY Ombre Candles
 
 
What you’ll need:
 
White Pillar Candles, assorted sizes
Bleached Beeswax Beads (for melting)
Slow Cooker
Vegetable Peeler or Knife
Various Colors of Crayons
Wooden Spoon
Taper Candle
Ceramic plate or Baking Sheet
 
This idea is adorable and can be gifted to just about anybody. Like really, who doesn’t love a candle?
 
For instructions on how to do it, visit:
 
4. Mason Jar Vases
 
 
What you’ll need:
 
Mason Jars
Spray Paint
Shipping Labels
X-acto knife or Scissors
Fresh Flowers
 
LOVE, LOVE, and LOVE this idea. Did I mention I love it? Like really, can someone make this for me? (hint, hint, this is me begging.)
 
For instructions on how to do it, visit:
 
5. (So) Fetch Jewelry Organizer
 
 
What you’ll need:
 
Foam Mounting Board
Rolled Cork
Spray Glue
Push Pins
Picture Frame
Ribbons
Utility Knife
 
This idea is perf for your friend that spends hours untangling her necklaces every night you try to go out.
 
For instructions on how to do it, visit:
 
Well folks, there ya have it. Some cheap and easy ways to give your million &1 friends a gift for Christmas. This way, you won’t have to choose who does and doesn’t get a present, and you can avoid that whole awkward “oh I totally ordered yours online” mantra you’ll go through when you show up empty handed. Merry Merry and spread some joy, kiddos!
 
 
Jacey Bishop currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief/President of Her Campus KU. In the past, she has served as the Development Director and the Events Director for HCKU, as well as serving as a content contributor for the past three years. Jacey is currently in her final year of study at KU for her Bachelors of Social Work and English, as well as a minor in Communications. She is very active on the KU campus, participating in Student Senate, Multicultural Scholars Program, She's the First, and KU Student Ambassadors. You can contact Jacey at jaceybishop@hercampus.com.