Long gone are the days of store-bought holiday gifts. We’re living in an age where HGTV rules our Netflix and Pinterest accounts take over our cell phones. Do-it-yourself holiday gifts are here, and from the looks of it, they’re going to stay. It’s understandable that we all can’t be Chip or Joanna and DIY a beautiful headboard out of scrap wood or an old church window. However, DIY gifts don’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming. Here’s a few idea for each level of crafting experience:
For the novice crafter
Gifts in a jar
A decorative jar full of goodies! These can be easily themed to accommodate your recipient. Some ideas include a cookie kit with cookie mix, cookie cutters, frosting and sprinkles, a spa kit with nail polish, a nail file and hand cream, or a movie kit with soda, popcorn, candy, and a movie theater gift card.
Tip: A smaller version of these can be done in a reusable travel mug.
DIY ornaments
Purchase an inexpensive set of plain ornaments and make them your own! You can paint the ornaments with holiday symbols such as snowflake or snowmen, or fill the ornaments with glitter, confetti and/or small jingle bells.
Tip: Tie a cute ribbon on the ornament so they can hang it right on their tree!
Photo courtesy of Meredyth Wenta
For the “I’ve done it before, but it’s not a talent… yet” crafter
DIY coffee mug
Decorate a plain coffee mug using Sharpies. Plain mugs can be purchased at most retail stores. Personalization is easy and adds more meaning to a blank cup.
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Tip: Use letter stickers as a stencil because these can be easily removed.
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Let dry for 72 hours (this time yields the best results!)
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Put in cold oven
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Heat oven to 350ºF
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Bake for 20 minutes
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Let mug cool
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Repeat the baking process to completely “cure” the design.
Painted wooden letters
If you’re involved in Greek life, you know all about painting wooden letters. But these letters aren’t just for our sorority sisters or fraternity brothers! Monograms or even single letter painted gifts are popular for newborns or young adults!
Wooden letters can be purchased at most craft stores. Paint the letters using acrylic paints, and embellish using fake flowers, beads, glitter, ribbon, stickers and more!
Photo courtesy of Meredyth Wenta
For the crafting guru
Greeting card set
Greeting cards have been around for a long time, so why not make some of your own? Grab a blank set of cards from your nearest craft store and use scrapbook paper, stickers, ribbons, stamps or glitter to decorate a set for someone. Tie up the completed cards with a ribbon and attach a nice pen and/or a packet of stamps.
Tip: Create a theme for the cards, such as holiday cards (Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, etc.)
Painted canvas
A blank canvas provides the ultimate creative workspace. You can paint a single-colored canvas with a holiday phrase, such as “Happy Holidays”, or a winter theme, such as “Let it snow”. If you would like to be more elaborate, try painting a winter scene, the Nativity, a menorah, or something from your favorite holiday movie.
Tip: If you’re feeling a little rustic, try painting on a wooden board instead. The rustic look is always a crowd pleaser
Photo courtesy of Meredyth Wenta
These are just a few ideas to kickstart your creativity, many more ideas can be found on Pinterest! Happy crafting!