This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BU chapter.
As the holidays draw closer, we are feeling our purse strings draw closer as well: the long winded effects of a beautiful fall semester, filled with memorable trips to local famer’s markets, apple orchards, pumpkin farms, Salem, Newbury, and of course, Blanchard’s. So what do we do when we want to spoil the ones we love but we can no longer afford to even spoil ourselves? The answer is at our fingertips, with homemade holiday gifts.
1. Easy Baked Goods, Fancy Wrapping
From the videos on YouTube of toddlers ripping open their presents with enthusiasm, only to find an avocado, and being equally as excited as if they have just been handed over their own mini mall, we can learn something special: it doesn’t matter what we give, as long as it is wrapped gorgeously.
Keeping that in mind, put your kitchen to work. Whip up a batch of your famous blueberry muffins, that pumpkin bread you’ve always eyed at Trader Joe’s, or even just some oozing chocolate chip cookies. Place the baked goods into a brown paper bag, tie it with beautiful ribbons, and label it with fancy “Eat me” calligraphy.
2. Glass Jars and Cocoa Powder
Now that the weather is going from windy to snowy, there is more of a demand for steaming hot drinks that can envelope us with warmth and radiate down to our satisfied tummies. The next time you finish a pickle, tomato sauce, or peanut butter jar, wash out the jar with hot water and soap, and let it dry. Fill the jar with cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon, or a store bought hot chocolate mix along with a handful of marshmallows.
If your BFF is opposed to hot chocolate, fill the jar with an alternative: fresh coffee beans or bags of their favorite breakfast time tea.
3. Frames and Photographs
Although we are constantly streaming through photos on facebook and Instagram, there is something authentic about holding a glossy photograph in your hand. Make a run to CVS, and print your favorite selfies of you and your friends using their instant Kodak technology. Then, make a trip to Goodwill and pick out a special frame to encase your memories.
4. Stenciled Mugs
Speaking of goodwill, this store is right on campus and a resource that is ready to be tapped for the holiday season. Stroll to the back of the store, pick out your favorite mug, and stencil your friend’s initial or favorite animal on the front. Wrap with paper or a ribbon and you have a sincerely personalized holiday gift.
5. Covered Journals
This is a gift for your friends who always mention that they need more time to themselves, to gather their thoughts in order or to just enjoy jotting down ideas of the day. Purchase a small journal, regardless of what may be on the cover, and paste patterned cloth or wrapping paper over it. Begin the journal with a small personal note from yourself, explaining why you gave the gift and that you hope they will enjoy the journey that this journal may bring. Tie it with a bow.
At the end of the day, remember that your friends will appreciate any thought that you put into gift making. Pull your heart out first and your wallet second this holiday season.
