Finding the perfect gift for a friend or loved one was hard enough as a kid, but now college students have finals and money constraints to think about. This Christmas, instead of aimlessly walking the malls trying to spot that “perfect gift”, try out some of these easy, creative, and cheap DIY projects.
Fleece tie blanket
What could be a better gift in the middle of winter than a cozy homemade blanket? This project takes a little time, but it’s always worth it to see your hard work bring joy to someone else during the holiday season. You’ll need a total of 3 yards of fleece, (which can be purchased at a fabric store like Joann Fabrics), some scissors, and sewing pins. More instructions can be found here.
Decorated / painted mug
Almost everyone enjoys a warm beverage during the holidays, whether it’s coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. A personalized mug can make these drinks even more heartwarming, and they are sure to bring a smile to the recipient’s face.
Picture collage
This one is perfect for your bestie or significant other. Just use an online photo editor to make a collage of your favorite pictures of the two of you. Then purchase a photo album at the store or decorate one yourself. Print the collage, place it inside the frame, and voilá! Your friend or loved one will be sure to think of you every time they see it.
Cookies in a Jar
This gift is so versatile you could practically give one to everyone on your list. Cookie mix in a jar sounds basic, but the result is both cute and thoughtful. After all, cookies are a must during the holidays! For this project, choose your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and layer all the dry ingredients inside a mason jar. For more holiday spirit, decorate the Mason jar with ribbon, sparkles, and other add-ons.
Custom Dry Erase / Chalkboard
The best Christmas gift is one that can be used year round. For the busy mom, teacher, or businessman/woman on your list, create a decorative yet practical dry erase board or chalkboard. Slip a plain dry erase board inside a picture frame, and decorate the edges. Or, use chalkboard paint to cover the hard backing of the picture frame. Include chalk or dry erase markers if you want to make the gift extra-special.