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HOMEMADE HOLIDAY HAPPINESS: DIY GIFT IDEAS

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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UC Berkeley chapter.

We’ve all heard the saying: “It’s the thought that counts.” As many scramble to find gifts with added discounts with the upcoming Black Friday this holiday season, others may opt for a more homemade, D.I.Y approach. Here are some projects you can make at home for the holidays that are perfect for your loved ones.

1. Personalized Christmas Ornament

Spice up your loved ones’ Christmas trees with a handcrafted ornament made uniquely for them. Some ideas for personalized ornaments can be painting a clear ornament with acrylic paint, making it out of clay or felt, or putting something inside it, like funny trinkets, handwritten notes, or other small sentimental items.

2. Photo Collage

A picture is worth a thousand words. What better gift than a compilation of your favorite memories with your friends and family? Print out some of your favorite moments and photos with your loved one, and then you can either string them up with fairy lights and clothespins or put them in a frame, personalizing it with a patterned backdrop and colorful clothespins.

Laura Claypool-Postcards Dorm Wall Decor Photos Polaroids
Laura Claypool / Her Campus

3. Hand Painted-Mugs

If your loved one is a coffee or tea lover, a personalized mug would be perfect for them! Purchase plain mugs and use ceramic paints to create custom designs for your mug. You can even make it festive with themed patterns, holiday messages, or their name. 

The Lalaholding Coffee Mug
Her Campus Media

4. Knitted or Crocheted Items

  If you love to knit or crochet, get crafty and consider making scarves, hats, or blankets for your friends and family to keep them warm from the oncoming cold breeze of the winter season. For an extra-festive touch, you can choose holiday-themed colors, like red and green, or play it safe and use your loved one’s favorite colors too. 

5. Friendship Bracelets

Channel your inner Taylor Swift and make a set of friendship bracelets! Matching friendship bracelets can symbolize the connection and shared memories between you and your friends. Buy some colored and letter beads, some wire, and even cute charms to make your bracelets special. 

 Ultimately, it’s not just about the gift itself or its usefulness or value but the sentiment it carries – the love, warmth, and care that make DIY Christmas gifts truly special. Happy crafting and happy holidays!

Sophia Brunet

UC Berkeley '27

Sophia is a freshman at UC Berkeley, intending to major in English, with minor in Public Policy. She enjoys writing about pop culture, personal blogs, and listicles. Sophia has experience in creative writing and journalism. After graduation, she hopes to enter the publishing and editing industry, determined to sharing the joys of creation and writing with others. In her free time, when she's not writing, Sophia enjoys going to concerts, thrifting for new clothes, and spending time with her friends and family.