With the holidays rolling around and a never-ending stream of birthdays on loop, purchasing gifts can become both time-consuming and expensive. Meanwhile, as discretionary income gets depleted, the pressure to show up for family and friends keeps growing.Â
However, there is a solution!
We all know a gift’s true value comes from the thought behind it, so what’s better than a homemade gift that combines intentionality and personalization? At first thought, some may shy away from homemade gifts because they seem too time-intensive or require a specific level of “craftiness”.Â
However, as a chronic crafter, I can attest that countless homemade gift opportunities are right under our noses! The beauty of Pinterest and an Instagram algorithm aligned to my hobbies has educated me on gift opportunities that are easy, quick, and most importantly – affordable! Below are some of my favorite recent craft finds, all of which you can make for under $15!
7 Easy Handmade Gifts to Make This Holiday Season:
1. DIY Aluminum Foil Picture Frames
The idea: Use aluminum foil to make a customized picture frame with unique patterns and designs.
The process: Gather cardboard (optional), scissors, aluminum foil, and a pencil to complete this project. Cut out a rectangle to match the size of your photo, then use the pencil to “draw” on the foil, creating a raised design on the flip side. Then, attach the foil to the cardboard to make a frame slot for your photo. If you prefer, you could choose to glue your photo onto the foil instead. In about 10 minutes or less, you’ll have a cute, personalized frame! I recently did this craft, and it was such an amazing way to create a last-minute gift for my mom.Â
2. Customized Fabric Tote Bags
The idea: Glue yarn to a tote bag to create a unique bag design.
The process: This is a no-sew way to customize a bag for a friend or family member. Sketch your design onto the bag, then use fabric glue to adhere the yarn to the pattern. You could also use this fabric glue-and-yarn method to customize other items like pillowcases or sweatshirts!
3. Embroidered Photographs
The idea: Use embroidery floss to add some design flair to a preexisting photo.
The process: Poke holes in your selected photo, then thread embroidery floss through. To level up the process, use parchment paper to sketch your design and cardboard as a placemat for your project. I’ve done this craft a couple of times now, and it has served as a great way to add intentionality to a gift.
4. Hand-Painted Candles
The idea: Use liquid colored wax as “paint” to draw on a white candle.Â
The process: Begin by gathering a paintbrush, a white candle, a lighter, and colored wax. Melt the colored wax using the lighter and, while it is still liquid, use the paintbrush to apply the wax in your chosen design directly onto the surface of the white candle. Repeat this process to build up your design, allowing each layer to cool as needed before adding more detail. This is definitely a project I plan to try myself!
5. Embroidery Floss-Wrapped Phone Chargers
The idea: Wrap embroidery floss or craft cord around a charging cord to add some color to a mundane object.
The process: This project is relatively straightforward, especially if you have experience making friendship bracelets. Gather your color cord of choice and tie a knot with all strands around one end of the cord. From there, wrap the floss/cord around the wire, occasionally tying more knots to secure the thread. I did this craft for myself, and I got amazing feedback on it constantly!
6. Felt Picture Making
The idea: Use felt or fabric to create an image of your friends or family.
The process: I didn’t find a specific tutorial for this craft; however, I think the premise is pretty straightforward. Use colored felt to create cartoonish, 3d-ish character depictions of you and your gift receiver. Use hot glue or fabric glue to adhere the design, then put it in a frame as a finishing touch.
7. Collage Bookmark
The idea: Use cardstock and old magazines to make a DIY bookmark with its own unique collage design.
The process: Cut out a bookmark shape of choice on cardstock. Then, use an old magazine to create a collage on the bookmark, and glue it down. To step it up a bit, you can punch a hole at the top of the bookmark and thread cord or embroidery floss through it to make a tassel.
All in all, these crafts can help ease the financial pressures of gift-giving while giving you a fun way to exercise creativity and show people how much you care!