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10 Affordable DIY Holiday Gifts

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Virginia Tech chapter.

 

“It’s the thought that counts” – the sentiment that most of us have heard or said throughout the years when it comes to presents that we don’t particularly like. Well, to avoid having others say this backhanded sentiment about your last-minute-gifting, check out these DIY ideas that are a great way to show someone that you put thought AND care into your gifting this season.

1. Gingerbread Sugar Scrub

Perfect for the girl who loves to smell good. The scent of gingerbread is comforting and will add a little bit of relaxation to their bath or shower as they scrub off the worries of their day. This recipe is great as it can be kept for up to four weeks if it’s kept at room temperature!

2. Stuffed Oven Mitt

Good for a cheffy father, doting grandmother, or anyone who is known to always be in the kitchen cooking up new recipes. Everything you need can be found at the dollar store – it doesn’t get better than that! A decorative oven mitt filled with a cute kitchen towel, measuring cups, spatulas, whisks, and spoons will be enough to make anyone think you spent a lot of time and effort thinking of the perfect gift for them.

3. Cookies in a Jar

This tasty and simple treat is one of my most favorite and iconic gifts I’ve given to date. One year I gave every friend, family member, and teacher a different cookie mix with instructions. It’s pretty simple, and once you add a stylish bow and a cute label, who would turn down cookies that only need one or two ingredients to finish.

4. Tea Wreath

Here’s a gift for the tea drinker out there! This tea wheel would be good for someone who isn’t sure about if they like tea either. You can get a tea sampler for those who aren’t sure what they like, or stick to two or three of types that you know the person enjoys. It’s sure to go over smoothly as it doubles as a cute decoration that can be reused as well.

5. Homemade Heating Pad

Perfect for a teen girl or anyone who suffers from the unfortunate shivers that come with the cold winter months. Simple sewing skills or a sewing machine are required, but with all the how-to videos on youtube, this is a gift any novice could make. Visit your local fabric store to find the perfect fabric that fits the person you’re making it for and they’ll be sure to love such a personalized gift.

6. Pedi in a Jar

Simple and cute for any girl who loves to keep their toes looking fresh and feeling soft. With a few nail files, a buffer block, nail polish, lotion, cotton balls, and nail polish remover; you can create a cute gift that will make any foot-conscious person happy. You can go for festive colors like reds and golds, or you can get their favorite color as a way to personalize the gift.

7. Mason Jar Cocktails

This is good for anyone in your life who is 21 or older and into making their own drinks. A travel size bottle of their favorite alcohol with a bottle of their favorite mixer is a sure way to put a little buzz into their holiday season.

8. Shower Steamers

Perfect for someone that you know needs to have a relaxing spa day for themselves. A shower steamer will brighten their shower and make them feel as though they are at the spa enjoying a day of pampering.

9. Date Night Box

A gift fit for a couple who loves to have a good night in cuddling up and watching movies. A box filled with popcorn, favorite candies, a good holiday movie, and comfy festive pajamas will make any holiday date night seem even more special and memorable.

10. Photo Letters

A cute idea that puts your true crafting skills to the test. A wooden letter of someone’s initials covered in memorable photos of your times together is sure to make anyone tear up and appreciate how thoughtful this gift is. The time and effort gone into this gift will be evident and appreciated by anyone who receives it.

 

Image Sources: All Images Credited

 

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Ashleigh Griffin

Virginia Tech '19

Ashleigh is a graduate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.  She received a Bachelor's of Science in Food Science and Technology. Her future career will hopefully combine both her knowledge of the food industry and the importance of marketing and brand management. 
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Chera Longfritz

Virginia Tech

Just a funky lil girl trying to put my thoughts into relatable words!!! I've had the dream of being Anne Hathaway's character in Devil Wears Prada since I was like three. Maybe without being someone's bitch, but you know, everyone has to start somewhere.