10 Gifts You Can Make for $10 or Less
November is here which means the holiday season is upon us, and if you are anything like me you are suddenly thinking, “well crapola, I better start thinking about gifts!” (And if you are one of those annoyingly perfect proactive people who finished your shopping sometime in July, then I’m not quite sure to do with you. Maybe you can get some fun ideas for next year while you gloat. But really, I’m happy for you. That’s great.)
And of course the only thing more stressful than realizing you have a whole list of people to buy for, is realizing you may have to take out a second mortgage to pay for everything. But while we may put a lot of pressure on ourselves sometimes, when it comes to gift-giving, it truly is the thought that counts, not how much you spent!
Thus, today it is time to get glue gun and Mod Podge, because things are about to get a little crafty! Rolling up your sleeves and doing a little DIY in the gift department not only saves money, but it can be a lot of fun as well. You can even get the kids involved. And honestly—who doesn’t enjoy receiving a nice homemade gift? There’s just something charming and comforting about a handmade gift that comes from the heart.
Not all of us were blessed with an artistic side. I realize that. Some of us are excellent sewers, others of us “wing it” and hope for the best. If you have been blessed with a talent, this is a great time to put it to good use! If you’re a great baker: bake; if you can knit, I’ll bet you can make a scarf for the price of a skein or two of yarn. (…and by the way, you’re amazing! Knitting is HARD!)
Some of us need a little creative push now and again, so I’ve picked out a few of my favorite ideas to hopefully get you started in the right gift-giving direction. With some savvy shopping, all of them can be completed for $10 or less, and most don’t require much-if any–technical ability.
1. Homemade Sugar Scrub
Did you know sugar contains natural alpha-hydrolic acids that exfoliate & soften your skin? This simple yet super effective homemade sugar scrub uses only 3 ingredients, takes just minutes to make, costs just a fraction of expensive store bought scrubs, and smells absolutely amazing! This is one gift everyone is sure to love!
2. Sharpie Mugs
Sharpie mugs are all over Pinterest, but do they really work? This awesome step-by-step tutorial not only shows you how to make them, but proves exactly which markers won’t wash off! Such a fun & easy project and an awesome DIY gift idea!
3. Fabric Covered Candle
Everyone loves candles, and you’ll love this super cute and ultra thrifty DIY candle project that uses scrap fabric and inexpensive Glade candles. These are so darling & so simple to make! Watch for sales & use coupons to score a great deal on candles, then change up the fabric to match any decor or season.
4. Peppermint Marshmallows
I promise you haven’t lived until you’ve tried homemade marshmallows! These peppermint beauties are fun & easy to make and so SO yummy! Williams Sonoma sells theirs for $16.95 a package….make them to give as gifts & save a bundle! Or, if marshmallows aren’t your thing, check out this tutorial for homemade peppermint bark.
5. Coffee Bean Soap
Mmmmm….cofffee….You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this luscious homemade coffee bean soap–just 3 ingredients and 15 minutes is all you need! A perfect gift for the coffee lover in your life, or just a great way to start your day!
6. Chalkboard Coasters
Need a thoughtful teacher gift? Check out this tutorial for making handmade chalkboard coasters out of inexpensive ceramic tiles. While this project does need a few days to complete (to allow drying time for the paint) it is easy enough for your kids to on their own with very little assistance from you!
7. Easy to Sew Pajama Pants
While it is only project on this list that requires sewing, don’t let these EASY-to-sew pajama pants intimidate you! This simple step-by-step tutorial shows you exactly what to do to make cute PJ pants in any size without a pattern in about an hour. If you know how to sew a straight line, you can make these–a perfect project for beginning sewers!
8. Star Shaped Crayons
Need a fun way to use all those broken leftover crayons you’ve got lying around? Why not upcycle them into fun crayon shapes? These adorable star-shaped crayons are a snap to make and make a great gift for all those special kids in your life!
9. No-Sew Tulle SkirtGot a princess on your list? Check out this awesome tutorial for making a darling ultra-full tulle skirt without a sewing machine. Make a pretty glitter lace crown (like this one from Hostess with the Mostess) to complete the pretty princess set.
10. Rainbow Sparkle Playdoh
What kid doesn’t love play doh? This awesome homemade play dough recipe uses essential oils for scent & sparkle for an extra fun touch, and costs just pennies per batch.
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No matter who’s on your list this season, with a little creativity and effort, you can find an easy gift to can create for under $10. Everyone will appreciate something from the heart, and as long as you put thought into the gift, I promise your family and friends will be very happy with their presents!
Need more help with your holiday planning? Grab our free 2014 Holiday Planner!
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