Homemade Gift Ideas That Are Budget-Friendly & From the Heart
Hoping to save some money by giving homemade holiday gifts? Or maybe you just want to give a personal, from-the-heart Christmas gift this year? Rest assured, you'll find fantastic suggestions below. From baking to sewing and everything in between, we've shared some great ideas for homemade holiday gifts that just about anyone on your list will love.
Yummy to Their Tummy
Fudge
This is a great gift for male or female – the perfect thing for those who have “everything” already or for those with limited living space who don't need more “stuff.” And better yet, there are several ways you can customize it for each recipient – with nuts, candy, coconut, peanut butter, different flavors, etc. Chop the fudge into cubes and arrange with some holiday-themed tissue paper inside a tin. A simple Google search or phone call to Grandma, and you're well on your way to a great fudge recipe.
Secret Recipe
Whether it's a classic holiday pie, savory cheese dip, or an amazing chocolate chip cookie recipe, many of us know how to please the palate with our secret recipes. Why keep this to yourself or limit it to your family this season? Share the love! Whip up a batch of your secret recipe, whatever that may be, and package it up for your neighbor, coworker or other friends to enjoy this holiday season. If you're really feeling generous you could even share your secret recipe by including a laminated recipe card.
Sew Cute & Crafty
Quilt
If you are handy at the sewing machine and have some time to dedicate to a special homemade gift, a quilt is the way to go. Pull together fabrics that speak to the personality of the person on your list, and if you are unsure, just choose colors that will coordinate with their living room or bedroom décor. Once complete, you will have a thoughtful gift that will be cherished for years to come.
Knit / Crochet Creation
Whether it's a pair of large doilies for Mom's front hall, a new Christmas stocking for your brother, a cozy pair of mittens for your niece or a pair of knit booties for the new baby in the family, those with needle skills can put them to good use this Christmas! Whether you're an old pro or new at this, knitted and crocheted creations are a great homemade gift from the heart that show you put time, effort, and consideration into it.
Scrapbook
For a close friend or relative, you can pull together a fantastic scrapbook filled with your favorite memories together. You may want to pick up a scrapbook album and kit from the local craft store, but that doesn't take away from the fact that you are customizing and creating it from scratch. Select 20 - 40 of your favorite photos, include any ticket stubs or receipts and other mementos you've been holding onto, and get started on a killer scrapbook!
Because You Can
Your Time
The days and weeks prior to the holidays can be very stressful for many people. You can help alleviate the stress by offering your time and assistance before the holidays as your gift for the holidays. Volunteer to watch the kids so they can get a night of shopping (or relaxing) in. Offer to wrap gifts for them. Give them a couple hours of housekeeping and deep cleaning. Offer your help as they finish their last-minute projects before the holidays. Your time and help in advance just may be the greatest gift they receive this Christmas.
Coupons
Homemade coupons are a favorite among many families and friends! You can give a coupon for a free night of babysitting. If you are handy, you could offer a free oil change. Depending on what you're good at, you could offer a free photo session, guitar lessons, home-cooked meal, haircut, painting, financial advising, etc. Everyone has their own skills and trades, and it's nice to swap services. You could also use a coupon in place of gift cards as a way to put off the expense for a few months (so your wallet doesn't take a big hit all at once). For example, give a coupon for free dinner and a movie, which they can redeem at some point in the future. Let the ideas flow!
Now we encourage you to put your hands to good work making great homemade gifts for friends, family, and loved ones this holiday season. Good luck!