Besides the thought of getting someone something, which is pretty special in itself, gifts have become impersonal. Anyone can buy a gift during the holidays, but it's the ones that take time and effort to make that really stand out in the sea of red and green wrapping paper and ribbons. They're inexpensive to give, but really special to receive. And they don't even have to be that difficult to make, either.
DIY gifts are inherently one-of-a-kind, and putting that personalized touch on something can really outshine any store-bought gift. No matter how simple or small the DIY gift is, it shows just how much effort and time we put in to create something for someone else! Sorry, but Macy's doesn't have that in stock.
Let's all think back to some of our most prized possessions. We bet at least one of the items has sentimental value, such as the blanket that Grandma knitted for us when we were a baby. Point proven.
The gift-maker also totally benefits from making homemade gifts. Instead of spending tons of money in the hectic stores, or crossing our fingers that a shipment arrives in time, we can spend quality time with our kids or other loved ones crafting the gifts together. (Also, assembly lines are very efficient, so that's another reason to round up the kids.)
Click through to see 20 easy homemade gift ideas.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels
Salty, sweet, and adorable add up to perfection in a jar: these chocolate-dipped pretzels would make a delicious gift.
Personalized Snow Globe
How cute would these personalized snow globes be for your kids? I'm thinking Lego people and plastic dinosaurs for mine.
Cookies in a Jar
A cookie mix in a jar is almost too pretty to eat. Almost. I especially dig the cowgirl cookies in a jar.
Handmade Sachets
Who wouldn't love a little sachet sending whiffs of heavenly scents into drawers and closets? Keep the smell of Christmas lingering well into January with these stamped sachets.
S'Mores in a Jar
Can't you almost feel the campfire? These s'mores in a jar look so yummy you may have to make a few for yourself, too!
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Not only does this look gorgeous, but it's also sure to be needed during the holidays. Here's how to make homemade vanilla extract.
Candy Cane Vodka
Talk about necessary! Let's just call this medicinal. And, candy cane vodka couldn't be easier to make.
Homemade Holiday Cards
Hallmark has nothing on these. Make your own holiday cards — like these clever Christmas tree cards.
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Vintage Teacup Candles
These vintage teacup candles are gorgeous and easier to make than you think. I'd package this with a box of pretty matches and a nice bubble bath. Ahhhh…
Peppermint Foot Scrub
Peppermint foot scrub is exactly what every good mom wants this holiday season. Be sure to save a little for your own tired feet.
Chocolate-Covered Bacon
Move over, pretzels and cookies. Chocolate-covered bacon is here and as unique as can be. It's also so easy to make! Just package some yummy strips up, and you've got a great gift for anyone.
Caramel Popcorn
Upgrade everyone's favorite snack, popcorn, by making a batch of delicious caramel popcorn. Mix in some chocolate chips or other treats, and then package them up and gift 'em out! Perfect for teachers or hostesses, or even neighbors.
Potpourri
Fan of flowers and all things pretty? Make some homemade potpourri — it's easier than you think. Pick our your favorite herbs, spices, and flowers, then spray with an essential oil-water mix, and pop in the oven. Ideal to do in batches!
Twig Candle Holder
Did you find this in Pier 1 Imports? No, you made this super cute twig candle holder. The best part is that this idea has you going outside and getting some fresh air. Just gather some twigs, and hot glue them to a glass votive. You can even spray-paint the twigs gold or silver for a chicer touch.
Play Dough
Using only flour, salt, water, and food coloring, you can make batches of homemade play dough to hand out to kiddies with creative minds and hands. This is a fun sensory gift idea because regular play dough is easy to mess up and dry out, plus you know exactly what's in this batch.
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Ice Cream Sundae in a Box
Know someone with a sweet tooth? Pull together this adorable ice cream sundae in a box gift. Just gather all the makings for a delicious sundae: hot fudge, caramel, sprinkles, cones, and cute bowls, utensils, and napkins, and put it all in a cutely decorated box.
Gingerbread Granola
This gingerbread granola recipe by Well Plated takes less than an hour to make, and will make your home spell deliciously like gingerbread. The recipe calls for nuts, flaxseed, and candied ginger, and will make a yummy gift for anyone who likes to snack (and who doesn't?).
Bread in a Jar
What's more comforting than a homemade loaf of bread baked in a mason jar? This banana bread recipe is meant to be baked in a jar, and is so easy to make!
Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is the perfect treat for the holiday season. This is an easy recipe that combines white and semi-sweet chocolate. You can make a batch in one day, and then wrap it up and gift it out the next.
Sharpie Mugs
Grab an oil-based Sharpie or dishwasher-safe paint made specifically for ceramics, and then unleash your inner Picasso onto a plain mug.
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