Snow is beginning to fall, twinkling lights snake around tree branches outside homes, and it seems as though wherever you go the sound of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You" follows. This can only mean one thing: Christmas is right around the corner.
While this is the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be the most stressful. At a time in our lives when we question if paying extra for guac at Chipotle is really worth it, buying presents for all of the important people in our lives can be an extremely expensive task.
So how can we still give great gifts without taking out a loan? The answer is simple: DIY, or "Do It Yourself."
For Your Mom
Generally, moms are the easiest people to get presents for. They will appreciate anything that you give them, as evidenced by the macaroni art from kindergarten still proudly displayed on the living room wall. Here are two DIY gifts your mom will love.
SNOWFLAKE WINE GLASSES
These snowflake wine glasses are an adorable gift that's fun to make too.
What you'll need:
Glass Wine Glasses ($10 for 12 glasses; Bed Bath & Beyond)
DecoArt Glass Paint Marker Silver ($4; Michaels Craft Stores)
DecoArt Glass Paint Marker White ($4; Michaels Craft Stores)
Total Cost: $18
TUB TEA
This Tub Tea is the perfect gift to help your Mom kick back and relax after the craziness of the season.
What you'll need:
Lavender Essential Oil ($9; Target)
Dried Lavender ($5; Target)
Epsom Salt ($5; CVS)
Oatmeal ($4; Walmart)
Powdered Milk ($3; Walmart)
Total Cost: $26
For Your Dad
Finding a gift for my Dad is something that I struggle with every year. I don’t know about your Dad, but mine never really reveals what he wants and a guy can only collect so many ties. Here are a couple of unique DIY presents that your Dad will love.
BBQ RUB
This BBQ Rub is a great gift for any dad who spends his summers attached to the grill. Include a recipe and a spatula and you have the perfect gift.
What you'll need:
Paprika ($3; Target)
Brown Sugar ($2; Target)
Oregano ($2; Target)
Ground Coffee ($6; Target)
Kosher Salt ($2; Target)
Black Pepper ($2; Target)
Total Cost: $17
DRINK COASTERS
If your Dad is more into enjoying a meal than he is cooking it, then try making these coasters.
What you'll need:
Multi Color 4 in. x 4 in. Tumbled Slate Tile ($5 for 9 tiles; Home Depot)
Sharpie Metallic Permanent Markers ($5; Walmart)
Total Cost: $10
For Your Brother
Brothers are also challenging when it comes to gift giving. My brothers usually ask for money or gift cards but I always want to do something that's a little more creative than that. Here are a couple of ideas that your brother will actually like.
A "BROQUET"
"Broquets" combine all of your brother's favorite things into one big basket.
What you'll need:
Cash ($10)
Snacks and Gum ($10)
Scratch Tickets ($5)
Total Cost: $25
DIPPED SHOT GLASSES
These classy copper shot glasses look great and will be the perfect gift for your brother, especially when paired with another item.
What you'll need:
Shot Glasses ($10 for 6 glasses; Bed Bath & Beyond)
Metallic Glass Paint ($2; Michaels Craft Stores)
Total Cost: $12
For Your Sister
Unlike with your brother, you know what your sister loves and the many options when finding the perfect gift for her can be overwhelming. Here are a few ideas for gifts that she'll appreciate.
PERSONALIZED TOTE
Who doesn't love tote bags? This super cute tote is a great gift for your sister that she will definitely use.
What you'll need:
Canvas Tote ($5; Michaels Craft Stores)
Paper Doily ($2; Walmart)
Spray Adhesive ($5; Michaels Craft Stores)
Fabric Paint ($5; Michaels Craft Stores)
Freezer Paper ($7; Walmart)
Total Cost: $24
Picture Bulletin Board
This easy to make picture bulletin board would be perfect for your sister's dorm room. Include some pictures of the two of you and you'll have a sentimental gift that she'll adore.
What you'll need:
Canvas ($11; Michaels Craft Stores)
Fabric ($5; Jo-Ann Stores)
Batting ($7; Jo-Ann Stores)
Ribbon ($3; Michaels Craft Stores)
Buttons ($2; Michaels Craft Stores)
Total Cost: $28
At the end of the day it doesn't matter how much you spend on a gift, it's the thought behind it that counts. I hope that this sparked your creativity and that you're ready to go out and make some amazing presents. Happy gifting!
