As the holidays steadily approach, it’s time to start thinking of what to give to your friends, family and even a significant other. Yet, with inflation causing prices to soar out of people’s price ranges, it can sometimes be difficult to think of an affordable gift to give.
If you’re anxious about spending too much money this holiday season, have no fear. Here are five homemade gifts to give during this time of year.
A cute, nostalgic scrapbook
If you’re into crafts and have an artistic side, making a scrapbook for someone you care about is the perfect gift to give. All you have to do is stop at your local convenience store and develop some photos, as well as get a couple of glue sticks and stickers, to create something that not only will last a long time but will prove to the person you love how much time and effort you were willing to put into their gift. Your scrapbook can be silly, nostalgic or even romantic if you’re in the mood, and it will be a cute surprise to whoever you’re dedicating it to this season.
A hand-knit scarf or hat
Since it gets so cold during the holiday season, why not break into a new package of yarn and get crafty? If you’re new to knitting, it’s as simple as looking up a video on YouTube or TikTok. Once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to stop. Start simple by making something that any loved one would want, like a scarf or hat. Trust me, this homemade gift will have your friends and family jumping for joy, receiving a new clothing item that will keep them warm and cozy at the same time.
A handwritten letter
Sometimes, simply writing out your thoughts is a great way to turn your appreciation for someone into a gift they’ll cherish forever. You can tell your friend, family member or significant other how much they mean to you, your favorite memories with them or your favorite things about them within your letter, or you can include inside jokes and hopes for their future if you’re feeling sentimental. You can even use a fancy pen or set of stationary to make the letter extra special and can go beyond just simply writing. Draw a picture, write song lyrics or a poem. Basically, whatever you want this person to know, put on that piece of paper.
A tie blanket
Tie blankets are also extremely easy to make for someone this holiday season. Just head to your local craft store and pick out a set of fleece that works. Next, lay the two pieces of fleece on their opposite sides. Trim off any ends to make the two pieces fit each other with a pair of scissors. After, cut off three to four inches from each corner and then cut little slits all away around the fabric. Finally, tie all the slits together, with every two slits tying into a knot. Once it’s all said and done, you’ll have a blanket that anyone can use at any time. Simply, a tie blanket is an essential gift for a person who loves the holiday cold but needs to always have something to keep them warm.
Used books
Used books can take up a lot of space in one’s home, so why not gift them to others? Choose a book that reminds you of the person you’re planning to give something to, and write a little note inside the front of the book to say why you chose this book for them. By doing this, you’re saving yourself and your friends, family and significant other money, as well as giving them something that they can learn from. All that’s left to do is drop it off at their location or give it to them in person, and you can wrap it in whatever wrapping paper you think fits the theme of the book. All in all, this gift is simple, saves space and shows someone in your life that you put some thought into their gift this year.
