The holiday season can significantly impact one’s wallet. Consumerism may seem like the reason for the season, but many people would appreciate a homemade gift just as much. Here is a quick guide to DIY presents that are just as, if not more, meaningful than store-bought.
Crafts- One trip to Hobby Lobby or any craft store, and you will find the supplies needed to make the perfect present. Some crowd favorites include soap, candles, and those “no-sew” blankets for an easier alternative.
Soap: This requires the most supplies out of the three. You will need silicone soap molds, “melt and pour” soap base of your choice, essential oils for scent and optional, but recommended, dried flowers or exfoliating materials like epsom salt or coffee grounds. Melt the soap base on the stove and add the ingredients you chose, then pour into the molds and let it set overnight.
Candles: This is an easy but impressive gift. Any craft store will have candle wax, essential oils, and wicks. Food coloring or natural coloring is suggested for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Once you melt the wax and add the oils, you can add the wick to a recycled jam jar or old tea cup and pour in the wax. It is a cute and meaningful craft that also helps reduce waste if you choose to recycle a jar.
Blanket: This requires less effort than the rest, but it is just as appreciated in the colder months. All you need is two different comfy fabrics, such as fleece, and cut them into 60×80” squares. You can ask for this specific size at a fabric or craft store, or measure out fabric you may already have at home. There are plenty of YouTube tutorial videos, but you basically lay one piece on top of the other and make 2 inch cuts evenly spaced along the edges of the fabric. Then all you have to do is tie the fabric together tightly, and you now have a blanket! Roll it up and tie it with a bow to give to friends or family.
Baked goods- A classic holiday treat, such as gingerbread cookies or pumpkin bread always makes for a great gift. Bonus points if you get a cute bakery box to store the homemade sweets in. There are so many recipes available online and even on our news site, but here are some easy, tried and true recipes:
Shortbread: Only three ingredients are required to make an amazing shortbread. You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar) and 1 cup of butter. Cold-cut the butter into the evenly mixed flour and sugar. It will be a little dry, so add vanilla extract or a splash of milk as needed. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until the edges are golden brown.
Pumpkin Bread: It’s easier than it sounds. All you’ll need is 2 cups of flour, ½ tsp. salt, 1 tsp. baking soda, ½ tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. ground cloves, 1 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1 tsp. ground nutmeg, 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter (melted), 2 cups sugar, 2 eggs and 1 15-oz can of pumpkin puree. After mixing, transfer batter to a pan and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the toothpick test comes out clean.
Coffee cake: This treat gets its name because it pairs so well with a hot cup of coffee. I follow the Ella Claire & Co. recipe which calls for 1 egg, ¼ cup canola oil, 1tsp. vanilla, ¾ cup sugar, ½ cup milk, ¼ tsp. salt, 2 tsp. baking powder and 1 ½ cups flour for the cake. The streusel is made by combining 2 tbs. of butter, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tsp. cinnamon and 2 tbs. of flour.
No matter your budget this holiday season, you can give a thoughtful gift to brighten your loved ones’ holiday.
