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Stop Shopping for Gifts: 10 Creative Homemade Ideas That Are Actually Great
Gift shopping can make us all a bit grumpy, right? In my family, we genuinely enjoy each other’s company—not just the obligatory love, but the kind that comes from sharing a meal or cracking silly jokes (ask my brother about his potato chip dance!). A few years back, my sister decided we needed to ditch the frantic mall trips during the holidays. So, we agreed that the only presents allowed would be homemade ones.
We’re a family full of artistic talent—my mom can whip up intricate crafts, and my dad and sister have serious skills. Me? I’m more of a wordsmith than a visual artist, which led to some rather sad gift attempts in my early years—like those superhero bolo ties I crafted from old comic book cutouts. But over time, we’ve all discovered that homemade gifts can be awesome! Here’s my top ten list of ideas that won’t leave you cringing.
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Bookbinding
If you’re a writer who dreads the actual writing part, challenge yourself to finish a story this holiday season. Transform it into a beautiful handmade book! Bookbinding can be as simple or complex as you want. The first time I attempted it, my books were a sticky mess—too much glue! Luckily, there are plenty of tutorials online to help. -
Create Art Prints
Grab some linoleum blocks from your local art store and design a print that’s meaningful to you. Every year, my parents create a print of a backyard animal (even the raccoons!). Once your design is ready, you can make a series of signed prints. It’s a bit messy but totally worth it. -
Design Your Own Monsters
This one comes from my sister, who discovered that adding sharp teeth makes her clay monsters much more fun. Use colored Sculpy to create your creatures, and don’t forget to include a card detailing where the monster lives and its unique traits! -
Invent a Group Game
In our family, we make tiles or cards featuring quirky words from the dictionary. Everyone tries to guess the correct definition, and you get points for the right answer plus bonus points for votes on your definition. If you’re tech-savvy, you could even code a simple online game. -
Have Everyone Make Their Own Gifts
This might sound a bit grinchy, but it’s a fantastic way to bond! Provide materials and guidance for everyone to create their own gifts. Craftaholics Anonymous has countless ideas that will keep everyone engaged. Who knew crafting could be cheaper than therapy? -
Personalized Spice Blends
Spice blends are all the rage! Create your own signature mix or a special blend for the year. You can find bulk spices at any grocery store and experiment with various flavors—just like the pros do at La Boîte in NYC, minus the hefty price tag. -
DIY Hot Sauce
If you know someone who loves spicy food, why not whip up your own hot sauce? Just remember to handle those fiery habanero peppers with care! -
Upcycled Ties
Find some thrifted ties that are still in good shape and customize them with your own design. A bit of fabric paint and rubber stamps can turn a plain tie into something unique. You can also try this on jackets or scarves for added flair. -
Hand-Painted Leather Goods
Pick up some leather items from thrift stores and give them a fresh look with your artwork. If you’re not confident in your painting skills, enlist a friend or use stencils. It’s a fun way to make something truly one-of-a-kind! -
Teach a Skill
If you’re close to friends or family, consider offering a class in something you’re great at. Whether it’s baking the perfect loaf of bread or brewing mead, sharing your skills can be a memorable gift.
In conclusion, homemade gifts can be meaningful and fun, and they definitely don’t have to be boring. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out this article or visit Make A Mom for expert tips. For those dealing with infertility, Drugs.com has some excellent resources that might help.