The holidays can be a challenge when you don’t have spare cash to shower your loved ones with lavish gifts. Honing your DIY side with some creative crafts can be fun, but there’s a fine line between ‘cute and thoughtful’ and ‘cheesy and impersonal.’ When they say “it’s the thought that counts,” they aren’t talking about a messy, last minute idea. Nothing says “I was thinking of my wallet, not you” quite like when you hand your loved one a gift that looks like a Kindergarten project. (Sure, that’s okay if you really are a Kindergartener. But chances are, if you’re reading this blog post, then your Kindergarten days of naptime are far behind you!) Instead of searching on Etsy for crafts from other people, make something nice yourself this year you can be proud of.
For those in need of some holiday craft and gift inspiration, David Deusner has put together a few fun ideas to try out that are cheap in price, but not in presentation:
- Heritage-specific Recipe Box
Skip the disassembled hot cocoa in a dollar store mug this year. Instead, show your loved one, friend or coworker that you were really thinking of them by creating a recipe box just for them! This gift is simple to make, easy on your wallet and a fun way to show someone that you care. Start by finding ten recipes specific to your giftee’s heritage or ethnic background. (This will require actually knowing a thing or two about the intended recipient! So make sure you do your research!) Print ingredients and instructions on pre-decorated index cards and organize the cards alphabetically in a small box. For an added touch of personalization, decorate the box in colors representative of your giftee’s heritage and ethnic culture.
- Fashion Meets Fishing
Is there someone in your life who loves fishing? Chances are there is! Instead of giving your favorite fisherman a giftcard to Bass Pro Shops, think outside of the box this year. For this gift, you’ll want to buy a canvas bucket hat, fishing bait and colorful fishing lures. Decorate the hat by gluing or sewing the bait and lures around the hat. You’ll want to remove any hooks or pointed edges prior to decorating the hat though — you don’t want to hurt your favorite fisherman!
This year, add thoughtfulness to your personalized gifts without spending a fortune! For more fun craft and DIY ideas, check out my holiday DIY post from last year and connect with my across social media for updates.
Check out David Deusner on the Bartering Exchange Network to see his available services free of charge in DIY instruction and freelance photography.
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