Little to No Gift Budget? 6 Low-Budget, Handmade Gift Ideas
If the COVID-19 pandemic has left you feeling financially drained, you’re not alone. Nearly 49 million Americans filed for unemployment from mid-March to June.1 With the holidays quickly approaching, you may be faced with a gift budget that’s lower than usual. If this is the case, don’t stress yet - we’ve gathered five low-budget handmade gift ideas for you to DIY this holiday season.
Gift Idea #1: Mason Jars Filled With Dessert Mix
‘Tis the season for sweet treats and hot cocoa, so why not give them as gifts? Fill a mason jar with cake mix, brownie mix or hot cocoa mix and marshmallows. Decorate the jar with ribbons, stickers, photos or glitter to make it extra special. You can also get creative with other options, such as filling the jar with limoncello. Or, if you want to give something a little more savory, add soup ingredients instead.
Gift Idea #2: Potted Plants
Indoor plants are trending right now, especially after we’ve all been quarantined in our homes for months now. They purify the air and decorate your space with little maintenance needed, which makes them a great gift for the holidays. You can graft and repot some plants that you already have or find small, inexpensive options at a local store. Easily add a personal touch by decorating the pot with a stencil, paint or by adding some twine.
Gift Idea #3: Knitted Scarves and Hats
Did you happen to pick up a hobby like knitting, crocheting or sewing during quarantine this year? If you did, you can put your new skills to use by making scarves, hats and even mittens for your loved ones. What’s more festive and useful than warm winter gear? These handmade items will ensure that you can still give worthwhile gifts without breaking the bank.
Gift Idea #4: Homemade Ornaments
Not only is this a festive gift, but there are a lot of options when it comes to making your own DIY ornaments. Try using salt dough, filling clear glass ornaments or using simple materials like felt and popsicle sticks. Kids can participate in this too, so the whole family can give gifts this holiday season.
Gift Idea #5: Scrapbooks
What’s more special than a handmade scrapbook? Print photos of your favorite memories, write meaningful messages, decorate with stickers or drawings and put it all together in a book. This gift will never get old, and you’ll easily be able to personalize it while sticking to your budget.
Gift Idea #6: Chunky Knit Blanket
Chunky knit blankets are warm, fuzzy and becoming increasingly popular this year. Instead of spending a lot of money on a throw blanket, you can purchase some chunky knit yarn and knit your gift by hand. With no knitting needles needed, you can easily find a tutorial video online and get to work.
You have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to creating a meaningful, handmade gift on a budget. Making a DIY present this year gives you an opportunity to personalize whatever you give this holiday season, so you can still give the best gifts while saving money.
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