Even if you’re not creative or crafty, that doesn’t mean you
have to miss out on the many benefits of making presents instead of buying them.[i]
Some do-it-yourself gifts can take a lot of time (and
believe it or not, a lot of money too!), but they don’t have to. Here is a list
of three easy gifts you can make using only things that you probably have lying
around your house. They are thoughtful, fun and best of all, free.
1.
Children: Busy Boards - My
husband and I love this idea so much that we are making one for our son,
Carter, this year. You can find tons of ideas on Pinterest for inspiration, but
they are actually simple.
You need a piece of moderately
sturdy material. You can use wood, foam board, or even thick cardboard from a
shipping box. Then you attach all sorts of random objects on it for a child to
play with. If you use wood, you can attach random things from your garage or attic. Attach knobs,
hinges, hooks, rings, wheels, chains, PVC pipe, or light switches.
If you’re using a lighter material
like cardboard, you can attach stick-on lights, bells, beads, pipe cleaners,
ribbon, zippers and on and on. The possibilities are endless with this one.
Playing with all of these interesting new objects will keep your tiny toddler
engaged and learning. The best
part is that you can finally put some of that junk in your junk drawer to good
use.
2.
Spouse: Love Notes - The
first-year anniversary present is paper. I had a friend years ago that gave her
husband paper love notes by decorating
their entire house in sticky notes while he was gone! She wrote on
the notes things she loved about him, funny memories, and things she was
grateful for. Not only was it incredibly thoughtful, but they had such a good
time talking about each note.
If you aren’t into making a mess of
your house with notes, grab a sticky note pad and fill all of the pages with
notes and wrap it in a small box. Your spouse will love the thoughtful gesture
and appreciate being appreciated. If you’re really ambitious, you can make 365
notes so that your spouse can read one every day of the year.
3.
Friend: Sugar Scrub - This is my go-to gift for girlfriends. Mix sugar, olive or
coconut oil, and a scent of your choice (lemon juice, lavender oil, pumpkin
spice, etc.) in a bowl. Once mixed well, transfer the sugar scrub into a cute
mason jar. It’s quick and easy, it smells good, and it makes your hands soft
during the dry winter months. Be
sure to make a little extra to keep for yourself.
Making gifts doesn’t have to be time consuming or
overwhelming. And it doesn’t have to involve an expensive trip to the craft
store! These three ideas can be done in an afternoon with stuff around your
house… [ii]
[i]
This is a sports term that refers to a psychological advantage of being in
familiar surroundings when addressing a crowd. This Christmas be creative, and
gifts that uniquely represent you to the receiver.
[ii]
Adapted from the article, “3 inexpensive Gifts You
Can Make with Household Items” by Christy Wright
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