Crafts That Save Cash: $5 DIY Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Short on cash? Don’t fret! Check out these budget-saving DIY gift ideas from New York, NY teacher Lauren P. to get your creativity flowing…

Don’t stress about exceeding your budget during the holidays. Instead, try tapping into your creative spirit to bring the joy back into gift-giving. Stock up on craft supplies or pantry ingredients to create feel-good DIY gifts that will impress your loved ones, friends, and colleagues. Here are some ideas to inspire the people in your life to feel the holiday spirit with your homemade gifts.

Gratitude & Love

Who doesn’t love feeling appreciated? Stroke your loved ones’ egos while pulling at their heartstrings with a two-sided wood-framed photograph and letter of gratitude, as featured on Southern Revivals.

First, find a photograph that captures the happiest or proudest moment of the gift recipient’s life. This can be especially fun for an elderly family member if you can find a photograph from their youth. As an alternative, simply find a photo of the two of you together. Print or copy the photo in black and white.

Second, think of something your loved one said or did that inspired you. Did they give you advice that changed your outlook on life? Were you filled with pride and emulation when you witnessed one of their accomplishments? Did they tell you a story of a decision or action they took in the past that inspired you to be a better person? Write down exactly how their character or life has influenced you. They may want to display your letter of gratitude more than the photograph!

Supplies (makes 6-8 gifts):
$4: 4” square wood painting panel (1.5” thick)
$4: “Mod Podge”
$5: Acrylic varnish (gloss or semi-gloss)
$1: Foam brush
Rolling pin or cylindrical tube/bottle

Directions:
o Measure the recessed area on the backside of the wood panel. Then cut the paper for your gratitude letter into a square that will fit snugly.
o Once your gratitude letter is complete, use the foam brush to coat the recessed area on the back of the wood panel in Mod Podge. Carefully press the letter into the glue.
o Use a rolling pin or any hard cylindrical tube or bottle to roll the letter flat.
o Now use the brush to layer Mod Podge over the letter.
o Flip the panel to the front, and repeat steps 1–4 with the photograph.
o Clean the brush and let the panel dry.
o Use the brush to spread the lacquer over the front of the panel. Follow the lacquer’s instructions to apply the correct amount of coats.
o Let dry, repeat lacquer step on the back, and you are done!

Home Cooking & Celebration

Give your relatives, friends, and coworkers something to celebrate even after the festivities are over: a hassle-free sweet or savory treat, like the ones featured over at The Frugal Girls and All Free Crafts. Simply layer the following ingredients into mason jars, glue or tie a mini recipe card to the lid with a string or ribbon, and voila, your DIY gift is ready!

Brownies

Ingredients
½ cup flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1 cup white sugar
1/4 tsp salt
¼ tsp baking powder
½ cup chocolate chips and/or walnuts (optional)

Recipe Card
1 mason jar mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 tsp vanilla
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes

Chockfull Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients
1 box Betty Crocker Milk Chocolate Cake Mix