3 DIY Gift Ideas

Christmas is near and the giving season is finally here! The month of December typically involves multiple family gatherings, company Christmas parties, and secret Santa with your friends. All of these events have one thing in common… giving – and you don’t want to show up empty handed! Whether you show up with a big gift or small gift, it all adds up. The holiday season is wonderful, but it can definitely take a toll on your bank account. To ease all the holiday spending, try out these 3 DIY gift ideas that are both creative and inexpensive. You don’t have to limit yourself to these DIY ideas, there are many out there that you can create yourself, from a t-shirt quilt to a personal picture frame, you’ll be able to create a whole load of ideas for multiple seasons.

Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate Gift Jar via Sweet Pennies from Heaven

DIY peppermint hot chocolate

This DIY gift is simple and delicious! All you need is a mason jar, a little red ribbon, and the following ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Powdered Milk
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1/8 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 cup crushed Candy Canes (about 3)
  • 1/4 cup Mini Marshmallows

Instructions:

  1. Layer ingredients in the order listed above and press firmly on each layer
  2. Seal with lid and decorate with ribbon and these free printable labels for the hot chocolate preparation instructions

And ta-da! You have a yummy, homemade gift to bring to all your holiday gatherings!

DIY Bath Bombs via Inspired by Charm

Help your loved ones unwind this busy holiday season with these DIY Bath Bombs customized with their favourite scent.

DIY bath bombsWhat You’ll Need: (makes 4)

  • 1 cup Baking Soda
  • 1/2 cup Citric Acid
  • 1/2 cup Epsom Salt
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch
  • OPTIONAL: Colouring Pigment
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons Almond Oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 3/4 tbsp. Water
  • 12-15 drops Essential Oil
  • Bath Bomb Molds

Instructions:

  1. Measure out and whisk together dry ingredients in a large bowl (add in optional dry colour pigment as well – add as little or as much depending on how much colour you prefer)
  2. In a small cup, mix together the wet ingredients, including the essential oil
  3. Add wet and dry ingredients together slowly by adding little drops at a time while mixing – adding the wet ingredients slowly allows you to create the ball. Mix until combined and the ingredients look like wet sand
  4. Once mixed, fill mold until it is overflowing then firmly press the halves together – let sit for one minute. Once set, tap the mold and pull apart
  5. Let dry for at least 24 hours

Christmas in a Jar via Good Housekeeping

Nothing beats the smell of Christmas – fresh pine and baked goods in the oven! (I can almost smell the scent just thinking about it!) To get those Christmas scents all year round, try out these 2 DIY Christmas in a Jar scents that will make the perfect gift this holiday season.

Supplies:

  • Half Pint Mason Jar
  • Pencil
  • Coloured Paper
  • Scissors
  • Metallic Paint Pen or Marker
  • Ribbon

For a Fresh Pine Scent:

  • Fresh Pine Sprigs
  • Fresh Rosemary
  • Dried Lemon Slices

DIY fresh pine scent

For a Apple Cinnamon Scent:

  • Cinnamon Sticks
  • Dried Apple Slices
  • Cranberries

DIY apple cinnamon scent

Instructions:

  1. Fill the jar with your choice of fragrant ingredients (either fresh pine or apple cinnamon); the amount needed is dependent on the size of your jar. Use dried fruits as the mixture won’t be simmered right away
  2. Trace the top of the jar lid on coloured paper and cut out with scissors
  3. Add a holiday message with your metallic paint pen, then stick onto the lid and screw back onto the jar
  4. Finish your Christmas is a Jar scent with holiday ribbon

Nothing beats a gift made with love (and craft glue) during the holiday season. What are some of your favourite DIY gifts? Comment below!