DIY Holiday Gifts

I am pledging to live simple during the upcoming holidays.  Who wants to pledge with me?  Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner and everyone is making their lists, checking ads and preparing for a long shopping day.

I've been known to be at Target at 6 a.m. (this year they are opening at midnight!) and I really do love it.  I especially love making a day of it - early morning hot chocolate, shopping, lunch with family, more shopping, collapsing on the couch at night.

But, this year I have vowed to take simplier approach.  I recently read somewhere that one family was only giving homemade gifts to their kids this year.  Another family was going to implement the rule of only 3 gifts per child, like in the Bible, after years of giving them everything under the sun.  I truly like both of these ideas.  The Holidays are a time of giving and I think we need to remember that.

Luckily my kids are still very young and don't even understand Christmas yet, so hopefully we haven't ruined their life yet!

Since I already have one homemade gift done, I have been researching some other cute ideas.  I challenge all of you reading to really make something for a family member or friend this year that is truly from the heart that you know they will enjoy.

I've picked a few of my favorites. 

Homemade Initialed Frame

I think this one is absolutely adorable.  It would be perfect hanging on a front door, a mantle or even in a kid's room.  Frame, yarn, wooden initial, it doesn't take much!

I'm also pretty sure people would go crazy for these at upcoming Holiday craft shows.

Homemade Eco-Friendly Soy Candle

Candles!  Who doesn't love candle?  Especially in the winter, I love lighting them throughout the house for that cozy warmth.  These are homemade, eco-friendly, soy candles and not to mention super cute.

I've never made a candle before, but honestly the steps look very easy!



Meal in a Box

Last year I put together two huge food baskets for some gifts.  They were filled with quick breads, cookies, jam, etc.  I think both recipients really liked it.  They were able to freeze the breads for later eating and have good homemade snacks around during the holidays.

This idea takes it one step further and I love it.  Think of a meal that is easy to assemble, place all of the ingredients (minus the perishables, of course) in a cute container, attach a recipe with directions and give to a friend or family member who you know is often short on time and would appreciate dinner in a flash.



Magnet Board

Who doesn't have an old cookie sheet that is brown, cruddy and on its last leg?  If you do turn it into this magnet board, that can be hung in a home office, at work, or your kitchen for all those to-do lists, pictures, kid's artwork, etc. that usually clutters the refrigerator.

I hope one of these DIY Holiday Gifts called out to you and has put you on the path of a simplier holiday.  Remember, most people would just enjoy being around family, eating a good meal and maybe receiving something small as a token of the Holiday.

It doesn't have to be big, cost a fortune or state-of-the-art.  It just needs to come from the heart.

What DIY gifts have you made in the past?  I'd love to have more ideas!