Try one of these homemade gifts that won’t break the bank

By Katelyn Elumbaugh, Editor|December 19, 2016

Thinking about the holidays and all things that come with them, can be exciting. With events like holiday parties, and gift exchanges happening throughout the season, it can get hectic finding and paying for presents.

Instead of breaking the bank with multiple gifts, consider making a gift for the person. Here are a few ideas for holiday gifts that won’t empty your wallet and will make the receiver smile.

Marble Designed Ornaments 

IMAGE / Katelyn Elumbaugh
Marble ornaments made with purple, blue, and teal paints, and signed for friends.

A specialized ornament for the receiver to hang on their tree.

Materials:

Large clear ornament

Choice Colors of Acrylic Paints

Steps:

1. Remove the hook loop and cover from the opening of the ornament.

2. Put a few drops of each color of paint into the opening.

3. Swirl the paint inside of the bulb. Be wary of letting the paint coming out of the opening. This can be avoided by covering it with a small piece of plastic wrap or monitoring the height of the paint as you swirl it.

4. Once you are pleased with the design, empty the excess paint from the inside of the bulb into the trash.

5. Let the bulb sit for a few hours before replacing the cover and hook loop.

Decorated Mug 

IMAGE / Katelyn Elumbaugh
A personalized mug to use throughout the year.

A mug used to drink hot cocoa on a chilly day.

Materials:

White Mug

Sharpies

Steps:

1. Thoroughly clean the cup and let it dry before starting.

2. Set the oven to 250 degrees.

3. Using the sharpies, draw a design or write something that the receiver might enjoy. Make sure to let the designs dry completely before baking the mug.

4. Once the oven is finished preheating, place the mug on a cookie sheet and then into the oven for 2 hours.

5. Let the mug cool completely before wrapping.

“Snowy Day” Box

IMAGE / Katelyn Elumbaugh
A box full of goodies for a snowy day inside.

A gift for the days when it is too cold to leave the house or when it is time to relax during the holidays.

Materials:

Box for decorating

Supplies for decorating

Steps:

1. Decorate the box with stickers, doodles, and messages until pleased.

2. Fill the box with the recipient’s favorite candy, a pre-made hot cocoa mixture, maybe a book, or other things to make a drowsy day inside a little better.

These gifts are fun and easy to make. Best of all, they won’t leave you broke.