3 Easy Homemade Gift Ideas People Will Actually Enjoy

3 Easy Homemade Gift Ideas People Will Actually Enjoy
By Chris Steiner


Do you find yourself in the unenviable position of being short of money to the point where you really can't afford to purchase gifts for your friends and relatives. You don't want to give them something they will accept out of pity for your circumstances, but you don't want to give them another clothespin reindeer like the one you made in the fifth grade.

Well, take heart, there are some things you can make that are not too expensive and that the receiver will actually like. Below are three ideas that don't require a lot of talent to make but if you put in some effort they will most definitely be appreciated.

Put together a gift basket
This idea takes the least amount of time and skill combined. You will need to be a bit creative, but this can be something that is very inexpensive yet memorable and enjoyable for the receiver. What can you put in the basket? Just about anything, but it is usually best to go with a theme and try to stick to useful and/or amusing items.

For example, you might give your brother who is moving into a new apartment soon a kitchen gift basket. Fill it up with utensils from the dollar store and even thrift shops and tag sales, though be sure you only pick out newer looking items from any thrift shop - you don't want him thinking you grabbed stuff from the kitchen drawer and threw it together.

Along with the creativity of what you put in the basket, you will want to get creative with how you present the basket. Just because it is called a "gift basket" doesn't mean it has to actually be a basket. A unique container such as a large plastic jar or even a decorated box can be just as nice, and save you the expense of buying something. Be sure you put a lot of effort into making it look nice because that is the greatest appeal of this gift.

Make a personalized calendar
This is something my sister does each year for many friends and relatives. She spends the year collecting pictures of everyone, and then puts them together in a meaningful way for the person getting the calendar. Everyone really loves them because she puts so much into them, including birthdays and other information along with the pictures.

This can be very time consuming, especially if you don't already have the pictures you want to use, and there is the expense of printing them, but overall this is a relatively inexpensive gift that will be used year round and therefore very memorable.

Make a picture ornament
A picture ornament is just what it sounds like. It can be a Christmas tree ornament, or something to be hung in the house year round. If it is the latter it can even be done in a nice picture frame. The former can be as simple as a thin, small wooden circle with a small hole in the top for a hook and a picture glued in place and covered with clear glue to protect the photo.

Depending on how many pictures you have and who you are making these for, these can be a very big hit. These are especially liked by parents. Your parents would probably like something made with pictures of you growing up, and others would enjoy a similar arrangement made with pictures of their child or children.

Sometimes you just find yourself stuck when looking for that perfect gift. Visit the Top Gift Ideas blog to get some great gift ideas including homemade Christmas cards.

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