The holiday season is the perfect time to say “thank you.”
But what exactly should you get for the people on your list? Whether it’s your neighbor or best friend, you definitely don’t want them to feel obligated or awkward by spending a lot of money on them, especially if they’re not expecting it. On the other hand, a simple card just doesn’t seem like enough. The solution is to get creative.
With a little time and effort, you can give friends, family and neighbors something from the heart that conveys the right amount of gratitude, whether or not they give you anything in return. Here are our top 12 suggestions for easy DIY gifts that show you truly care.
#1: Peppermint Bark Popcorn
Nothing is more universally appreciated than a yummy holiday treat—and this recipe from iheartnaptime.com is super-easy with just the right amount of festive flair. Simply pack a cup or two of peppermint popcorn in individual clear or holiday bags, and tie with ribbon and a gift tag. To go that extra mile, personalize the gift tags with special notes or a handwritten holiday card.
#2: Root Beer—or Beer—Reindeer
These root beer reindeer are as adorable as they are delicious. For a special touch, choose a handcrafted root beer or soda, or—for a more adult crowd—choose a handcrafted, small batch beer. If you’re a home brewer, this is a terrific way to dress up your bottles. It’s also a great idea for a hostess gift if you’re going to a party or get-together.
#3: French Macaroons
French macaroons are elegant, somewhat durable and versatile, so they look great no matter how you stack or pack them. Here’s a basic recipe from popsugar.com. Although the macaroons look beautiful au naturale, you can easily mix in some red or green food coloring to achieve that holiday look. Consider stacking the macaroons in clear bags with holiday labels, or pack them in a simple box with ribbon and a note.
#4: Winter Survival Kits
These cute and clever winter survival kits can be filled with winter essentials such as chicken soup packets, hand sanitizer, lip balm, hot cocoa, cough drops, chocolate and more. Or for neighborhood moms, there’s the snow day survival kit, which can be filled with cookie mix, hot cocoa, a bottle of wine for mom, and coloring books for the kids. Pack a simple basket or mason jar with the treats, print and affix a label, and tie with a holiday ribbon. And voila—a winter wonder in a flash!
#5: Rudolph Red-Nose Gift
This Rudolph gift idea, courtesy of thecraftingchicks.com, is cool, creative and adorable. The pattern is simple, and the nose is a pretty little tub of lip balm that comes in handy in cold-weather climates. Tie with a pretty ribbon, and you have a tiny token of appreciation that anyone will love.
#6: Hot Chocolate Spoons
These delectable little spoons can be wrapped in plastic and tied with a ribbon for a perfect, portable gift. Great by themselves with a gift tag or card, they can also be paired with a holiday mug or a gift or hot cocoa or coffee.
#7: Homemade Salsa
Salsa may not seem like a holiday treat, but it’s perfect for parties or impromptu holiday get-togethers—not to mention it comes in pretty holiday hues of red and green. Make a big batch of homemade salsa, tie on a printable holiday tag and deliver jars to all your deserving friends.
#8: Whisking You a Merry Kissmass
Cute, cheesy and oh-so fun, this punny holiday present is full of chocolate-y good cheer. Here are some free, printable tags and an easy tutorial, so you can whip up a fabulous gift in no time flat.
#9: Fleece Navidad
Thecraftingchicks.com website has the cutest idea for a cozy craft—a fleece blanket wrapped with a downloadable gift tag. We found fleece blankets for as little as $3.99 online. You can choose a classic holiday color like green, red or silver, or go for a more neutral tone like off-white or beige—perfect for any décor.
#10: Dinner in a Mug
When the weather outside is frightful, the last thing you want to do is make a trek to the grocery store for last-minute dinner items. And that’s why we love the idea of this “Dinner in a Mug”. With a dollar store mug, two grocery items and a cute little printable poem, you can provide your favorite pals with a quick and easy winter meal.
#11: For Your Mistletoes.
This one is perfect for the women on your list! Whether you choose it as stocking stuffer for your teenage daughter or make multiple sets for the women in your book club, this cute idea is simple to put together and affordable! Grab some nail polish, a pair of fuzzy socks or other winter pedicure necessities and put them in a gift bag with a handmade label.
#12: Just Soap’n You Have A Happy Holiday!
Give the gift of relaxation. Create your own soaps, scrubs or face masks and give that special someone an easy, at-home spa day. Use holiday scents like peppermint or cinnamon when making your spa products… it’s the best way to unwind after the holidays.
