As the holidays approach, many of us are thinking of all the people we need to purchase gifts for. The topic of Christmas can bring lots of mixed feelings like excitement, joy and even dread. The financial burden that the holidays can bring is very real for many families.
As a stay at home mom, Christmas this year is all about DIYs and homemade goods. Not only is this a great way to save money, but being able to put time and effort into each person's gift is so special. I think it focuses more on the true meaning of Christmas!
Today I'll be sharing with you some DIY Christmas Gift Ideas for your loved ones.
(Hopefully my family isn't reading this post because these are all gifts I'm making this year!)
If you've gone into debt in previous holiday seasons, you certainly aren't alone. People can incur a lot of debt during the holidays, and many people are still paying off last year's debt when the next holiday season starts. According to Google, here are some statistics of that:
In the United States
In 2023, 25% of Americans were still paying off holiday debt from 2022. A LendingTree survey found that many holiday shoppers took on debt they hadn't planned for.
In Canada
In 2022, 51% of Canadians who shopped for the holidays incurred credit card debt, and 25% still hadn't paid it off in 2023.
Average spending
In 2024, shoppers are expected to spend an average of $1,778 on the holidays, which is an 8% increase from the previous year.
I don't know about you, but I don't have $1,778 laying around to spend on Christmas this year. In addition to the money you can save by DIY Christmas gifts, making your own presents can be even more meaningful and special. When I was growing up, my grandmother would always give my sisters and I the same gift each year: a pair of mittens that she knit herself! It's easy to forget Christmas presents you receive over the years but the homemade stuff always sticks out in my mind. Here's what I'm making this year, and some awesome suggestions for you to steal as well.
#1 - Crochet or Knit
Personally, I crochet! But it doesn't matter which one you choose, they're both very easy to learn and end up being a lot cheaper in the long run. Items you could knit or crochet:
Scarves
Mittens
Hats
Socks
Slippers
Sweaters (if you're a pro!)
I have been crocheting for a few years now and decided this year to make everyone on my list a scarf. So far I think I've crocheted 10 scarves for this holiday season. Knitting and crocheting is also a great hobby to have in general, and something you can build on over time.
#2 - Baked Goods
When I think Christmas, my mind automatically goes to cookies! Although cookies are a wonderful gift idea, you can totally mix it up and make other delicious treats to give as gifts. You could bake a loaf of bread, make homemade vanilla granola, or some Christmas fudge. If you want to take a stab at making cookies but the person has dietary restrictions or is watching their sugar, try out my easy 3-ingredient date cookies that taste like Lara Bars!
#3 - Homemade Soap
This one requires a bit more prep time but if you have the time to do it, make your own soap at home! I didn't realize how easy making homemade soap was until I stumbled upon this recipe for Easy, Basic Beginner Soap. You only need 4 ingredients, plus optional essential oils, exfoliants or colorants. I've already placed my Amazon order for Sodium Hydroxide and have this recipe on my to-do list.
#4 - Holiday in a Jar
In the 90's, it used to be really popular to give "Holiday in a Jar" gifts! This is when you put all the dry ingredients of a recipe into a mason jar, and attach the full recipe directions on a card. When you give someone this, all they have to do is pour the contents into a mixing bowl and add the wet ingredients! It's so fun and simple. Some ideas of Holiday in a Jar could be soups, chili, and cookie mixes. Want some recipes?:
Christmas Cookies in a Jar - Sally's Baking Recipes
Three Bean Chili in a Jar - Marathons and Motivation
or check out these 6 Homemade Soups in a Jar - Wholefully
#5 - DIY Christmas Ornaments
One thing I love about gifting Christmas ornaments, is that they are truly something that can be loved for years to come. Many families gift ornaments each year as a tradition, so why not make your own at home? Martha Stewart has a whole bunch of fun Christmas Ornament ideas so you don't have to worry if you are drawing a blank on what to make. Just look at all this adorable ideas here. I think my favorites are the cookie cutter photo frames and the salt dough ornaments!
DIY Christmas Gifts Can Be FUN
Just because you're trying to save money this Christmas, or you just want to step away from the consumerism surrounding the holidays, doesn't mean you have to sacrifice gifting good things to people you love. Gift-giving is definitely one of my love languages but going into debt is not!
What are you making this Christmas for people on your list?
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