I know, I know- it’s only October, but I am already thinking about how I will be saving money for Christmas this year, and one of the ideas I have had is to make homemade christmas gifts! Everyone knows that Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year. this can also unfortunately mean that it can cause a lot of stress if money is tight! I read an article in The Independent last year that said:
“On average Brits anticipate spending £342 on Christmas presents this year with £303 going on credit cards. Paying back the money they borrow for Christmas is also expected to take some time with the average household saying it takes four and a half months.” – The Independent, 2017
This is so sad to hear, particularly as Christmas is supposed to be a happy time- it shouldn’t be causing stress! So can we still do the ‘giving’ without getting into debt? I was chatting with my mum the other day, and we have decided that this year we will be making home made Christmas gifts for the whole family! There are a few reasons that I think this is a great idea…
- It’s more personal than a shop bought gift.
- It’s cheaper! Yay!
- Making things is fun- the perfect thing to do on a rainy day with the kids, or even have some friends over and do it over a bottle of wine!
So on that note, here are a few of my favourite ideas for home made Christmas Gifts:
10 Hand Made Christmas Gifts:
1. Home Made Lavender Bath Salts
You will need:
- Large tub of Epsom Salts
- 12oz Jars- you can use old Jam Jars, or buy a set of 24 jars from Amazon.
- Dried lavender
- Lavender Essential Oil
How to make it: Use a large mixing bowl to mix the ingredients- add about three parts epsom salts to one part dried lavender and mix together with your hands (wearing gloves) or a spoon. Once mixed, add in some lavender essential oils- about 5 drops per portion (jar) that you are making, and mix again until it is fully blended. Then use a spoon to carefully put the bath salts into the jar. Finish off with a hand written label and a ribbon!
2. Hand Painted Glass Baubles
You will need:
- Plain Glass Baubles
- Glass paint pens
- Paint brushes
- Gold Glass Paint Outliner
You can really have some fun with these, especially if you have kids (for young kids use plastic baubles). Use an egg cup to balance the bauble on while you are painting, and go wild! You can personalise them with names and pictures, or you can simply paint colours and patterns on them.
3. Aromatherapy Room Spray
You can buy bulk glass spray bottles from Amazon for just over £1 per bottle. You can then mix your favourite essential oils with water and alcohol to create a lovely aromatherapy room spray! Here is a nice simple recipe from Calmful Living:
4. Home Made Christmas Biscuits
This would be a great gift to receive! Simply bake your favourite cookies or biscuits, and package them in one of these cute Christmas Box’s!
5. Home Made Soap
Another great idea is home made soaps! Almost everyone uses soaps, so this is definitely a gift that will actually get used rather than being thrown in a cupboard! There is a lovely honey soap recipe over on Happiness is Handmade– check it out!
6. Hand Made Candles
You can use old jam jars or tea cups to make your own home made candle gifts! You can make these in any scent you want- here is a great tutorial!
7. Personalised Sharpie Mug
This one is super easy and fun for all the family! You can normally buy plain mugs from your local pound shop, and grab a packet of sharpies from your local stationary shop or amazon. Draw whatever you want on your mug (think names, pictures, or funny jokes and poems) and wait for the ink to dry- about 3 hours. Once the ink is dry you can set it by baking in the oven for about 30 minutes on 180 celsius. Leave the mugs in the oven to cool down as they may crack if they cool down too quickly! Now the ink should be set, note to hand wash only as the ink may start to wear off in a dishwasher. Fill your mug with sweets and tie some curling ribbon to the handle and you have a lovely gift!
8. Hand Stamped Wooden Utensils
These hand stamped wooden utensils made by The Idea Room are a great gift for anyone who loves cooking! Click here to see the full tutorial.
9. Home Made Exfoliating Sugar Scrub
This is similar to the bath salts- just mix together the ingredients and present in a beautiful jar! You will need:
- Granulated Sugar
- Oil (Olive/Almond Oil or Coconut oil)
- Your favourite essential oils
First add the sugar to a mixing bowl, followed by the oil. Mix together until thick enough that it sticks together if you squeeze it. Add about 5 drops of essential oil per portion you are making and mix again. Use a spoon to put into the jars. Finish with a handmade label and ribbon!
10. Home Made Bath Bombs
Another easy and fun recipe, which is perfect rainy day activity for kids (to make and to use afterwards!!)
Check out the step by step tutorial here at The Soap Kitchen
What are your favourite ways for saving money at Christmas time? Will you be doing any handmade gifts this year? Let me know in the comments below!!