Holiday gift ideas

a do-it-yourself guide

If people like us prefer to do things easy, then we all just need to go with the influx of shoppers this early to avoid the holiday rush in the coming weeks. But because we are the savvy, creative geniuses that we are, we can’t help but go the extra mile when coming up with the perfect holiday gift ideas for our loved ones. We still have time in our hands after all—time that we would rather spend on crafting unique gifts instead of buying mass manufactured items straight from the clearance shelf.

Pardon the smugness but this is not even about the cred. It’s about contemplating on the real reason behind giving gifts during the holidays. It’s not about the cost or the quantity. It’s about really caring for the people who receive our gifts. It’s about spending time thinking what could make them feel warm and fuzzy inside or what they might need to make their lives more convenient.

We have to admit that the expensive ones are great but 99 percent of us are not endowed with all the riches in the world for us to afford iPhone 5s and Swarovski crystals as holiday handouts. Some of us only have time and a few extra bucks to spare. This collection of tutorials is for the rest of us who pledge to give the gift of crafts this season.

Watermark tee 

Not really sure if giving Hallmark greeting cards to people is still being done today during the holidays but here’s an awesome alternative to that. If you have something to say, say it through a watermark tee. You could use a memorable line from a favorite song, a refreshing quote, a haiku, or your very own message.

The effort that comes with the whole process of finding the perfect holiday gift ideas, and actually making them, speaks what words could not possibly utter. via UCreate

Tropical spa set 

Everyone has that workaholic friend who needs a little pampering. This tropical spa set that includes a handmade scrubbie and a bath tea soak is the perfect gift for her (or him) this season.

The best thing about this unique gift is that you can actually make the whole set with things that can already be found at home. All you need are a few scrap fabric, cornstarch, oatmeal, dry milk, and some tea leaves. You can even make them in bulk at once, repackage each set nicely, and you now have a stand-out treat for your hardworking friends. via Flaming Toes

CD wallet scrapbook 

Whoever said that the internet cloud has made photographs obsolete is missing the point. Digital photographs are great for sharing events, happenings or any activity you do with other people. But with actual photographs, it’s more than that—what you share are memories. And these are memories that you wish to keep for as long as they last.

This CD wallet scrapbook that contains all the memories you have fortunately captured with a loved one works both ways. And because a CD wallet is not as bulky as the usual scrapbook or photo album, the person who receives this can take the photographs anywhere. Only a few holiday gift ideas can be this personal. via Weddingbee





Glow-in-the-Dark travel flask 

Oh no, we don't mean to tolerate you tolerating that friend of yours who likes to sneak a sip or two wherever there’s a chance. But you can’t deny it. This one’s clever and thoughtful. It can be one of those funny and ironic holiday gift ideas too.

You’ve been giving out presents each year, and what if this year is the perfect time to take things less seriously and add spice to the whole tradition? via Make: Craft

Sunburst mirror 

The hardest people to please with a holiday gift are the collectors. Those who collect coins—you just can’t figure out what they already have and what they still don’t. Those who collect toys—they won’t let pass a tiny dent on the packaging and consider the actual toy in mint condition. It’s difficult to try and impress these two yet again this year.

But it’s no longer the case for those who collect fancy home decors. This easy and affordable sunburst mirror project would certainly do the trick for you with minimal arts and crafts background required. No need to rummage the flea market too. via Home-Dzine
 
Missoni sneakers 

Here’s one for your fashionista loved one—a pair of missoni sneakers hand-printed by you. No need to shell out a hefty amount for a pair of shoes she would actually wear. Grab those cheap canvas shoes from a local department store (mind the size, of course), some fabric markers, and you are good to go. You don’t have to be a really skilled artist to follow the patterns. Just try to be creative with the color scheme. via Refinery29




So there you have it! Holiday gift ideas to keep you busy not shopping this season. Have fun avoiding more traffic jams and credit card bills!