It’s the final stretch before the end of the holidays. With only a few days left until Christmas, you better hope all that shopping is done. But what if your wallet is running on empty? What if you’re out of creative gift ideas? Don’t worry. Here’s a list of four easy DIY gifts you can make at home in one afternoon- without spending the little bit that’s left in your bank account. If you need last minute gift ideas, check out these baby gifts in Cyprus.
1. Mixtape
A classic gift since the dawn of mankind has been a customized mixtape. Why? Because it’s both simultaneously simple and sentimental. All you have to do is open up iTunes, create a good playlist with quality tunes, and burn it onto a blank CD. The fun part is making the album art. You can come up with creative ways to make CD cases, whether it be via colourful origami paper, cardboard, or just by decorating the plastic case blank CD’s usually come with. Don’t forget to add a tracklist! This is such a personal gift, your friends are bound to love it.
2. Sugar Scrub
Women are difficult to shop for- it’s basically a proven fact. However, a gift idea that never seems to go wrong is a little jar of homemade sugar scrub. Sugar scrub exfoliates your skin, 
leaving it feeling soft and moisturized, so it’s perfect for the winter months. I recently stumbled upon a blog which provides the recipe to make it and immediately gave it a shot (then Instagramed it as proof). Most of the ingredients can even be found in your kitchen, so it’s probably the cheapest idea yet! Take one cup of sugar, a little squirt of olive oil, and some drops of scented oil (you can usually find these at health or organic food stores), mix it together, and package it in a nice jar. You can then wrap a colourful ribbon around it or decorate it as you like. The best part is, it’s totally customizable. You can switch it up with lavender, vanilla, or peppermint scents- or a delicious mix of two (just make sure they know that no matter how good it smells, it’s not edible!)
3. Homemade Jam
Making jams isn’t just a hobby for grandparents or your mom. I recently discovered the joy of jam making and never looked back. I also found it makes a great present for basically any occasion. A jar of homemade jam is a healthier, more unique option than anything store bought (arguably, more delicious too). It also makes an incredibly flexible gift idea, as you can make it with basically any fruit you have on hand. There are millions of jam recipes out there, but so far, this one has been my favourite.
You can then decorate the jar with cute little Christmas stickers and a ribbon. What’s not to love?
4. Duct Tape Wallet
This is an old favourite and a crafty idea that people always find interesting. I remember one of my friends in high school used to make them and everyone wanted to buy one for themselves. The Duck Brand duct tape website even has a simple tutorial to help you out! There are many other ways to make one, however, varying in skill and difficulty- although all of them still pretty simple. Plus, it’s practically indestructible. Hint: That same website comes packed with other simple duct tape craft ideas.
Image courtesy of http://www.craftynest.com/
As a huge fan of anything DIY, I live by simple gifts like these. The key is to pick the right one for the right person. Something handmade is always bound to be more special than anything store bought- it’s the whole feeling of affection that comes with the idea of putting time and effort into making something for someone else. Thankfully, it’s easy on the pocket too.
