14 inexpensive homemade gifts that feel extra special

By Real Simple Editors on REAL SIMPLE

Truly gifted gift-givers know what kind of present is right for each person or situation; sometimes, gift card ideas truly are the best option, and sometimes the best hostess gifts actually have nothing to do with hosting. For other gift-giving occasions, there are times when a homemade or DIY gift is best, and Christmas (and the holiday season) tends to be one of those times.

DIY Christmas gifts are great for people with insanely long lists of people to find presents for, or people working with a strict shopping budget for the holidays. Homemade gifts are easy to make in bulk, they offer that personal touch, and they are great activities for the whole family to get involved in. (They make great end-of-semester teacher gifts, too.)

If you want to take the homemade route this holiday season, these ideas for DIY Christmas gifts have all the inspiration you need. They have step-by-step instructions for crafting your custom gift, and some even offer packaging or wrapping suggestions. If you’re a DIY veteran, you’ll likely already have many of the necessary ingredients; if this is your first time attempting homemade gifts, you’ll want to be extra careful: Read the full list of ingredients carefully before heading to the store, and look over the instructions to make sure you understand all the steps your project entails before you get started.

​If you’re tired of gifting ornaments or the same treat every Christmas, try one of these homemade ideas for something new, creative, and interesting. (These presents can even be great white elephant gift ideas.) By the time you gift these homemade presents, you’ll have a new DIY skill to brag about, and your gift recipients will be begging to know the recipe for themselves. (Sharing your secret is your decision.) Read on, and craft away.

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