Although we sometimes hate to admit it, choosing presents can be a headache, especially if you have a large family and a tight budget.



MAKE YOUR OWN UNIQUE AND INEXPENSIVE HOMEMADE GIFTS THIS CHRISTMAS

If you are good in needlework, you can sew, knit or crochet small projects as Christmas gifts.

You can sew cute animal plush toys for children. They can double up as fridge magnets or pin cushions. Cute animals like a tortoise or food with faces are always hits with the kids and even adults.

Handmade throw pillows or knitted fleece blankets are excellent as gifts too. You can also knit scarves, mittens, and hats for everyone. They make practical gifts.

You can have the blankets or pillowcases embroidered with the recipients' names to make them personalized. You can also let the children to pick their favorite cartoon fabrics as their pillow or cushion case.

PAPER CRAFTS

If you love paper crafts, you can make mini scrapbooks or altered journals. Mini scrapbooks are excellent as memory keepsakes. There are many samples available online that you can follow. Just make them according to the recipient's favorite theme, add photos and sentiments on the pages, and that is it. This will be a very special gift and the recipient will surely appreciate your effort.

You can also compile poems and quotes for those who love collecting them. Altered journals are great for this purpose. Just print the poems and quotes, cut them nicely and stick them onto the journal pages. You can write your own messages too.

Another paper craft that you can make is personalized stationery. Print the stationery sets; add a nice writing pen and you have yourself a gift ready.

CONTAINERS MADE TO ORDER

Household items such as jars, bottles, tins and baskets can be made into beautiful Christmas gifts too. They can be altered, decorated with ribbons and other types of embellishments, and filled up with various items. Fill a nice tin can with homemade potpourri, while a jar can be decorated with ribbons and filled with goodies.

Be creative with the goodies, they can be anything from crafting materials such as buttons, brads, and ribbons, to delicious edibles such as candies. All these ideas can be personalized according to the recipients' preferences.

You can fill baskets with goodies too, and they can be anything from food to perhaps sewing or other crafting materials. Make these gifts more personalized with photos and sayings.

MAKE A SPLASH WITH HANDMADE SKIN CARE AND BATH

For something adventurous, unique and wildly appreciated, you can make your own handmade skincare and bath items.

You can make bar soaps, shower gel, bath bombs, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and even homemade cream masks. These items can be scented or non-scented. Use essential oils for the extra benefits.

While you are at it, why not make some scented candles, these are a natural with handmade bath items for a spa experience extra-ordinaire.

The ingredients used to make scented candles are similar to those used to make soaps. You can make a range of items with the same scent, pack them up nicely in reusable plastic jars and bottles, wrap them together in a basket, and you have got yourself a nice Christmas gift.

HOMEMADE CAN BE INEXPENSIVE, EASY AND MORE FUN THAN THE MALL

Homemade gifts are not difficult to make and they usually don‘t cost much. All you need is your imagination and lots of effort.

Save some money this Christmas and make beautiful, thoughtful gifts for everyone.

You will be amazed how much your homemade gifts are appreciated.