Create a Cheap Christmas Gift

Christmas can be very expensive, we all know that. If you’re on a tight budget it can be a headache trying to think of a cheap Christmas gift that doesn’t look cheap. A simple way of getting around this is to make your own. Not only can these presents work out less expensive, but you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve given something that is original. And the people receiving the gifts will appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into them.

One of the simplest ways you can make a cheap Christmas gift is by baking or cooking. If the recipient has a sweet tooth, there are lots of recipes to choose from. Cookies, cake, candy and preserves are all suitable to give as gifts and are easy to make, as well as inexpensive. Lemon curd is a rich, luxurious English preserve, yet only requires four basic ingredients and a little time at the stove stirring. Pour into glass jars that you have saved, and once covered place a piece of pretty fabric over the lids and secure with ribbon. Homemade candies are always welcomed. Fudge is a good choice for a cheap Christmas gift and you can add flavorings, nuts or dried fruit added for variety. How about some delicious, simple-to-make truffles for a chocoholic?  If you’d rather bake, then homemade cookies or fruit cake won’t break the bank. For those without a sweet tooth, consider making roasted spiced nuts, savory crackers or marinated olives to give as a gift. Wrap the goodies in festive cellophane or place in decorated boxes, jars or tins for presentation. 

If you don’t enjoy cooking, there are plenty other ways of creating a cheap Christmas gift. Try visiting a craft store for lots of inspirational ideas.  If you enjoy painting, then consider decorating inexpensive glassware or ceramics for a unique present. Although there’s an initial outlay on the paints, they can be used on several different projects. Think along the lines of candle holders, mugs or sun catchers.  Calendars are a welcome gift for the coming year; you can print them partially made from a computer, or buy kits. Add your own photographs, drawings or collage to make them unique. Dough craft can be used to make little personalized ornaments. If you like working with natural things, try making a Christmas wreath, or decorating a little box with seashells to make a pretty container for jewelry.

Using your knitting or crochet skills is an excellent way to make a cheap Christmas gift for anyone. Although they are  inexpensive to make, handcrafted items show that you have put time, effort and care into the making of them. Scarves, hats and gloves are a popular choice, and you can make them in the colors that the recipient likes best. If you want to give a larger gift, then sweaters are good. Crochet can be used for a large variety of gifts ranging from tote bags to shawls. If sewing is more your thing, then embroidered napkins or pretty fabric bags filled with lavender are just two simple, cheap Christmas gift ideas.

What do you do if you feel you aren’t creative? A very cheap Christmas gift idea is to make a coupon book. I don’t mean money-off vouchers; I mean a book where the coupons are for a service you will provide. Again, this can be used for just about anyone; babysitting services for your sister; breakfast in bed for your wife; massages for a lover, car washing for Dad, grocery shopping for Grandma. It’s a gift that just keeps on giving throughout the year.

So you see that it is possible to make a cheap Christmas gift without resorting to an impersonal bargain-basement item. And with so many ideas out there, what you create is only limited by your imagination. Of course, creating a gift rather than buying one does take a little planning as well as time and effort, but you will be giving something original.   The lucky person receiving the gift will be delighted that you have taken the time to make something special just for them.