A Very Crafty Holiday
Let’s face it, the holidays are an expensive time of year. Between the dinners out, parties, travel, and gifts for all your nearest and dearest, it can be hard to keep to a budget. Millennials (oh god I’m sorry for using the m word) are already strapped for cash as it is, so we’ve gathered up some favorite DIY and homemade holiday gifts that won’t break the bank.
Simple Syrups
It’s winter, which means it’s time for warm beverages. A batch of flavored simple syrups are ridiculously easy to make and are something most people don’t treat themselves to, at least at home. Just take equal parts sugar and water and heat it up until all the sugar is dissolved. The sky’s the limit when it comes to flavorings. I’m partial to mint simple syrup (it’s tasty as hell in coffee, tea, and hot chocolate), raspberry, and cinnamon. Bonus points: these can all be used in cocktails too
Coffee mug mixers
Speaking of things to put in hot beverages, I have three words: chocolate. dipped. spoons. Get yourself some plastic spoons or dig through the silverware bins at your favorite thrift store, then melt some chocolate and dunk those spoons right in. While the chocolate is setting, sprinkle with any toppings you’d like, or leave them as is.
Mulling spices
One last warm beverage thing and that’s it, I promise. A big batch of mulling spices can take care of gifts for a ton of friends. Looking for a place to buy good-quality spices? Try Penzeys. It’s more expensive, but they’re a company with fantastic values (take a look at just one of their recent Facebook posts).
A cookbook
Recipes tell you so much about someone — their history, where they’re from, what they care about. Round up your favorite recipes, write them out on card (or print them if you don’t think your handwriting is up to stuff), and tie them up with a little ribbon. Who knows, you might have just passed along your friend’s new favorite recipe!
Your favorite holiday snack recipe
Growing up, as soon as December 1 would roll around, our kitchen would be filled with pans of sugar-crusted peanuts. Mom would divvy them up and give them to everyone from her hair stylist to our school’s office administrators. Those peanuts are legendary and addictive and she only makes them around the holidays. From butter cookies to cracker snack mixes, there’s a recipe for every palate. Pick your recipe, start making and giving it every year, and you’ll have a new tradition on your hands.
A plant
Got a green thumb? Root clippings from your own plants, put them in their own little pots, and share them (along with care instructions) with family and friends!
Embroider a favorite quote
Have a stock of craft supplies that you need to be using? Bust out the embroidery supplies and stitch a favorite quote. This year has been rich with inspiration. Might we suggest “Nevertheless, She Persisted”?
Hand-dye something!
If you’re feeling a bit more daring, pick up some dyes and plain totes, napkins, or other cloth items, and dye them! A word of warning: make sure you cover everything that might take the dye. Accidentally turning your counters purple might be the next big trend, but you also might lose your security deposit if your landlord notices.
Sugar or salt scrubs
The colder weather wreaks havoc on my hands. One of my favorite gifts I got from a friend a few years ago was a little mason jar of peppermint sugar scrub. I kept it by my sink and every time my hands were feeling too rough, I’d scoop out a little bit and scrub away.
Pocket warmers
Before you toss that worn out pair of jeans, cut the fabric into squares, stitch two together to make a little pouch, and fill it with rice. Give these as a pair with instructions to pop into the microwave before heading out in the cold. These can be reused over and over again, making them infinitely better for the environment than the single-use variety!
