Winter is the most wonderful time of the year, or so they say. For some, Christmas can be stressful, due to all of the shopping for family members and friends. Fortunately, Christmas doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, creating your own Christmas gifts can save you loads of cash. Making your own Christmas gifts is not only crafty, but it gives your gifts more meaning.
Instructions
Gourmet Coffee, Candy & Mug
1. Purchase a coffee mug for $1 at your local dollar or department store. You may be able to find Christmas mugs on sale after the holiday season.
2. Buy a few sample-sized gourmet coffee packs for $1. The packages should be small enough to fit into the coffee mug.
3. Grab a bag of assorted candy (mints, chocolates, candy canes) for $1. Wrap the candy up in clear wrapping cellophane and secure at the top with a red ribbon.
4. Place the cellophane wrapped candy and coffee into the coffee mug. Attach a gift tag on the handle of the mug and give the mug to a coffee and candy lover that you know.
Sentimental Photo Collage
5. Purchase a cheap photo frame ($1) from your local craft or dollar store.
6. Cut out a sheet of thick poster board to fit inside of the photo frame. Remove it from the photo frame after you've checked to make sure that it fits snugly.
7. Gather about 20 photographs of yourself and your family. Cut the photos out and lay them out in a collage on the poster board. Do not glue the photographs down yet.
8. Check that the entire poster board is covered. If there are any bare spots, cover them with foam Christmas decorations from a craft store, such as candy canes, Santa Clause, or Christmas trees.
9. Glue down the photos and decorations and allow it to dry thoroughly. Once dry, insert the photo collage into the frame.
10. Wrap the gift up and give it away to a family member as a sentimental keepsake.
Kitchen Basket
11. Purchase a basket at your local dollar store for about $1. The basket should be small, about 7 inches in diameter.
12. Buy a few kitchen utensils for $1 each (spatula, spoon, tongs, etc.) and a bottle of special sauce, such as barbecue, steak, or all-purpose sauce.
13. Fill the basket with all of the utensils and sauce. Tie a ribbon at the top of the basket and wrap in cellophane.
Tags: photo frame, poster board, your local, candy canes, dollar store