Every year as the holidays approach, I have such great intentions of making homemde gifts for my family and friends. But I never get around to deciding what to make until the last minute, and by then the holiday craziness has usually taken over and I can’t quite pull it off in time.

This year, I’m using November to begin exploring gifts and setting aside time during the Thanksgiving holiday to gather my supplies and begin. In the spirit of starting early, here’s a roundup of ideas for homemade gifts for men, women, and children to keep the season merry and on-budget!

10 homemade gifts for the holidays:

1. Personalized Jenga. As a family gift (your family or another), pick up the game Jenga and personalize it by writing questions with a fine-point Sharpie on each square (or even just 1/3 of the squares, to keep the game moving). Questions can be designed to bring out funny stories and memories, such as, “What is the funniest (bravest/nicest/etc) thing the person on your left has ever done?”, “What is your favorite memory from a family vacation?”, or designed to test your knowledge of each other, “What is the person on your right’s favorite item of clothing?” While building the tower, players have to answer questions on the blocks they choose. Jenga and generic versions usually run between $8-15 at Target or on Amazon.

2. Altoid tin kits. For the men in your life (though many women and kids would love these too), use one of these great ideas for repurposing an Altoid tin into a pocket kit. Some ideas include an emergency kit, first aid kit, travel games kit, or martini-on-the-go kit.

3. Homemade liqueur. Try these fun infused vodka recipes or make a homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream! Pick up some pretty glass jars at the dollar store or Ikea for attractive presentation and attach handmade labels to complete the effect.

4. Sugar cubes. And not just your plain old square sugar cubes. By using a silicone ice cube tray in fun shapes (like this mustache ice cube tray from Amazon or others, found at IKEA or a kitchen store), use this recipe for sugar cubes to make fun shapes from white and brown sugar. Package in small bags with a handmade tag.

5. Book safe. For the person who has everything: Somewhere to hide it! With some glue and a box knife, this tutorial will help you turn an old book (a hardbound tome from Goodwill, or one that is particularly suited to the recipient) into a hidden book safe for storing small items incongruously on the shelf.

6. Earring frame. With a trip to the hardware store for some wire mesh, an old photo frame can become an elegant earring holder. Bargain Babe featured this frame I made a few years ago and not only has that frame held up well, but it’s been a go-to gift every year for friends with pierced ears.

7. Paper clip bookmarks. These easy peasy button bookmarks are quick and simple for any book lover.

8. Handmade tile coasters. Another go-to gift because everyone needs coasters! Use beautiful craft papers as in this coaster tutorial, or easily personalize by using family photos. I recently saw 4×4 tiles at Home Depot for $0.18 each.

9. Hair accessories. Particularly for younger girls, these felt headbands and clips are an adorable option. For older girls on up, these personalized combs use embroidery floss and an easy crafty touch to share some homemade love.

10. Recipe book. I love this idea because you can go so many ways. Collect a recipe from every family member, then print and bind a copy for everyone who contributed. Or pick from your own collection and handwrite recipes on 3×5 cards to be glued in a beautiful journal and passed down. Or focus on desserts, or ethnic foods… the options are endless!

What handmade items are you making this year?

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Frugal and homemade holiday gifts

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