5 Homemade Holiday Gifts That Feel Personal — and Cost Less

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Many people’s budgets are tight this holiday season, so more expensive gifts might get cut from the list. That doesn’t mean you have to leave people empty-handed, though. There are still plenty of gifts you can make for friends, family and your community without sacrificing your finances.

These homemade gifts don’t cost much, but they’re still something everyone will appreciate.

1. Plant Cuttings

Do you have lots of plants at home? Maybe whenever your friends come over, they’re always impressed with your flourishing houseplant collection. Do you remember which ones are their favorites? Gift them a baby version of one of your plants! Simply take a cutting, root it in water and plant it once the roots are long enough. Since you already own the plants, this gift is super low-cost.

Take this a step further by making a small plant pot out of air-dry clay. A 5-pound bucket of air-dry clay from Amazon is $10.86, and watching a YouTube tutorial on how to do it is free. So you could share plants with five friends and give them a handmade plant pot for about $2 each. Make sure to include care instructions for their new plant so they can keep it alive.

2. Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar

Share a little warmth this season with a jar of homemade peppermint hot cocoa mix. This is one of the most affordable gift options you can make this holiday season, since it takes only a few supplies to make each mix.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need, according to this recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup powdered milk
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chopped hard peppermint candies
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 quart Mason jar

According to the recipe, you’ll start by layering each ingredient in the jar, with the cocoa powder and powdered milk on the bottom. Each jar of this recipe serves up to eight people. Top it off with a printed recipe card and festive ribbon to make gifts everyone will love.

3. Sourdough Starter and Recipe

Do you love baking sourdough and have friends and family who are always asking for your recipe? If so, why not give them a gift that keeps on giving? A jar of sourdough starter and instructions on how to use it are the perfect homemade gift for friends and family who want to start their own bread baking journey.

You can include your special sourdough recipe and a freshly baked loaf. A Hundred Affections has free printable gift tags and recipe/instruction cards to make this gift even more cost-effective. Between Mason jars, printing and linen bread bags for gifting, you’ll likely be able to spend less than $20 per gift.

4. Thrifted Gift Basket

You can find just about anything at the thrift store, and sometimes there are brand-new items at a steep discount or rarities you won’t find anywhere else. What better way to utilize those items than make gift baskets for friends and family? Customize the basket for each giftee, so no one gets a gift that’s exactly the same. This holiday, try using Goodwill’s guide to curating gift baskets to help you narrow down what to look for.

Start with a basket, bag or box that fits your chosen items. Layer it with a throw blanket, table runner or scarf. It can be helpful to come up with a theme for your gifts too. For example, you could try a self-care basket with a blanket, a candle, Epsom salt and a good book. You may not be able to find everything at the thrift store, but it can cut your costs significantly. Just be sure to give everything a thorough clean before wrapping it up nicely.

5. DIY Painted Neckerchief

If you have fashionable friends who love a good accessory, try creating a painted neckerchief for each of them. Since there’s no sewing or special equipment needed for this project, it’s beginner-friendly while still allowing plenty of room for personalization. This idea comes from Sugar & Cloth and requires only these items to get started.

• ​​Cotton neckerchiefs or handkerchiefs
• Acrylic fabric paint in your chosen colors
• Fabric paint in a medium heat setting for clothing
• Paintbrush and dish
• Tape
• Drop cloth
• Iron
• Clothespins and string

These items don’t have to break the bank, either. Amazon sells a 12 pack of handkerchiefs for less than $15, for example. Add in some paint and some additional supplies, you can have a thoughtful, homemade gift for everyone on your list.

Ultimately, gift giving doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to make an impact. The more personalized gifts are often the ones recipients will treasure the most. It didn’t come from the store; it came from your heart, and that’s truly what the holiday season is all about.

Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.

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