Christmas can be expensive at the best of times, but 2020 has affected many people financially due to the economic fall out of the COVID-19 pandemic. With Christmas coming, it is going to be tougher for many so I thought I would put together some handmade Christmas presents ideas for you. I also think, it you are anything like me, that this year has made me value things differently; the idea of handmade gifts is more thoughtful and kind which will be at the forefront of people’s minds this year.
Here are 5 ideas of handmade Christmas presents on a budget:
A framed photo
Now, more than ever, people are realising that family and friends are the most important things in life. It’s important to cherish them. A family photo is easily printed out via an online printing company such as Free Prints and you can find some beautiful, affordable frames can be found in a number of places online. Think about the decor in the home of the person you are giving it to. If they have a particular style, then it’s good to give them a gift that can fit right into it. Think about whether they would prefer white photo frames or a vintage look.
Hampers
Hampers and Christmas have always gone hand in hand. You can buy baskets pretty cheaply online and then fill them with a range of products you have picked up at great prices or of course thrift a vintage one! You can put in anything from chocolates, preserves, nuts, Christmas puddings, wine – absolutely anything. Finished off with some pretty wrapping and ribbons and you end up with a thoughtful gift which is a lot less expensive than it looks. I have done this a lot in the past; from filling a basket for Mother’s Day to filling a crystal bowl full of goodies.
Of course, if you have the culinary skills, you can choose to hand-make items for your hamper too. Things that work well in a hamper include fudge, jams, chutneys, peanut brittle, and your own spirits such as sloe berry gin.
Pampering gift sets
Find some pretty storage jars online and create your own range of beautiful homemade toiletries. They can be created with a few cheap items and can include: vanilla body scrub – mix together brown sugar and vanilla essential oil and a little almond oil.
Or bath bombs – they make an ordinary bath just that little bit more special. You can buy a bath bomb mould online and get together your ingredients. These include essential oils, baking soda, Epsom salts, and citric acid.
Break out the knitting needles
Knitting has undergone a huge renaissance in the last decade. It’s no longer just for nannas! If you’re handy with a ball of yarn, you’ll create some amazing gifts. From chunky jumpers, hats, scarves, and cardigans. I SO wish I could knit!
Do something thoughtful
You don’t have to give physical gifts at Christmas. You can also choose to do something nice for someone. It could be something as simple as babysitting for a day (never underestimate how much that means to frazzled parents), decorating a relative’s living room, or sprucing up their garden. I love this idea and a a big fan!
Final thoughts
Getting away from the expensive consumerism of Christmas can be good for the soul and the budget. After all, there are many thoughtful things that you can create and give which may require a little more effort but will mean a lot to the person you’re giving them to.
What are you making this Christmas?
