5 Quick, Cheap, and Easy Holiday Gift Ideas

Stumped for gift ideas?  Strapped for cash?  Here are 5 simple, practical, do-it-yourself gifts you can have ready in time for the holidays without breaking the bank.

1. Homemade Body Scrub.

Skip the overpriced bath and body stores and stop by your local grocer to pick up a few key ingredients.  Mix it all up in some mason jars from the thrift store, wrap it in a bow, and you’ve got a great, practical, and long lasting gift for anyone.

Here’s a sample recipe.

2.5 cups sugar in the raw

¾ cup white granulated sugar

4-5 tablespoons of vanilla, almond, OR orange extract

¼ cup almond oil

2. Ready Meals: Pasta in a Pot, Breakfast in a Basket.

It’s all about the presentation.  Grab some festive trimmings, a few basic ingredients (ex. dried pasta, jar of sauce, block of cheese), and throw in a basic kitchen tool (ex. pot, grater) and you’ve got an adorable holiday feast.

3.  Teacup Candles

Pick up an assortment of tea cups from the thrift store and melt down some old candles on your stove.  Paste a new wick to the bottom of each tea cup and fill them up with the melted wax for a pretty, unique, and practical present.   

4. Bread (or brownies or cookies) in a Bottle.

Layer the dry ingredients of your favorite baking recipe in an empty milk bottle or mason jar.  Paste on a cute label and directions for baking and you’re good to go.

5. Garden Kit.

There’s nothing like having fresh herbs for my cooking year round.  Give the gift that keeps on giving with a small planting pot, a bag of seeds, and a pair of gardening gloves. 

Happy Holidays!