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A DIY holiday gift guide

From comic book coasters to moon sand, do-it-yourself gifts may be just right for the people on your list.

A DIY holiday gift guide

From comic book coasters to moon sand, do-it-yourself gifts may be just right for the people on your list.


The holidays are coming up fast and you’re looking for gift ideas. You want to please the people on your list but don’t want to break the bank to do it. No easy feat considering the variety of characters in your circle, but you can do this.

Consider a DIY gift. Before you dismiss it, just know there are hundreds of ideas you could easily make, spending sensibly, that rival store-bought equivalents. Something to suit even the most unique persona.

With that in mind, here are some great, simple gift ideas made from supplies you may have around the house right now.

For the Fancy Nibbler and Home Cooker

For your foodie friends: Unique tastes make their day. Throw a dash of delight on their next meal with flavored salts, or inspire any griller with a custom spice rub. Give them a ready-to-make holiday dessert, in a jar, or set them up with a vanilla extract starter kit (you just need vodka and the right beans).

For the Parent praying for a peaceful Zoom call

Working from home is not easy for parents whose children clamor for attention. Help them keep the kids busy for uninterrupted conference call time. Playdough might be a worthy distraction, or moon sand if you really want to impress. Both are not hard to make.

Kids may be more likely to spend time on art if they use unique supplies, and crayons can be easily made in different shapes and colors. Likewise, crafting their own paint swatch bookmark in their favorite color scheme may encourage kids to read a book during parental working hours.

For the Upcycling Enthusiast with a green thumb

For your eco-mindful plant fans: You’ll get twice their appreciation for time spent turning old bottles and tin cans into Instagrammable planter décor. Have other old containers cluttering your shelves? Candles can be made with minimal supplies for any occasion.

For the Eclectic Collector with stories to share

Let them show off their experiences with photograph coasters you can make from discarded building materials. Play to their distinct tastes by using old comic books or vinyl records for some truly creative, and useful, purposes.

A quick internet search provides many other fun DIY gift ideas for friends and family. With a little creativity, you may find DIY makes the holidays a little brighter—and lighter on your finances.

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