The holiday season is a joyous time of year, but it also can be expensive. According to the National Retail Federation, American consumers spend an average of $998 on gifts and additional holiday items each Christmas. In 2024, the anticipated spend for holiday travel, entertainment and gifts was expected to top $1,600 per shopper.
While some people have no qualms about spending so much come the holiday season, others may be tightening their budgetary belts this year and could be interested in some cost-effective gift options. Homemade gifts are very thoughtful, and they tend to be more budget-friendly than some commercially sourced items. Check out these inexpensive homemade gifts.
Bath bombs
Bath bombs are fizzing, scented balls that dissolve in bathwater. Popular retailers sell bath bombs, but such products can be expensive. However, bath bombs are easily made at home with some basic ingredients like baking soda and citric acid. Simply search online for popular bath bomb recipes and then wrap the finished product in cellophane treat bags with ribbon.
Photo ornaments
There are various ways to create photo ornaments, which provide an excellent reason to make prints of some of your favorite images. Insert a print inside of a clear ball ornament, purchase a small photo frame and add a hook for hanging, or use a photo transfer product to transfer photo ink to another object, like a cardboard or wood cutout. Recipients will love hanging these thoughtful photo ornaments on the tree or around the house.
Sugar scrubs
Just like bath bombs, it’s relatively easy to recreate a spa experience by gifting homemade sugar scrubs. These scrubs are made from mixing sugar with coconut oil and a few drops of essential oil for a scented boost. If desired, add vitamin E oil or jojoba oil to soothe the skin even more.
Potted plant
Utilize an interesting container in lieu of a traditional flower pot to put a creative and personalized spin on this gift. A coffee mug with a witty saying can house a plant or even a small ramekin picked up at the dollar store. Choose a plant that matches the care style of the recipient. Someone whose green thumb isn’t perfect may appreciate a cactus or another succulent, which tend to be low-maintenance.
Personalized stickers
Many people now have printing and cutting craft machines that enable them to expand their crafting options at home, or even start home businesses. Kids may appreciate a stack of homemade, personalized stickers they can use to adorn water tumblers, phone cases or notebooks.
Homemade gifts are thoughtful and often inexpensive options for creative types shopping on a budget.
