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It might be the season of giving but that doesn’t mean you have to go broke! View the VIBE’s Libby Roach rounds up 5 DIY holiday gifts that are cheap, crafty, and creative.
Strapped for cash this holiday season? Fear not my frugal friends, there’s better gifts out there, you just might have to put some elbow grease into it. Not actual elbow grease, mind you, but effort. And time. Because let’s face it, it’s all about the thought anyways – doesn’t that beat another lame gift card?
Here’s Vv Mag’s guide to gift giving, for the crafty creators and those looking to save a few bucks.
Birch Bark Candle Holders
Crafty level: 2/5
Thrifty level: 5/5
The Don River and surrounding ravines are rich with Birch Bark, making these DIY candle holders a very cost effective gift. The Toronto Public library even offers a tool library, allowing you to borrow a drill to core out the birch limbs. Ikea and your local dollar store sell tealights on the cheap, so you can amortize this gift over a few friends. These candle holders also make for an impressive hostess gift. Get full DIY instructions here.
Make your own Lindt Chocolate Bark
Crafty level: 1/5
Thrifty level: 3/5
Shop at your local grocery store for decent chocolate bars and whip up masterful (and easy) chocolate bark. Gourmet ingredients up the artisan factor to these gifts, so do your homework on what your pal’s preferences are. Grocery store finds like dried cranberries, nuts, and orange zest are easy add-ins, but if you have some crushed candy canes kicking around, they’ll do the trick when melted with festive white chocolate. Smoked sea salt or spicy red hot chili flakes add an unexpected oomph. Tempering chocolate is the hardest part, but it’s mostly just babysitting the chocolate while it melts. You can use an old cookie sheet to pour the chocolate onto, so no need for fancy molds. Once cooled, break into pieces and pile into a tin or decorated box.
Crafty level: 1/5
Thrifty level: 4/5
An oven and basic kitchen ingredients are all you need to whip up this addictive apple chips. Cheerful and merry red apples will give it a Christmas-y boost, but any apple will do the trick. If you can get your hands on a mandolin you’ll save yourself a ton of time slicing. Stack crispy chips in a classic mason jar with a ribbon for a healthy gift that will disappear faster than any dusty gingerbread house.
Crafty level: 4/5
Thrift level: 3/5
Make your own custom tree ornaments with felt! If you’re decent with a sewing needle, then download a pattern, grab some dollar store felt and stuffing to craft an adorable elf version of your best friend. Spare buttons, ribbons, and glitter add pizzazz to your creation, which will live on through the years as a constant reminder of your good tidings.
Eco-Friendly Lip Balm
Crafty level: 4/5
Thrift level: 3/5
If your EOS addicted friend has been rocking some serious chapped lips since the company became embroiled in a class action lawsuit earlier this year, then show her how much you care by making a custom eco-friendly lip balm for her. Using just a few easy to source ingredients, you can feel good about giving your friend a pucker free of parabens. Add beet root powder for a dab of colour or some essential oils for a custom flavour that’s made just for her. Get full DIY instructions here.
RELATED LINK: Holiday 2016: Secret Santa Gifts Under $25
Which DIY will you try ? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.