Thinking about the impending holidays that are fast approaching? Contemplating what type of gift to give all your loved ones? This year, instead of shopping for family and friends – in the traditional sense – opt to make them something that is truly from the heart! Here are some creative DIY Christmas gift ideas for everyone on your list.

The Family Elders

What do you give to those who already have everything? Memories! A few years ago, I made frames very similar to this one and gifted them to my parents, in-laws, and siblings – along with an updated family photo. They were incredibly easy to make and relatively inexpensive.

There is nothing a proud Grandma or Grandpa cherishes more than a custom “handprint” gift. For families with young children, these ornaments are a quick and easy gift for your littles to give to their extended family! We created similar ornaments when our daughter was about three years-old. Be sure to add the year to the bauble so family can reminisce about past holidays!

Fashionista Friends

Gift your BFF, nieces, or cousins something truly one-of-a-kind! Handmade jewelry does not need to be complicated and a simple macrame or beaded feature is a unique and stylish way to accessorize.

Related Post: Get a Jump Start on Holiday Shopping

Blasted Winter will be here before we know it ! And so will the need and desire for warm and cozy knits! Arm knitting is something anyone can pick up – and quickly! In recent years I created a few scarves for family and they came together really quickly and turned out beautiful!

Interior Design Guru

We all have those select few friends who are impossible to buy for due to their impeccable taste and sense of design. So why not create a special piece – just for them! Simple wall decor, signs, shelves, paintings, and hangings are all relatively easy to create. Visit a local thrift store for some frames or fabric and just start creating!

A few more suggestions to help ease the stress of holiday shopping!

• Instead of buying for each family member – buy a gift for the household! Take into consideration all of the households ages, interests, and commonalities. Then, round up a few items that they will all love! Wine, soap, candles, decor, treats!
• Ask people what they really want! Instead of second guessing gift ideas – just ask folks what they would like! Perhaps a sibling was been itching to go to a concert or a friend really wants to try a subscription box! Wants are often just brushed aside in order to make room for needs. Gift someone a frivolous item they’ve been coveting for months!
• Gift an experience rather than a useless item or toy. Kids, at Christmas, just want want want! But often after Christmas, all the toys and shit they receive, just get tossed aside and forgotten. Why not buy tickets for an upcoming event or book a few nights at a fancy hotel! Make memories instead of wasting money!