5 Inexpensive but Elegant Gifts You Can Make

It's never necessary to give out expensive gifts when an occasion comes around. The latest of everything don't make the perfect gift, either. Why not be inspired instead by these 5 inexpensive but elegant gifts you can make?

No one will turn up their nose if you present them with something handmade. In fact, they'll most likely admire your talent and be awed by the time and creativity it took for you to make something so personal for them.

The only thing you need to do differently when making your own gifts would be to be a little more meticulous in the preparation and planning your shopping trips. But you can be sure that you'll spend less on a gift that will make the earth breathe a little easier.

You'll never have a problem if you give out something that you've concocted in your kitchen. Whether it's a sweet pastry, candy, even a savory pate, or jams and jellies, you'll always get a warm reception for these gifts.

You could always come up with unique packaging that will create an impression. Why not do the earth a favor and recycle some of those pretty glass jars? With the top covered up with decorative paper cut just big enough to drape over the bottle's neck and held in place with a coordinating ribbon, your decorating is done. Or why not decorate the glass jar itself using different colors of nail polish or special glass paints?

Beverage mixes are wonderful gifts in themselves. Whether you decide to concoct a hot coffee/cream/sugar combination jazzed up with spices or a hot tea mix with iced tea powder, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, it's a mix that is used by everyone. A special Mexican Hot Chocolate mix is concocted with a pound of unsweetened Dutch process cocoa, a third of a pound of whole dry milk powder, 3/4 cup of whole or muscovado sugar, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or to taste, a teaspoon of Spanish paprika, and a tablespoonful of cinnamon. Mix together thoroughly and spoon into jars. Package with instructions: "For every cup of hot cocoa, bring a cup of hot milk or water to a boil with three heaping tablespoons of cocoa mix. Let it boil for fifteen seconds and serve with a cinnamon stick, a dollop of whipped cream, or marshmallows."

Bath and body treats are easily made in your kitchen, too. Why not create a facial scrub with ground almonds and whole oats whizzed together in a blender? Add up to a third of white sugar to the mix and pack it into a pretty jar. With a deep-moisturizing hair treatment of almond and coconut oils, it's a home spa in a basket.

Another home spa idea would be a massage kit. All you need to do is put together a bottle of virgin coconut or sweet almond oil scented with the recipient's favorite organic scent, candles in a complementary scent, and a CD of relaxing music packaged in a beautiful scarf.

A piece of specially-commissioned artwork is one gift that will surprise the recipient. A special scene or that special someone captured in a photo can be translated into a painting. There are online galleries that can do this for just a small fee.

Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out some inexpensive baby shower favors or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.