DIY Christmas Gifts

With the economy still hurting many people, a very popular trend this holiday season is going to be the DIY (Do It Yourself) gift. There are so many different types of gifts you can make with your own two hands and only a few materials to do so.

If you have a large family, you'll be desperate for ways to save money, and by making your own gifts you can save hundreds of dollars. The problem a lot of people have is the ability to think creatively. When you make the decision to make Christmas gifts yourself, you can often feel as though you have no clue where to start.

Here is a guide to some of the top DIY Christmas gifts:

1. Gift Baskets - Gift baskets are a great gift to give around the holidays. The best part of making your own gift basket is that you can personalize it to whomever you are giving it to. If you are making a gift basket for a huge sports fanatic, you could fill the basket with football goodies. If you have a friend who is a great cook, you can fix them a nice gift basket full of ingrediants to a recipe. You can really put a smile on anyone's face when they received such a personalized gift basket.

2. Knit - If you know how to knit or crochet, you could spend some relaxing time making some scarves, afghans, hats or mittens. All you need is yarn, and knitting needles. You could make 1 scarf for less than 5 dollars. This is one of those gifts that keep on giving, winter after winter.

3. Soaps - Everyone loves fragranced soaps, you can visit your local craft store, and purchase a soap making kit for less than $20.00, and make enough soap to give as more than 5 different gifts. You can personalize these soaps as well; you can add the gift receiver's favorite color and scents to the soaps.

4. Candles - Candles are actually very simple to make, and you can get the materials you need at any craft store. You can make different scented candles by adding different oils, and make any size candle. Most craft stores even have candle stencils where you can form a candle in different shapes.

5. Wine - Making wine is a lengthy process, but it can be actually fairly simple (as long as you have patience). You can make a few bottles at one time, and then hand them off as personalized wines. You can name each wine after the person you are giving the bottle to. You'll need at least 1 month's time to make the wine. You should let the gift receiver know they should let the wine age for a while before drinking though.

With all of these great DIY gifts, you can just add a touch of gift wrapping, and that's all there is too it. Not only are these projects fun, but you'll be so thankful Christmas day when you still have a full wallet, and a family who loves you even more for putting some much thought and time into their special gifts.