Eight Easy Homemade Gifts for the Creatively Challenged

Don't know how to bake cookies? Flunked "scissor skills" in first grade? That's ok. If you've got opposable thumbs, read on for simple instructions to create eight different, functional, handmade hostess, holiday, or birthday presents.

1-Homemade vanilla extract is one of the easiest, most impressive gifts you can make. For each present, you'll need one bottle with a lid (5-12 oz size recommended), one vanilla bean, and any sort of vodka or brandy, including the ridiculously cheap rotgut stuff. To make: cut each vanilla bean in half the long way, using kitchen shears scissors (don't run with them!), or a sharp knife. Put both halves of the bean in the bottle. Top off with vodka or brandy. If you want to get really fancy, add a small drizzle of corn syrup to the bottle before you put in the liquor. Age for at least four weeks, shaking the bottle/s every day. or when you remember it.

If you're making many bottles of vanilla, try ordering a dozen or more bottles online. They can generally be purchased, with shipping, for about $1 each. Tag or label your bottle, so people know they're not supposed to down the contents in one go.

2-The world's easiest necklace can be made with 38" of narrow organza (that's the translucent kind) ribbon and a few pretty beads. Choose beads and ribbon you like (feel free to upcycle discarded or unworn jewelry for beads, crystals, charms, or anything else with a hole large enough to accommodate your ribbon). Starting with the central beads, arrange on your ribbon, and secure with a simple overhand knot on each side of the ribbon. This step might be optional if your beads don't slide freely along the ribbon. Plan for 14-16" for a choker, or 17-19" for a princess-length, which hangs just at the collarbone. Once your beads are strung to your liking, cut the edges of the ribbon on a 45-degree angle. Tie an overhand knot close to each end of the ribbon to prevent fraying. Tie with a bow at the back of the neck. For a similar headband, use wider ribbon, and cluster the beads closer to the center for maximum sparkle.

Useful tip: fold a twist tie or bit of wire in half, then twist the tops together to make a flexible needle for stringing your beads.

3-Combine baking soda, Epsom salt, and kosher salt in equal proportions to make amazing skin-softening bath salts. This is also a wonderful body soak for sore muscles.

4-Hand-rolled beeswax candles burn beautifully, and take literally minutes to make. You'll need honeycomb-patterned beeswax sheets and candle wicking from a craft store. Cut a length of wick 3/4"-1" longer than the short end of your beeswax sheet. Put the wick along a short end of your wax, then roll the wax evenly around the wick. Seal the edges by pressing with your fingertips. This project is so easy, it can be done by children as young as 2 1/2-3 years old with adult supervision. It's also a nice project at a family gathering-candles can be made beforehand, then put together on a tray and lit as a centerpiece.

5-Arrange photos, drawings, ticket stubs, programs, or anything two-dimensional onto 11"x17" paper. Attach lightly with a glue stick or double-sided tape. Take to school or office supply shop for laminating on both sides. Ask the laminators to trim the edges, leaving about 1/8" laminating plastic, and you've got a placemat. Referring to the non-photo components as "ephemera" will give you the air of extreme craft expertise.

6-Mix equal parts of rock salt and sand for homemade sidewalk ice melter. Package in reused gallon plastic milk jugs or 2-liter bottles. If you're into large quantities, package in a 5-gallon bucket, and make a scoop from a milk jug.

7-Recipes for homemade household cleaners are abundant. My personal favorite is to mix equal parts of vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and water to clean windows and mirrors. Larger packs of spray bottles for cleansers can often be found at hardware stores.

8-Handmade sugar scrub is far easier to make than it appears, and has a high "wow" factor. Combine equal amounts of sugar with olive, canola, or vegetable oil. The easiest way to scent this is by adding a bit of vanilla (don't bother to measure; just pour a little in, stir, and see if you like the smell). For advanced scenting, try a few drops of essential oil, or a bit of citrus zest. If you're not sure what essential oil or zest is, sticking to vanilla is not only just fine, but highly recommended.

Everything for these projects is, naturally, cheaper when bought in bulk. Try your local warehouse-type store first when getting supplies. Vanilla beans, bottles, and other things can also be purchased online; check the shipping costs of heavier items, to be sure you're still getting a good deal.

Packaging is an important component in giving handmade gifts. For bath salts and sugar scrub, try saving jars with screw-on lids. Soak any labels off, then add a bow, your own handwritten or computer-printed label or tag. If you're concerned about printing on your upcycled jar lid, cover it with a circle of fabric tied with a bow, or even stickers (if you're feeling really brave, check your local craft store for round stickers that can double as jar-disguisers and gift tags).

Each of these projects can be easily made in an evening, with or without children (do supervise the little ones around the booze when making vanilla). If you're feeling sociable, invite a friend or two to join you in making one or more of these gifts, and turn your craft time into a mini-party. And be sure to save at least some of what you make for yourself; you deserve a treat, too.