How to Make Your Own Holiday Gifts

We all know that, during the holiday season, gifts can become quite expensive. It's the thought that counts. Making your own holiday gifts for the people you care about tells the receiver that you really care. Here's a few tips on how to make your own holiday gifts this season.

Pasta Baskets - Pasta baskets are perfect for the pasta lover in your life. Fill the basket with an array of pastas. Add a few jars of store-bought sauce or homemade sauce. Add a couple of different cheeses, like parmesan and asiago, and two loaves of crispy bread. Wrap it up in a colorful piece of cellophane and give.

Handmade T-shirts - This is a great idea when it comes to gifts for children or young adults. You can buy plain-colored T-shirts at any craft store at low prices. Pick up fabric paint, which comes in every color imaginable, and start designing your T-shirts. Design them however you want them to look and start giving as gifts.

Plant Pots - These are great for the woman/man who loves plants. Get yourself a large pot filled with potting soil. Buy a variety of five different plants, and replant them into the pot. Create a little card with plant instructions and place into pot. Add a ribbon and a bow, and begin giving.

Cheese Baskets - Cheese baskets are another great gift to give. Visit your local farmer's market to pick up an assortment of cheeses. If you know what kind the receiver likes, then get those. Place them in a basket with an assortment of crackers, as well as summer sausages. Wrap up in a bright piece of cellophane and give.

Bath and Body Basket - Make your own great bath and body gift for anyone. Fill up a basket with shampoo, conditioner, a razor, shaving cream, lotions, powder and perfume or cologne. Many times, you can go to your local dollar store and pick up great deals on all the items listed above. If you purchase all the items listed at the dollar store, you will spend around $8 on this to make your own gift.

Book Baskets - This is one of my favorite "make your own" gift ideas. Anyone who loves to read will probably appreciate this gift more than anything else they receive, whether it be new books or used books from a thrift store. Purchase a nice, heavy-duty, square basket. Place up to 10 books inside the basket with a small reading light. Wrap in newspaper with a bright red bow and begin giving.

Baked Goods - Baked goods are the classic homemade gift for the holidays. Anyone who has an oven can bake; it's just a matter of following directions. Find your own recipes for holiday fudge, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, apple crisp, pecan pie or other baked treats. As an alternative, purchase a boxed variety so you can prepare it in a flash. Package it in a cute holiday tin and give to friends, family or coworkers.

There you have it. Great ways that you can learn how to make your own gifts for the holidays. Use your imagination when making gifts. You will be pleasantly surprised to see how thankful people are when they receive a homemade gift instead of the standard, store-bought present.