Teens

Gifts on a Budget - Make it Yourself!
By Jillian Bietz

With the holidays rapidly approaching, many of us scurry trying to find the perfect gifts for our friends and relatives. However, in these difficult economic times, finding the "perfect" present on a "not-so-perfect" budget can be a difficult task. But with a little creativity, you can make wonderful, homemade presents that look like a million bucks! These gifts are inexpensive, easy to make, and thoughtful.

Cookie Jar

Everybody has a favorite sweet treat, and indulging during the holidays is an enjoyment for many. Pour a box of your favorite cookie mix into a glass canning jar or Mason jar. On an unlined note card or gift tag, write up the instructions for baking the cookies (you can find it on the back of the box) as well as the necessary ingredients you did not provide, such as eggs or butter. If your writing is messy, type it up in a fun font. Punch a hole in the top corner of the card and string with a pretty ribbon. Tie to the lid, and there you have it. A very sweet gift indeed!

Vintage Book Set

Books are often sentimental and can be nice decorations when displayed on a coffee table. To "make" this kind gift, head over to a used bookshop, library (sometimes libraries sell old books) or Goodwill store and browse through the selections. Choose an appropriate theme (such as the classics or the gift recipients favorite books from childhood) and pick up as many interesting books you can find. Later you can choose the best ones to buy. Though the vintage quality is great, make sure the books are in relatively good condition-meaning no suspicious stains, missing pages, or ripped covers. If you want to add a little something else, pick out a cute bookmark that fits the theme. Tie together two or three quality selections with a pretty ribbon, and you have a perfect personal gift.

Homemade Beauty

Fancy soaps, scrubs and creams are always holiday gift favorites, but when you can't pronounce the ingredients in the product, many are wary when it comes to putting the mystery substance on their skin. However, you can make nearly anything at home. From honey oatmeal scrub, to cocoa lip-gloss to a variety of yummy-smelling bath salts, a homemade beauty project is simple and requires few components. Check out http://www.from-nature-with-love.com/recipe/default.asp for a selection of recipes.

Craft Basket

Perfect for your artistic friend, a craft basket is a fun way to infuse personality into a homemade gift. Fill a wicker basket with markers, glitter pens, crayons, construction paper, glue sticks and anything else you want to include-the sky is the limit. Wrap up the basket in cellophane and you have a fun, easy gift for your craft loving friends.

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