Inexpensive Holiday Gifts that You Can Make

Money is always tight around the holidays. There are usually a few people floating around that you'd like to give a little token gift, but it may put you outside your spending budget.

Here are a few items you can make yourself at minimal expensive. For those of you who aren't crafty, there are also some inexpensive gifts that you could put together from store bought items. Any item marked with a (*) can be purchased at your local discount or dollar store.

Holiday ornaments - There are so many great ways to make ornaments for the holidays. Using clay you've made, (see my article for the recipe), and roll it out. The clay should be at least ½" thick. I usually do this directly on a cookie sheet for neatness and to help judge that I have rolled the clay thick enough. Using your favorite shaped cookie cutter*, firmly but gently cut out your shapes. If you want to dye the clay directly, just add some food coloring to the mix, but keep in mind, it may stain your hands temporarily. Don't forget to use a thick sewing needle or some other instrument to poke a hole for the ribbon. If you don't do that, you won't be able to hang it!

If you choose to color your clay later, allow it to sit until it is dry and feels solid. Once this happens you can feel free to paint them any colors you desire. Just about any type of craft paint will work fine. Allow the ornaments to set and dry.

You can embellish your ornaments with various craft supplies found at most dollar stores, such as glitter, ribbons, stickers, pom-pom balls, etc. You will usually find white glue that works the same as Elmer's, and sometimes you'll find Elmer's glue!

If you chose to use glitter, do it over a cookie tray or in a shoe box. This will help keep the glitter in one place and prevent it from getting all over. Glitter can be itchy if you drop it on the rug, and it some of it always gets left behind, no matter how many times you vacuum.

If you'd like to personalize your ornaments, you can purchase glitter glue with the needle nose tip, for writing ease, at most dollar stores. It comes in all colors and is easy to use. If you make a mistake, swipe it off with a dry, clean towel or rag, and try again.