Approaching the season of giving on a budget sometimes requires a little ingenuity and creativity. Fortunately, we have all of the best ways to share a gift without breaking the bank. From presents for family and friends to coworker gift exchanges, we have you covered. You can even get thrifty with your gift wrap and create something truly special to share this holiday season.

DIY Handmade Gifts for the Holidays

Get crafty to create a handmade gift perfect for the special people in your life. You can customize it to express their interests or celebrate the unique bond that you share.

1. Photo ornaments - Help decorate your friend’s tree by gifting them a custom photo ornament. You can share favorite memories from the past year in black and white to fit in with any theme. You can even add glitter, small beads, or festive ribbon inside the ornament for a special touch. Materials needed: clear fillable ornaments (plastic or glass, available at craft stores), printed photos, scissors or a circle cutter, decorative elements like glitter, fake snow, ribbon, or small beads, and twine or festive ribbon for hanging.
2. Upcycled wreaths - Turn those old sweaters into a festive and cozy wreath. You can create multiple wreaths out of a stack of sweaters so that you have one to keep and others to gift. They’re unique because no two wreaths are alike—each carries its own texture, color, and pattern from the sweater used. Start with cutting sweater strips, then glue one end of a strip to a wreath form, wrap tightly, overlapping edges, and secure with glue. Layer for texture: Add more strips in different colors/patterns for variety. The next step is to add decorations of your choice. In the end, attach a loop of ribbon or fabric to the back for hanging.‍
3. Custom terrarium - Whether you use real plants or fake, a DIY terrarium makes a fun gift. Add animals and figures that speak to your giftee's special interests and passions. This gift can be especially meaningful for your nature-loving friends or for a child who enjoys the bio world. The first step is to pick a container like a clear jar, bowl, or vase, next add pebbles and soil. The step that will make it all live is to plant small plants like succulents or moss, after which you can proceed with decorating. In the end water and enjoy!‍
4. Personalized candles - You can customize simple candles with photos, words, and other designs that are perfect for friends and family. Make a set of three for the ultimate cozy candlelight display. Steps to do it:
   -Pick a candle: Use a plain white or light-colored candle.
   -Print a design: Print a photo, quote, or pattern on tissue paper.
   -Attach the design: Place the tissue paper on the candle.
   -Melt it: Use a hairdryer to melt the candle’s surface and stick the design.
   -Cool and gift: Let the candle cool and wrap it up to give as a gift.

Experience Gifts for the Holidays

Time is the most precious gift you can share, so don’t be afraid to give a special experience that you can share together. Stick with a special tradition or venture out to try a new activity. Either way, these gifts are sure to be memorable.

1. Holiday scavenger hunt - You can set up an in-person scavenger hunt or go virtual for scattered family and friends. Form teams to get involved in some friendly competition with small prizes (plus bragging rights for the next year) to the winner. Steps to do it:
   -First, pick a theme like "Christmas Traditions"
   -Create a list of clues and items you will include 
   -Choose places where it will all happen
   -Hide items and create clues
   -Organize teams and set a time limit
   -Hunt!
   
2. Movie night kit - Include popcorn, candy, and a cozy blanket to cuddle up and watch a favorite movie. Put it all together in an upcycled basket or box, complete with decorations on the outside to make it look like a movie theater. All you need to do is decide which holiday flick to start with and enjoy! Here are some ideas on what to include: you can add that person's favorite movie or include a gift card so they can pick out what to watch, popcorns: salty or sweet, or both, soda or their favorite drink, blanket, and something special (e.g.candle for romance fans).‍
3. Family photos - Ask a photo friend to snap some special pictures of you and your family this holiday season. They’ll be able to look back at the special time you spent together. If you have outdated frames in your home, repurpose them to show your new pictures. You can create a photo album for them, or turn family photos into special gifts like mugs or calendars. You can personalize it with a note or message that explains the significance of the photo, and then just wrap it nicely for the final touch
4. Favorite meal - Make your gift recipient’s favorite meal and enjoy it together. You can turn it into a special occasion with DIY tablescape ideas. There are a few options you can do. You can prepare their favorite meal from scratch and wrap it nicely, either as a full meal or in individual servings. Those who love to cook can put together a kit with all the ingredients needed to make their favorite meal. You can include a recipe card to make it extra special. If their favorite meal includes desserts or baked goods, consider gifting homemade cookies.‍
5. Vacation memory jar - Gather special treasures from a recent adventure and display them with small photos in a mason jar or other upcycled container. Bonus points if you can find one from the trip itself. This gift is perfect for remembering the fun that you’ve enjoyed over the past year. First, pick a jar and decorate it in your own style. Choose memories and write them down and choose special items from vacation like postcards or magnets. Fill the jar with all these items and last step is to give it away and enjoy it together in your memories!

Food and Drink Gifts for the Holidays

Baking treats and sharing drinks is a great way to make merry this holiday season. You can create low-cost food and drink gifts to share with friends and family.

1. Christmas candy - Share the tastes of the season with homemade candy. You can go with peppermint bark, fudge, or chocolates decorated with festive holiday colors. Package them in a cellophane bag or basket to make them extra special. Along with it you can add a special note to express your gratitude to them. Giving homemade or thoughtfully selected candies shows you care and adds a sweet touch to someone's holiday season.
2. The Giving Plate - Design a food-safe plate to express your gratitude for the season. Fill it with special treats to give to a friend. When they are done, they can do the same and pass “The Giving Plate” along to someone else. How to do it? Choose a plate, clean it, and dry it, next design the plate as you wish using paint or markers. Make the design permanent by letting it dry for 24 hours if you used markers. Seal the design by spraying it with clear acrylic sealer. Let it dry and then package and wrap it for someone special.‍
3. Homemade vanilla extract - Did you know that you can make homemade vanilla extract with just whole vanilla beans and vodka? This gift takes some planning since the two ingredients need time to meld together in the bottle, but it is a delicious and budget-friendly gift for a baking enthusiast.
   -Cut vanilla beans and place them in a glass jar.
   -Pour vodka over the beans, covering them completely.
   -Seal and shake the jar.
   -Store in a cool, dark place.‍
4. Dog treats - Don’t forget the four-legged giftees in your life! Make homemade dog treats to show your love for your favorite pooch during the holidays. You can customize the ingredients to suit your dog's tastes and dietary needs, ensuring they're healthy and safe. Another thing is you can make them bone-shaped and decorate them with dog-safe topping. If you’re making a large amount, be sure to package them in a container that seals or you may find yourself with an empty package in just a few minutes.

The perfect gift comes from the heart and reflects what you love about the recipient, which is why DIY and homemade gifts that cost little money can be so impactful. Look around your home to see what items you can upcycle to create festive packaging and wrappings to make your present even more special. Give it with a smile and celebrate the holidays with the people (and furry friends) that you love.