Gift giving is one of the best parts of christmas for many people, but it also can mean financial stress at a time of year when you should be enjoying yourself. Handmade gifts can take some of the financial burden of gift-giving, and add a personalised, thoughtful touch. Here are eight ideas for handmade gifts that won’t break the bank or take specialised skills.
Embroidered Napkins
Embroidered or embellished napkins. Embroidering a phrase or name onto napkins is such a cute idea, and doesn’t take too long. If you have loads of time on your hands, small motifs can work too!
Cocktail packs
Put together a gift pack of all the ingredients for your friend or families favourite cocktail. You can do full size bottles or mini bottles depending on your budget. Extra points if you include handmade garnishes, like dried orange slices, or fresh ingredients.
Handmade chocolates
Handmade chocolates. If you can temper chocolate, the sky is the limit for the kind of chocolates you can make. Chocolate bark is quick and easy or you could make christmas themed chocolates. Basic recipe here.
Chilli oil or crisp
Chilli oil or chilli crunch. If you have foodie friends, homemade chilli crisp, or chilli oil is a perfect gift to make. It’s super quick and super easy and you could even design your own labels. Chili crisp recipe here and chilli oil recipe here.
Lemon curd
Lemon curd. It’s all the warm fuzzies of homemade jam with a fraction of the effort. Lemon curd is surprisingly easy and such a sweet gift to make for family and friends. There’s a great recipe from the BBC here.
Bath bombs or bath salts
Bath bombs are fun and surprising homemade gifts, they’re infinitely customisable with fragrance, colour and shape. If you fancy something easier, bath salts also make a great gift. Tutorial for bath bombs here, and bath salts tutorial here.
Candles
Candles might be a bit more intensive in terms of set up but if you want to knock off everyone on your gifting list, a batch of candles will do that in a fell swoop. Here’s a good starting point.
Beeswax wraps
Make beeswax wraps for your sustainably minded family and friends, all you need is some cotton fabric and beeswax, here is a tutorial from the Natural History Museum.