Blogging Away Debt Our Journeys to a Debt-Free Life

by Susan Paige

Struggling to find the right gift for each member of your family? You’re not alone. With a little over a month left until Christmas, many people are finding themselves stuck on ideas for the perfect gifts. Additionally, many people are feeling anxiety about their finances and the potentially high cost of the holidays. While some people worry that DIY gifts might be too low quality to gift to their loved ones, there are numerous gifts you can make by hand that your family members are sure to love. 

Here are 3 simple, handmade gifts that are perfect for family members of all ages. 

1. Homemade Body Scrub

The beauty enthusiasts in your family are sure to love this gift. Take coconut oil, olive oil, and your choice of sugar or coffee grounds and mix them in a large bowl. Add essential oils for fragrance if you wish, then pour the mixture into a mason jar. This homemade mixture will exfoliate dead skin and leave skin looking and feeling great, and will cost less than $10 to make an entire batch that can fill 5-10 mason jars. Just be sure to use only skin-safe ingredients and essential oils, or your loved ones could be left dealing with medical complications that result in a visit to Northwest Surgery Center.

1. Personalized Candles 

Scented candles can be a surprisingly expensive gift when purchased from a typical candle retailer such as Bath and Body Works or Yankee Candle. Making your own candles at home to gift to loved ones can not only save you money, but can also allow you to create a customized candle that has a scent and design your family members are sure to love. Make your candle inside of a mason jar, an old vase, or even a wine bottle or can. Use a few drops of essential oils in your loved ones favorite scent, which will create a stronger fragrance than a traditional candle might have when lit. 

1. Crochet Scarf

Learning to crochet is not as difficult as many people might believe. Making crochet items for your loved ones such as scarves, blankets, or even coasters is a great way to show your family that you put effort into their gift, while giving them something practical that they are sure to use in their daily lives. A crochet scarf can help to keep your family warm all winter, while staying in style.