Teacup Candle
Put those one-off cups and saucers to good use by creating a candle to give for the holidays. Don't have any? You'll find them in abundance at thrift stores and garage sales. Then, pick up some candle wax, wicks, wooden skewers and follow the tutorial here. Resourceful and beautiful!
kid-craft-project.com
Scrabble Coasters
Sleeve of Wine
For this year's host with the most, a bottle of wine will be much appreciated. Dress it up by slipping it into the sleeve of an old sweater, stitching the bottom shut, and tying a festive bow around the neck.
Confettistyle
Craft an Ornament
Snag your place on a loved one's Christmas tree with a handcrafted ornament. Great ideas are legion—paper stars, bell jar dioramas, acorn-studded decorations, clay feathers...possibilities are limited only by time and imagination. Whether you make an entire set for a new homeowner, or just craft a few for dinner party guests— they're sure to be a homemade hit.
Wood Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are among the most useful items in the kitchen, and they make fantastic gifts—but a fine handcrafted board can cost a pretty penny. With a jigsaw and sander, you can produce your own cutting board from salvaged wood and mineral oil, saving money and giving a gift that will last a lifetime.
Centsational Girl
Braided Rug
Friends and family need not step their bare feet on cold morning floors any longer with this thoughtful gift. Follow the tutorial on A Beautiful Mess to make a basic braided rug by hand. Try different fabrics and lengths to create rugs for bathrooms, bedrooms, and even living rooms! Recipients will be impressed— and their chilly toes will thank you.
A Beautiful Mess
Wood Games
Construct a simple wood game that will be fun for the whole family. Consider making your own memory game, dominoes, or even a novelty-sized Jenga, as you whittle down the list to a few top contenders.
Planter Box for Herbs
Starburst Mirror
An ideal gift for the new homeowner or fledgling graduate, a starburst mirror adds light to stark walls. Wood contractor shims, primer, and spray paint make up the back; round mirrors can be found at reasonable prices through online retailers like IKEA.
A Beautiful Mess
Do-It-Yourself Cookie Mix
Fill a mason jar with dry ingredients for the cookie of your choice—or follow these instructions for a healthy chocolate cookie chip cookie— and affix a label with baking instructions. It's a surefire way to satisfy any sweet tooth this holiday season.
For More...
Need more holiday gift ideas? Consider:
Bob Vila's 2013 Holiday Gift Guides
Wrap it Up! 10 DIY Ways to Bedeck Your Holiday Gifts
How to: Make a Gingerbread House
Don't Miss!
If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!
