How do you deal with Christmas on a budget?

“I have too much trouble deciding what I am going to get. I love what my sister and I do, we put together pretend gift pamphlets for one another and give them to one another. Like, if I was rich this is what I would get you. These are all the things I got you but I didn’t actually get you.”

– Mrs. Garris

“…The number of stockings I make every year is unreal, but they have meaning behind them.”

–Kiri Guyer

If you are anything like me this holiday season, you’re in panic mode. Prices are high, wages are low, and worst of all, time is short. This Christmas season seems to have snuck up on everyone. Holiday season panic mode always sets in immediately before Christmas, around the time when everyone realizes that they have yet to buy –or make- presents for anyone. My family has always been big on presents, and who’s giving who what. My tactic to never letting my secrets out, is to wait until the last minute on all of my presents. This may seem like a good idea in November, by the time I get out of school for Christmas break, it dawns on me, and the Christmas panic sets in. Thus, over the years I have devised a set of creative, last minute, do-it-yourself, on a budget, idea for Christmas gifts.

1. Self-Photos: This one is a sucker for grandparents, or extended family members that you never see. Give them the best thing you have to offer, yourself. Dig up some goofy family photos, school pictures, or even some selfies. Blow them up, and print them out. This takes absolutely no artistic ability, and if you have time to run to the store, you can buy some cheap solid black picture frames. If not, make it a “gag- gift.” Sign your name in giant letters on the bottom and wrap it up with a letter telling them “These are my headshots. My autograph might be worth masses one day.” Self Portraits can be spun into sentimental gestures, or something to keep the new owner laughing.

2. Upcycled Journal:  If you’re one of those crafty people, you may enjoy making an upcycled journal. Whether it’s for the artist of the family, the unorganized one who needs to take the hint, or the author that never had the courage to publish their stories, upcycled journals are perfect. Upcycled journals are just paper bound together with the cover of an old book, and washi tape. (Old Readers Digests work well) Personally, I’ve never been a good artist, but this one isn’t quite as hard as it seems. If I can do it, so can you. Here is a link with the tutorial:

http://www.rookno17.com/2011/12/last-minute-handmade-gift-tutorial-make.html

 3.  Christmas Crackers:What in the world is a Christmas cracker? Who would want stale lame crackers for Christmas? (Not me.) Luckily, Christmas crackers are not actually real crackers, and can actually be a blast. Christmas crackers are a tradition in European countries, so why not bring in a little more western culture into our Christmas? A Christmas cracker is a cardboard paper tube with a stick inside, wrapped in brightly colored paper and twisted at both ends so you cannot see the stick poking out, and prizes inside the tube portion of the cracker. When two parties pull at each end of the cracker, it breaks and whoever the cardboard end sticks with gets the prizes inside. Most are stuffed with candy and little toys, but feel free to mix it up with other tiny toys or candies. Nobody knows your family like you do after all. Here’s a more detailed tutorial on how to make your own: http://www.oldenglishcrackers.com/how-to-make-christmas-crackers/

 4. Sharpie Mug: Customize, customize, customize, customize. Everybody wants something customized or monogrammed this Christmas! It’s the new thing. Personal gifts are the best gifts. How about a new customizable object that you can do at home. All you need is an old mug (check the local Peddler’s Mall), sharpies, an oven, and a creative side. Create your own designs, write quotes, jokes, or monograms on your cups. Or even experiment with plate sets or bowls. Then, put it in the oven to set the sharpie so it won’t wash off. The possibilities are endless. Here’s the tutorial with more information:

http://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/Sharpie-Mug-DIY-Project-24955886

5. Coupon book: Not going to lie, I’ve pulled this one more times than I would like to admit. This is the last minute of all last minute ideas. The true procrastinators best friend. The Spark Notes of Christmas presents. The “I’m leaving in ten minutes and I didn’t know Aunt Darlene was actually coming to Christmas dinner this year.

Materials:

• Paper

• Pencil

• Hole puncher

• Ribbon

 

Steps:

First cut the paper into several small rectangles of the same sizes. Next, fold each piece of paper in half and stack them into a book type form. Then, punch one hole in the top and one in the bottom of the rectangles of paper. Next, write on each page fake coupons. (My favorite coupon phrases include: “Quiet for 30 minutes”, “Dinner, my treat”, and “I know you grabbed the last piece of cake, but its mine now.”) These coupons can be cute, funny, or lovey dovey. Have fun with it!

6. Heat pack:

Miracle. That’s all there is to say about this one. Heat packs are great ideas for student athletes to cope with soreness, or for reusable hand warmers. While you can’t sell warmth, this is as close as you will ever get. There are only 4 easy steps. Also, all you have to do to reheat it is pop it in the microwave.

Steps:

1. Fold a 12 inch square piece of material in half with right sides together and sew two of the sides so that three sides are closed and one smaller end is left open. In other words, if it is folded, sew the bottom and the long side so that it becomes a tube that is roughly 12 inches by six inches with one six inch side open.
2. Turn inside out so that the rough ends are hidden.
3. Fill the tube with rice until it is about 2/3 full.
4. Fold the remaining side in so that the rough ends are hidden and sew closed.

Good luck with your last minute Christmas present search. Have fun crafting!