The Spread

By Vanessa Herrera

It’s that time of year again! The smell of sugar cookies is in the air and the scenes from your favorite holiday movies cheer you up during this most wonderful time of the year. Then all of a sudden, the holiday bliss hits you like a wall of bricks and you snap back into reality—it’s also the season of giving. The dreadful thought of having to go through crowded malls to try to find the perfect gift for loved ones haunts you. You don’t want to set foot in any store because there are millions of other procrastinators like you, causing chaos at the mall.

Gif Courtesy of www.awesonelyluvvie.com

The season of giving can be quite expensive and stressful, especially if you don’t know what to give your loved ones. Don’t worry, all of your worries can disappear with one simple solution—homemade gifts! Nothing shows more love and thoughtfulness than a homemade gift. Here are some pretty neat ideas to try this holiday season.

Framed Burlap Earring Holder

Photo via positivelysplendid.com

At first glance, this gift looks like it was handcrafted by one of our favorite department stores, but the best part is, it’s not! You can make this beautiful earring holder by hand in your own home. This project will take just a bit more than an hour, but it will totally be worth it. You can think outside the box, personalizing this special gift for the lucky person who will be receiving it. With the perfect frame, this personalized present will give an elegant touch to any person’s room. While you’re at it, you can make one for yourself too.

Glowing Photo Luminaries

Photo via ourbestbites.com

You can make personalized luminaries with any image you wish. It’s so simple! This adorably memorable craft only consists of a few supplies—a glass jar, computer paper, the image you want, and tape—and BAM you’re done! I’m sure whoever you decide to make this for in your family will love it. Or maybe you can hint to someone you love that this is the gift for you this year.

Custom DIY Sharpie Mugs

Photo via pounds4pennies.com

Got a few sharpies laying around? This simple and fun create-your-own sharpie mug will be sure to bring joy to the person you’re making it for. Let your imagination run wild and let the sharpie do the work. There’s so many things you can do with a white mug and sharpies. Don’t worry if you don’t own any colored sharpies; for my brother’s birthday I made him a mug with a black mustache and for my best friend’s birthday I personalized her mug with coffee quotes (she’s an addict). They’ll be reminded of you with every sip they take from your custom mug.

Personalized Bottles

Photo via hercampus.com

This case of “Rein-beer” is sure to make the recipient giggle. We all know someone who wants a little booze to “’tis the season”, so don’t be afraid to give this fun gift to someone who will enjoy it. Imagine all the different ways you can decorate these bottles too.

DIY Hand towels with Quotes

 Photo via ehow.com

Can you believe that you can make these beautifully-handcrafted presents with an iron? Not only am I making some for family members, but I am making a few for my own kitchen and bathroom as well. You’re not forced to settle with the same banal quotes department stores use for every sentimental gift, but rather you can choose any of your favorite Pinterest quotes, or a quote that your loved one lives by. Or, you can let your mind craft its own beautiful quote, tailored to the person you love. The possibilities are endless!

Mason Goodie Jar

 Photo via ourhollydays.com

The trendy item this year has been Mason jars, something my mom always uses to store jam when I was growing up. With all the things you can do with the year’s hottest craft, why not give the “goodie bag” a twist and turn it into a “goodie jar”. Just like the jar in this pin, you can give them themes, such as a manicure set or an assortment of tea bags. Go wild and fill the jar with anything, as long as it’s not jam. But then again…jam is DELICIOUS.

These are a just a few of some of my favorite DIY presents from Pinterest, but you are not limited to these projects. There are a countless number of DIY projects, just waiting for someone to re-pin them and create magic. Also, what counts with these wonderfully creative projects is the effort and thought put into them. A homemade gift is more meaningful than a store-bought one, so go show your loved ones how much you care.