Dressed for the Holidays (Part 3/3): DIY Holiday Gifts Styled With Love!

In the gift-giving spirit of the season, surprise loved ones with DIY gifts that won’t crack the piggy bank.  All gift ideas cost under $10 each when made in bulk and are simple to create.  Use these projects to make personalized and stylish gifts for your family and friends.  Let the festivities begin!

Frosted Glass Mirrors, Picture Frames and Candle Holders

Supplies:

• Glass mirror, picture frame, ornament, dish, candle holder, etc. (check out the dollar store for some great deals on these items, approx. $1-5)
• Glass frosting finishing spray (available at craft stores, approx. $8)
• Cardstock
• Printer
• Scissors
• Tape

Project Steps:

1. Clean the surface of your item thoroughly and allow to dry.

2. Search for free clip art online in a holiday-themed design.  We suggest shapes of reindeer, trees, snowflakes, ornaments or initials.

3. Print your chosen design onto the piece of cardstock.

4. Cut out your template.  You can cut out only the image to create the frosted image on your item, or you can cut out the item only and frost the entire item except for your chosen design.

5. Tape your template onto your item in desired location.

6. Follow instructions on glass frosting finishing spray, and frost your item using slow even strokes from 7-12” away.  Bed sure to lay down newspaper or do this step outside to avoid a mess.

7. Allow to dry and wrap.

Handmade Ornaments

Bow Ornament

Supplies:

• 12” velvet ribbon (approx. $2)
• Metal hanging hook (approx. $2)
• Needle and thread

Project Steps:

1. Tie your velvet ribbon into a bow.

2. Sew the hanging hook to the ribbon, with the open end facing away from the front of the bow.

3. Wrap and gift.  

Button Wreath Ornament

Supplies:

• 9” of 22-gauge green floral wire (available at craft stores, approx. $5)
• 72 buttons of various sizes and colors (available at craft stores, approx. $4)
• Scissors
• Ribbon
• Need-nose pliers or wire cutters

Project Steps:

1. Using pliers, make a small loop at one end of the wire.

2. Thread buttons onto un-looped end of wire.

3. Using pliers, bend the un-looped end of wire around the looped end, twisting it closed.  This will form the circular shape.

4. Use the ribbon to make a loop for hanging the wreath. Tie a bow around the wreath for decoration.

Cupcake Ornaments

Supplies:

• Styrofoam balls (2.5” size for regular cupcakes or 1.5” size for mini cupcakes, approx. $1)
• Heavy-duty foil cupcake liners (standard size for regular cupcakes or mini for small cupcakes, approx. $3)
• Artificial snowflake glitter (approx. $4)
• Artificial floral berries with stems (approx. $3)
• Wooden skewers (approx. $2)
• Foam paint brush (approx. $2)
• Hot glue and craft glue
• Scissors
• Needle and fishing line

Project Steps:

1. Stick one Styrofoam ball onto a wooden skewer for easy handling. Use a foam brush to paint the upper 2/3 of the ball with craft glue.

2. Roll the ball into the artificial snowflake glitter to cover glued areas completely. 

3. Do steps 1 and 2 for each of your Styrofoam balls and allow to dry completely.

4. After the glue has completely dried, remove the skewers and hot glue the glittered Styrofoam balls, glittered side up, into the cupcake liners.  Do this gently so as not to crush the liner.

5. Cut off an artificial berry leaving a half inch of the stem exposed.  Use hot glue to adhere the berry to the top of your cupcake, with the stem side facing up.

6. Using a needle, “sew” a hanging loop into the top of your cupcake. And ta da! Your “super sweet” gift is complete.

Holiday Spa Gift Basket

Compile a gift basket of handmade spa products, including bath fizzies and scented bath salts, for a delightful treat.

Holiday Bath Fizzies

Supplies:

• 1 part citric acid (available at supermarkets, approx. $5)
• 2 parts baking soda (approx. $3)
• Witch hazel (available at supermarkets in the bandaid aisle, approx. $4)
• Dry food coloring (available at supermarkets, approx. $5)
• Fragrance oil (we suggest ginger bread, peppermint, cinnamon or another holiday-related scent, approx. $8)
• Mold (consider shaped cup-cake tins in holiday themes, approx. $6)
• Spritzing bottle (approx. $1)

Project Steps:

1. Blend the citric acid and baking soda extremely well.  If not blended properly, your bath fizzy will turn out grainy.

2. Add a small amount of food coloring.

3. Add fragrance oils to desired strength.

4. With a spritzing bottle, spritz witch hazel into the mixture while stirring continuously.  Continue adding witch hazel and stirring until mixture holds form when squished.  Be careful not to spritz too much, as this will cause the fizzing reaction to begin.

5. Immediately pack the mixture tightly into your mold.  Wait a few minutes and gently tap out from mold.

6. Let air dry for 3 to 4 hours and wrap individually.

Holiday Bath Salts

Supplies:

• Plain bath salts (available at most craft stores, approx. $6)
• Fragrance oil (we suggest gingerbread, peppermint, cinnamon or other holiday-related scent, approx. $8)
• Liquid food coloring (approx. $4)
• Glass containers (approx. $1-3)
• Gloves

Project Steps:

1. Pour all of the bath salts into a large mixing bowl
2. Add fragrance until desired intensity is achieved
3. Add a small amount of food coloring
4. Mix with gloved hands
5. Divide into separate jars and gift.

Candy Cane Candles

Supplies:

• Candle (get creative with various colors and scents, approx. $1-3)
• Stick candy canes or round peppermints  (approx. $3)
• Hot glue gun

Project Steps:

1. Hot glue your candy cane sticks or round peppermints
2. Cover the entire surface
3. Wrap and gift!

Be a savvy gifter this holiday season, with these DIY holiday gift ideas.  Show your loved ones they were worth the extra effort, and make them a creation styled with love.