Operation "Making the Holidays"

So as tradition, every year it seems as if I have absolutely no money to really buy Christmas presents with, and that I end up making things for everyone. A few years ago it was jewelry (and for those of you who dont know I make jewelry as a hobby and have an etsy store with a few items in it.) And last year I made homemade Vanilla Extract.

Well I tried and tried but just couldn't seem to pull a lot of money together. So reluctantly, I dusted out the cob webs in the ol' creative side of the brain and started thinking about what I could make everyone for Christmas this year. Well I have made several items so far.  I would love to list them all on here but well most of my family and friends read my blog and well it would give away their surprise.

But since we are on the topic of handmade holidays I have found some really cute and inexpensive gift ideas that I wanted to share with you.

Coconut Sugar Scrub (from thekit.ca)
This is a fabulous scrub for hands and feet! Not to mention it smells a-maz-ing! And you may find yourself taste testing this gift…just sayin…

• Mix together one part of pure unrefined coconut oil (you can find this at most grocery or health food stores), with two parts sugar.

Snow Globes (from MarthaSteward.com)

All you need for this wonderfully fun project is some jars with lids (jelly jars and baby food jars work the best. TIP: If you have or use freecycle or a buy nothing page for your area on facebook or even craigslist, you can probably get all the items you need to make these for free or really close to free.)

What you do to make these is you get some glitter, some figures (preferably plastic, ceramic or other water safe item. Metal will rust), and some super glue and thats it.
You glue the items to the lid. Fill the jar with the water and glitter. Place a line or two around the brim of the lid on the jar where it screws down, and you have yourself  cute and unique gift.

 Handmade Holidays: Cookie Mix (from Domestikatedlife.com)

Grab a package of Tollhouse chocolate chips from the grocery store and using the recipe on the back measure out all of the dry ingredients, layering them one by one in a mason jar. Next, write the recipe out on a pretty piece of paper and stick it on top of the jar, and finally, adorn the front with a personalized message and some ribbon

So you dont have to break the bank to get those special gifts. For me it was just a decision I had to make due to my budget and finances. So I hope you find this post helpful.