Theme of the Week: DIY Holiday Gifts

The Christmas shopping season is in full force, and this week we thought it’d be interesting to discuss DIY Holiday Gifts. This Friday we’ll be hosting a @CollectiveBias Twitter Chat at 12:30 pm EST; be sure to join us by using the hashtags #handmadegifts and #cbias. This chat will be filled with all sorts of crafty conversation that’s sure to fill you with the Christmas spirit.

This week we focused on DIY Holiday Gifts with our community survey, and here are the results of that survey….

We asked Social Fabric members if they prefer to purchase ready-made items for gifts or make their own…. 89% answered they do both. When asked what types of holiday gifts they make, 72% of members answered handmade baked goodies and treats, while other popular answers were scrapbooks, calendars, or photo gifts; handmade ornaments; and cooking/baking mixes in a jar. How much do members typically spend on DIY project materials for gifts? 34% answered $0-$20, while 31% answered $40-$60. We also asked where they purchase their DIY project materials, and 86% answered a craft store (like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Joann, or AC Moore); 79% shop at a mass retail store (like Walmart, Kmart, or Target). Others answered a local yarn store or quilt store. So, why do members enjoy making handmade gifts? 41% answered that they just enjoy crafting and making handmade things. 27% of members feel that handmade gifts seem more meaningful. Of course, 13% answered that it’s a way for them to spend more time with their kids. A few members also wanted to answer for all of the reasons listed, one even answering that it’s “part of the spirit of the season.”

Now it’s time to see how Social Fabric members have gotten their craft on this holiday season. Check out their awesome projects and ideas for DIY Holiday Gifts.

Edible Gifts

Diane, from Turning the Clock Back, has a delicious recipe for homemade candy that would make the perfect gift or stocking stuffer this Christmas…. Hazelnut Marzipan Truffles.

Think beautiful, genius, creative, and delicious with Heather from WhipperBerry’s Hot Chocolate on a Stick.

Need a crunchy party appetizer? Kristy, from Mommy Hates Cooking, shares her recipe for Grandma’s Goop.

Brandie, from Home Cooking Memories, shares Creative & Easy Food Gift Ideas that include cookie dough logs and more. For the coffee lover, she also shares an Easy Gift Idea for Breakfast in a Can.

DIY Gifts for Kids

If you’re in need of some cute, crafty gifts the kids can make, check out Candace from Naturally Educational’s post with Homemade Ornaments the Kids Can Make. They might also enjoy making votive candle lanterns and pencil holders in Our Handmade Christmas Gifts. Mosaic Coasters will also add a touch of color and beauty to this Christmas season.

You may be looking for actual handmade gifts for the kids. Whitney, from It’s Gravy Baby!, gives step-by-step directions for how to make Fun Shaped Homemade Crayons. Soap Crayons are another fun project to make bathtime a little more fun. Don’t forget about colorful, Homemade Play Dough.

Miscellaneous Gift Ideas

Glenda, from Busy-at-Home, shares her projects, including a DIY Magnet Board and a Beautiful, Etched Glass Candle Holder, both of which she says are frugal, easy gift options.

Heather, from WhipperBerry, shares how to make a festive Candy Cane Wreath.

Want to give a practical yet classy gift? Ellen, from Confessions of an Overworked Mom, shares her Perfume Tray Project.

Everyone loved Eleanor Evans’ Green Christmas on bellesouth.

Monica, from Monica Wants It, shares how to create a beautiful Burlap Monogrammed Memo Board, as well as a Ballard Designs Knock Off Monogram Letter Wreath.

Tonia, from The Gunny Sack, has a unique handmade gift idea for {Everything} In A Jar, from Pampering in a Jar to Energy in a Jar to Refreshment in a Jar.

Hopefully, if you’re stumped on gift ideas, one or more of these projects will resonate with you and your family this holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

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