Photos: Martha Stewart Living
This year, everyone I know is cutting down on their holiday spending. With the economy in what seems to be a perpetual slum, it's no longer tempting to lavish loved ones with expensive gifts. However, that doesn't mean we've all lost the holiday spirit. This year I'm planning to make some of my gifts. While researching ideas for my own version of Santa's workshop, I bookmarked a few quick, simple and affordable crafts that our readers could make this year.
Here are some of our favorite ideas for presents that cost less than $20 to make.
Above: Ribbon belts and bracelets from
Martha Stewart Living would make a lovely gift for a gal pal in
velvet but could also be a present for male friends if crafted from a masculine
grosgrain ribbon.
Approximate cost: $1.50 per belt.
Photo: From Kata Golda's Hand-Stitched Felt: 25 Whimsical Sewing Projects via
Design*Sponge
Design*Sponge has an adorable excerpt from
Kata Golda's Hand-Stitched Felt: 25 Whimsical Sewing Projects posted--the cute as can be eyeglasses case make us want to buy the whole book full of ideas!
Approximate cost: $5 for materials for three cases (more if you use wool felt)
Photos: Sunset magazine
Everyone likes a sweet, especially one that's homemade.
Sunset magazine offers several ideas for candy gifts, including
Maple-Walnut Fudge and
Almond Toffee.
Approximate cost: $12 for 3 lbs. of fudge or toffee
Photos: Country Living magazine
Country Living offers up a bevvy of D.I.Y. gift ideas in a Crafty Christmas Presents slideshow. We like two candle crafts: A tea cup candle and these adorable cinnamon candles.
Approximate cost: $6 to $10 per candle
Photo: Inchmark
Brooke always has tons of affordable, crafty ideas on her blog Inchmark. We loved the simple, but sweet idea to
turn cheap plastic photo books into personalized photo albums.
Approximate cost: $3.50 per album.
