Let your creativity flow and keep your budget under control with these ideas for unique handmade Christmas gifts. They’re easy to make and have a Latin touch!
Things tend to get a bit crazy the week before Christmas. Last minute errands, shopping trips to the mall, office parties and other events fill the daily schedule; but there is one activity that remains on top of the list: choosing presents for everybody!
If you are still indecisive about what to get to your family and friends, here are some handmade Christmas gifts suggestions that will not take too much time off your holiday preparations:
Snow globes as handmade Christmas gifts
A classic –and fun DIY home project– for all those who love to collect accessories. To make them you’ll only need a few mason jars, small figures, glue, glitter, and water.
First, select the combination of figures for each globe. For example, a couple of pinecones and berries, a quartet of little singing angels, a tree with some stars, a nativity scene, or a colorful house.
Then, glue them to the lid of the jar. When it’s dry, pour water, a sprinkle of shiny glitter dust and some glycerin drops to the mix. Finally, assemble everything by closing the lid securely and turning your snow globe over.
A style tip: Finish the gift with a festive green hand-loomed placemat set and add a pretty ribbon to tie them up! Whoever gets them will be enchanted.
Bites and cups
Dieting is delayed until January, right? Indulge your loved ones with traditional flavors turned into handmade Christmas gifts. Pick a season’s favorite recipe like homemade brigadeiros, gingerbread or spritz cookies, marshmallows, cranberries or cinnamon scented mini muffins and bake them at home.
Pack these goodies in medium-size cellophane bags, either by dozens or kilos. Match this present with an eco-friendly handmade wooden honeypot to have an extra special breakfast on Christmas morning.
Another way to go is to prepare a bottle of Ponche Crema or eggnog –whisking eggs, milk, heavy cream, rum and nutmeg– and pair it with a set of handmade coasters with a hand painted hibiscus design in red and green. Cheers!
Needle and thread
For the minimalistic or whoever prefers a simpler yet refined style, take a cue from the well-known phrase “less is more”. Personalize a couple of organic cotton, poplin or silk handkerchiefs, or maybe a pastel-colored face towel set. Simply embroider them with the person’s name, initials, or a timeless design.
Put them together with some handcrafted leather bracelets (for the ladies), or inside a handmade wooden box that actually works a desk storage unit (for the gentlemen).
Conquer the eye
The final touch of handmade Christmas gifts is the presentation. Next are some tips you can apply when it comes to wrapping:
- Kraft paper is a great canvas for boxes and bags alike.
- Washi tape can help you create a one of a kind pattern for each present. Paste it in horizontal, vertical or diagonal lines to give a kinetic feel to it.
- Decorate all your gifts with a tiny branch of pine, peppermint leaves or anise star tied at the center of the bow.
- Origami cards are not only unique, but ideal to enhance any Christmas present.
Photo by Julie Blanner
Merry X-Mas!
