DIY Holiday Gift Guide

2020 has made us think outside of the box and find new ways of doing just about everything. It looks like Christmas won’t be any different. For many of us, travel restrictions,  tight budgets, and preparing for the unexpected  has encouraged us to get creative when it comes to finding new ways to give gifts to those we love.  

Whether you are spending cherished time with loved ones, or you’re sending love from afar this year- we have come up with a few ideas of how you can give to those you love from miles away. These gift ideas will leave your family feeling loved without stretching your bank account this year. 

1. Handmade Christmas Ornaments 

Giving your loved ones a Christmas ornament made by you, or your kids will remind them that you are thinking about them during this special time of year. 

Some of our favorite handmade ornaments are: 

• Salt dough handprint ornaments- These are great gifts for grandparents and can be made by combining 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of flour, and half a cup of water. Stir to combine then knead the dough for 10-15 minutes. Take a glass and cut out 4 circles. Then, let your kids press their hand into the dough until you have a handprint. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 3 hours. Once they have baked and cooled completely you can paint them however you’d like. 

• Glass ornaments with a favorite quote that reminds you of them- Any craft store sells clear glass ornaments this time of year. With this idea you can simply take a paint pen and write a favorite quote, verse, or song lyric on the ornament.  

• An ornament with a picture of you and your family inside- This is another great idea that is remarkably simple and inexpensive. Just purchase a clear ornament and put a small picture inside and write the date and year on the back of the ornament. 

2. Scrapbook or Photo book 

With a year that has had as many ups and downs, it is important to remember all the good times. Putting together a scrapbook or photo book of all your past holidays spent together is a great way to remind those you love of all your favorite moments you have shared.  Depending on your natural creative abilities you can either put the scrapbook together yourself, or go online and design one to have printed and delivered. Either option will result in a thoughtful and personal gift that will be cherished for years to come!

3. A  Favorite Recipe and Ingredients 

Does your family have a favorite dessert or side dish you make for them every year? Why not purchase all the ingredients and mail them to them with a recipe card and a note saying you know how much they love this dish and you hope they enjoy making it. This kind act will show that you are thinking of them and it will give them some familiarity and comfort this holiday. 

EPM is wishing you a very happy holiday season, and  hoping that with family near or far, you’re feeling the spirit of the holidays in your home this year.