The Community EditionSHOW LOVE, EVEN ON A BUDGET
Money can be tight sometimes, especially in this economy, making gifts difficult to organize.
My family also has two birthdays in December, so I am no stranger to trying to scrimp and save to make sure I can show my loved ones how much I care.
While overconsumption and inflation run rampant, there seems to be a rise in people wanting to make their own gifts. Here’s a list of cheap and homemade gift ideas I turn to every year. Hopefully they also help you to spread the love this holiday season.
Needle Felting
This craft uses specifically designed notched needles to form wool into different shapes and designs. The notches tangle the wool fibres and cause them to interlock to form firm structures. This versatile craft is perfect for those on a budget.
I started needle-felting with the help of a friend over a year ago, and it has turned into a fun hobby that also helps me make fun gifts for friends.
You can find Ontario roving wool at Flying Squirrel for 15 cents per bundle. And the needles can be purchased online starting at $1.50. You can easily find free patterns online as well.
Happy felting!
Crochet and Knitting
Crocheting and knitting is part of the needlecraft family in which you use a hook to create fabric from loops of yarn. Both can be used to make anything from a blanket to a sweater.
While this is not a hobby I have participated in yet, I know plenty of people who use fibre arts for gift giving. You can purchase a ball of yarn at Flying Squirrel starting at $2.99.
Painting
Who doesn’t love a hand-painted piece of art? Check out any dollar store and stock up on paper, paint and paintbrushes without breaking the bank.
Something I like to do is called zen-tangles. To create a zen-tangle, paint a simple shape like a triangle or a square in one colour. The point is to be intentional about each line.
It can be very calm and makes for a beautiful piece of artwork. Cutting up the print and making unique cards out of them is sure to brighten up anyone’s holiday.
Baked goods
Use the holidays as a way to expand your hobbies or practice tried and true ones. For me, baking is one hobby I like to use when the holidays come rolling in.
I like baking Filipino treats for my loved ones during the holidays to show them my appreciation. Making food like puto or biko is a fun way to be creative while also putting in a lot of care into the gift. Puto, a steamed rice cake, is very inexpensive to make and requires ingredients you would already have in the pantry like flour and sugar.
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Binkysculinarycarnival
E. Magnusson
Jessica
Kelly at Food, Fun & Faraway Places
Great ideas
Alice 🛸
Sarah Lewis
ViaVy
❤️ 
Magic Cauldron