Make handmade gifts that don’t require a lot of time, money, or artistic skill — but still impress the recipient. The right container for homemade goodies or a decorative ornament that reflects the holiday’s beauty makes a perfect gift for friends, neighbors, or coworkers, without spending additional funds or stressing over handmade perfection.

Classy Cookie Jar

Slide a simple batch of oatmeal raisin cookies or crispy chocolate chip into a unique decorate jar.  Clean and sterilize a large glass jar and remove any labels from the outside using hot water or steam.  Cut a decorative Christmas card picture to fit the inside of the jar, then smear the front with clear glue — up to, but not past the edges. Carefully affix the label inside the jar.

Center the label, then wipe away any excess glue around the edges and let dry.  Make the label extra-decorative by trimming around an object in the card’s picture, like a Christmas tree or Santa Claus.  Paint the outside of the jar’s lid with a festive Christmas color and sprinkle with clear glitter. Once the jar is finished, fill with homemade cookies and top with a bow.

Plate of Perfect Goodies

Transform a clear plastic plate into a gift sample platter of homemade goodies like cookies, bite-sized brownies, or Rice Krispy treats, all atop a platter decorated in festive holiday colors.

Use a craft stamp and colored craft paint to stamp the underside of the plate with a holiday design, like holly leaves, stars, or snowflakes.  Or sponge white paint and glitter on the underside to create a sparkly “snow blizzard”. Once the plate is dry, lay the snacks around the top, then cover with plastic wrap and top with a bow.

Festive Christmas Candles

Make decorative Christmas candles perfect for seasonal gift-giving needs using empty mini cans, tin punch patterns, and colored sand.  The basic candleholder is a simple design:  clean a mini fruit or vegetable can and remove its label, then fill with water and freeze until solid.  Use a hammer and small nail to punch a design along the top half of the can, using a tin punch pattern or a hand-drawn design.

Once the ice melts, empty and dry the can.  Use colored dyes (or light colors like watered-down paints or hot Kool-Aid) to dye ordinary sand in Christmas colors like red, white, or green, then fill the cans just below the tin punch design.  Place a mini candle or tea light inside, nestled in the sand bank.  Place the finished candles in a basket and give them as Christmas gifts in sets of three or whatever number you prefer.

Use cost-efficient but attractive handmade alternatives to the usual round of purchases made during the holiday rush.  The alternative will let you celebrate the Christmas season without lightening your wallet or sacrificing your time to find the perfect small gift.