6 Last-Minute Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas

By Crystal Paine
Author of The Money Saving Mom’s Budget
Are you crunched for time and money this holiday season? We feel your pain. Here are six simple and inexpensive last-minute gift ideas that convey the spirit of the season without draining your bank account.

For the kids:
Homemade Playdough
Make a few different varieties of homemade playdough like peppermint, ginger, or candy cane, package them in cute containers and tie on cookie cutters and a small rolling pin with a ribbon. They’ll provide hours of fun and creative play.

Build-Your-Own Snowman
If you don’t live in a frigid climate or you just don’t want to have to bundle up to go out in the cold, your children can still enjoy decorating their own snowman with a felt build-your-own snowman kit.

For him:
Year Round Yum
They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If that’s true for your man, than making him a Year Round Yum container just might hit the spot.

Grill Rubs
Grill Rubs can be made in a variety of flavors and are perfect for the steak-lover or man who enjoys grilling out.

For her:
Oatmeal Cookie Bath
Know a woman who could use some extra pampering? Make her a batch of oatmeal cookies and Oatmeal Cookie Bath and then stick it in a basket with a candle, lotion, and some tea.

Christmas Potpourri Mix
With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes, you can give the gift of delicious Christmas scents to your friends with Christmas Potpourri Mix.

Crystal Paine is a homeschooling mom of three and the founder of MoneySavingMom.com, one of the top personal finance blogs on the web. Pre-order a copy of her first book, The Money Saving Mom®’s Budget (out Jan. 10). For more of Crystal’s tips, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.