Upcycled Fashionista

Here is a list of 10 homemade, frugal Christmas/Holiday gift ideas that don’t suck (at least I hope that you will agree)!  For an added bonus (#11!), here is a free jewel case 2013 calendar template in Photoshop that you might like too.

I think the worst part of those homemade gift ideas is that you look like a total cheapo.  I mean, you really are cheap if you are considering making your own holiday gifts, but that doesn’t mean that you should look like one.  Try one these gifts.  Shhh.  It will be our secret that you really are Scrooge.

1. Felted Pillows

These would be really cool if you used up some of those floating around fabric scraps, and put them together like a quilt.  Applique on some cut out felt shapes and you are good to go.  No need to go Martha on us.

2.  Bean Bags

Another way to use up some fabric scraps.  This would make a good hackey sack, or if you’d like, make one of those microwave warmer thingies (with directions).

3. Flower Power Flip Flops

How cute are these?  The best part is that you can often find really cheap flip flops after the summer is over.  I often snag flip flops for $1.  These would be great with any kind of bead or rhinestone, too.  Pair it with a beach towel (which you can often find for $5 after the season is over) and you have it made.

4. Homemade Gift Box

Sometimes the packaging is the gift!  This would make a really nice gift for anyone who needs toiletry staples, such as diapers (for a mom), toilet paper (for a college student), or even homemade cookies for just about anyone.  Use up some more of those fabric scraps.  If you upcycle lots of clothing, then you should have plenty.

5. Etched Glass Vase

Personally, I didn’t like the vase that she made but I love the idea.  This would be really cool to use up all those glass jars that I know everyone has lying around.  Or how about this?  For all of those who have babies, etch little designs into used baby food jars and make your own homemade baby food for them!

6. Towel Bag Holder

I made a knitted version of these one year and I couldn’t believe that everyone loved them.  I got repeated requests for the next year!

7. Flower Hair Clips

If you use jersey or tee-shirt material, you can make flower headbands instead, using more of those fabric remnants that you have when upcycling your digs.  I don’t think that this would be enough to give away unless you have a niece, but it is very cute.  This would be tres cool with the flower flip flops, if you either make a matching flower or use matching plastic flowers.

8. Potpourri

If you have a friend who likes the smelly stuff, giving her some would be a good gift.  Try packaging it with a nice dish or basket that you find at the Salvation Army or Goodwill, which always have abundant amounts.  A warning on the dish, though.  Make sure that it fits over a standard toilet bowl, because otherwise it is just a hindrance.

9. Bubble Gum Machine

This is completely impractical but it is also waaaaaaay cool.  And yes, you are allowed to be really cheap and stuff it full of leftover Halloween candy.  However, better than that would be to make some homemade food stuff like this chocolate crunch.  This gets me into a tangent here.  If you are going to give me some homemade food (and I know you were being a Scrooge with it), at least wrap it up very nicely, like here.

10. Holiday Mice

Now these are just awesome.  Even funnier with a homemade gift box with a cat design on it.  Would that box with the truffles inside of it make a darling little gift?

Let me know what you think!  Do the gifts suck or do you agree that they are cool?