Autumn is here and the holiday rush is just around the corner. The best way to reduce your stress and stay on budget through the holiday season is to plan your gifts and... 

spending limit. While most people try to do that when it comes to shopping for close family and friends, it’s surprisingly easy to overspend on the small gifts for neighbors, co-workers, and teachers. Instead of running out last minute for overpriced mugs or sweets, why not make your own gifts this holiday season? Here are two of our favorite DIY gift ideas for this season.

Give yourself and your budget a break this holiday season with fun and functional presents you can make at home. Get started early to avoid a last minute time crunch and give yourself the gift of a low stress holiday this year. 

DIY Cork Coasters.  A less expensive spin on DIY tile coasters.  Reward yourself for staying within your holiday budget and make your own set to keep too!

Supplies.

Instructions. Since the cork is precut, all you really have to do is figure out the designs you want to make on the coasters. Once you have completed your designs, stack the coasters in sets of four, secure with ribbon, and attach the gift tag. 

For stenciled designs:  Personalize your gifts by using a nice font to create a monogram stencil or use one of many free stencils available online with a favorite hobby or animal. 

1. Find the stencil design you want and print it on cardstock or heavy weight paper. 
2. Secure the stencil to the coaster using masking tape. 
3. Use acrylic pain to color in the stencil.
4. Let dry for at least 5 minutes before removing stencil, then let dry completely before packaging.  

For Freehand Designs:  Let your imagination run wild and doodle your way to handmade, original gifts with a blank cork coaster and a paint pen.

1. Use paint pens or paint markers only in a well-ventilated space. 
2. Draw your design and let dry. 
3. While every coaster will be unique, you can create a more cohesive gift if you come up with a theme for each set of 4 coasters. A few ideas include animals,      sports, flowers, or abstract geometric designs such as polka dots and lines.  

Dip Mix Ornaments.  A lower cost version of mason jar recipes.  This recipe is for an Italian dip, perfect with veggies and crackers or as a sandwich spread. 

Supplies:

Instructions:

1. Make a batch of the Italian Dip Mix, scaling the recipe as needed.
2. Pour dip mix into ornaments using the funnel and secure the lid. 
3. After all ornaments are filled, use ribbon to attach your gift tags with the instructions for use (see below).  

Italian Dip Mix Recipe 

Mix all ingredients together in a zip top bag until well combined. 

Italian Dip Mix Instructions:  Mix 1 Tbsp Italian Dip Mix with 1 Tbsp grated romano or parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Cover and chill, for at least two hours, until ready to use.