The holidays are a wonderful time of year to reflect on all that we are thankful for, and to show those in our life that we care about them. But when it comes to giving gifts, your shopping list can quickly outpace your budget! This year, when you start planning gifts for coworkers, neighbors, teachers, or even family and friends, sometimes a handmade gift created with thoughtfulness and care can mean more than a store bought gift. Read on for some great handmade gift ideas that will let you be as generous as your heart's desire without breaking your holiday budget!

Edible Gifts

Edible gifts can not only be cost effective, but if you do them right, you know you're giving someone a gift that they will actually use instead of another knickknack that will just gather dust. A classic and cute idea is creating something special in a reusable glass jar. From cookie mix to a secret blend, jarred treats are eye-catching and impressive, all without costing too much. If you have room in your budget for canning tools this year, 

you can also make homemade soups, jams, or other delicious canned goods for an edible gift that will last all year. And what if you're in a last minute pinch? Try whipping up a super sized batch of cookies, brownies, or candy and portion them out in cute holiday themed bags from the dollar store to create an easy, but sweet treat.

Decorative Gifts

Craft stores typically sell basic wood cutout ornaments around the holidays, which can make for an easy stocking stuffer. Stock up on paint, glitter, pipe cleaners, or even magazine cutouts to create custom made ornaments for those you love! Another easy decorative craft utilizes inexpensive thrift store paintings, plus a little paint and letter stencils. Select a colorful painting, apply stencils to add in a word or phrase (like "peace," "joy," or "family,"), then paint over the painting and stencils. Peel off the stencils to reveal the colorful design below the letters for a totally unique piece of art that only costs a few dollars to create!

Gifts of Time

Finally, never underestimate the power of your time and attention. For friends and family, a gift of time can mean much more than an item from the store. Create gift certificates that offer a homemade meal, a girls' night in, or even just an afternoon on spent taking a walk in nature. Plan to follow up with your recipients once the hubub of the holiday dies down so you both can cash in on some quality time during the winter to reconnect and spend time together without having to spend a lot of money. Your loved ones won't miss the "stuff," rather, they'll appreciate getting some uninterrupted time to talk, laugh, and make memories together!