Finding yourself short of funds this Christmas is truly a tight situation because everybody knows this is the season to give gifts. If you are used to this traditional practice, you perfectly know that people are expecting to receive gifts from you. You do not want to ruin the holiday spirit so off you go to shop for the best Christmas gifts your limited budget can afford.
The essence of Christmas lies in one’s heart. The act of giving a gift, regardless of its cost, demands the sincerity of the giver. Christmas gifts do not necessarily have to be expensive because what counts most is the thought that accompanies it. In fact, the best Christmas gifts may not cost anything at all if the giver can dedicate a portion of his time to make free and low-cost Christmas presents.
You have always been fascinated with the candles in the store that come in different shapes and scents. Making them involves only a few steps and in a matter of hours, all names in your gift list will have a candle to light on their Christmas table. Before you start with the project, you need empty jars, a double broiler, candle wax, pre-waxed wicks, crayon pieces, mitts, wax paper, and different candle scents.
Clean the jars thoroughly. When they are dried, put a wax paper underneath to catch any wax spills. Put the wicks in the center of the jars making sure that they stand erectly. You may use any straight tube to hold the wick by balancing the tube across the jars. Start melting the wax in the double broiler. In the absence of a double broiler, you can make your own by placing an empty can inside the pan. Fill the pan with water then fill the empty pan with wax. Melt the wax over medium heat. When the wax is completely melted, add color to it by chipping bits of crayon into the melted wax. Dip an ice cream stick to determine if you have already attained the desired color. You can add the scent before turning off the fire. With much care, pour the wax into the jars. Allow several hours for the wax to cool and hardened. Giving these scented tapers to your friends is a sure way to surprise them when they found out you put your enlightened mind in creating these great Christmas tokens.
Another cheap and easy to make but probably the best Christmas gifts you can ever give your friends are homemade soaps. You need a piece of glycerin soap, soap dye, assorted scents, different moulds, microwavable container, and a knife.
Coat the inside of your mould with a light spray of cooking oil. Cut the glycerin soap into small cubes and heat in a microwavable container. Pour the melted soap until the entire mould is filled up. Add the soap dye and scent. Wait for some hours for the soap to cool and harden. When it has completely hardened, trace the edges with a knife to release the soap from the mould. Present the soap in your homemade box and wrap creatively. Your friends will be delighted to use these calorie-free treats the next time they take a bath.
Make use of your spare buttons collections to amaze your friends with your own version of refrigerator magnets. Apart from your buttons, you only need the magnets and hot glue or super adhesives to make sure the magnet and the button stick together for good. In just a matter of minutes, you have something great to present your friends this Christmas. Choose buttons with flat backs. Apply glue on the magnet and stick it to the button. Repeat this simple step with the remaining buttons and magnets. If you want to make them special, scour flea markets or yard sales for vintage buttons. Your friends will surely admire your priceless work of art every time they open their refrigerator doors.
Being broke on Christmas is too bad a financial disaster but it does not mean you cannot spread the holiday cheers. With these economical but clever ideas, you can present your family and friends with the best Christmas gifts.