If money is tight this year or you just like the idea of making a gift for someone, there are limitless possibilities. With craft stores having everything you need to get your hands dirty, so to speak, there are tons of options to create a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone in your life. We have ideas for all skill levels!

Scrapbook This is for the person who means the world to you and with whom you have a special relationship that includes tons of memories, photos and inside jokes. Grab a scrapbook at your local store, a bunch of relevant stickers and letters, photos, some pretty printed paper, scissors and glue and go nuts! If you don’t want to get messy, try doing this digitally and ordering it, but make sure you do it early enough to get it in the mail. I personally like Picaboo.com.

Picture Frames Glam up a picture frame and add a special picture that will make the person smile. You can get a plain wood frame and glue on some buttons, ribbon, jigsaw puzzle pieces, seashells, beads … anything goes. For the person who loves vintage things, find an old ornate frame or mirror and spray it pewter or antique gold.

Sweet Treats There are so many things you could do here. Get some chocolate melts, melt them in a double boiler and use candy molds or dip in pretzel rods, brownies or cookies. Add some sprinkles, nuts, or use another color chocolate to add some design. Companies make millions doing this, but it’s pretty easy to do yourself! You can also make a bunch of different cookies and put them in a pretty gift box. One of my favorites is the hot chocolate gift. I do this for co-workers. Get some pretty mugs, add hot chocolate mix to a cellophane bag and top with mini marshmallows. Tie with a pretty ribbon and put it in the mug with a candy cane or a nip of Amaretto or Bailey’s.

Candles It is really easy to make scented jar candles. You can find everything you need (complete kits, even) at the craft store.

Bath Salts This is another really easy homemade project. Get some pretty jars that seal tightly ~ the ones with the clips on the side are best. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of sea salt, 1 cup of Epsom salts, a couple drops of scented essential oil and a drop or two of food coloring. Mix well and then seal salts in the jar. Label and tie a bow around it.

Clothing and Accessories As much as I wish I could knit or crochet, I am not gifted in that area. However, I love when people give me scarves they have made, so if you have the talent, it’s always a welcome gift, especially in the winter. Or make a handbag, belt, bracelet or other jewelry.

Repurposed items My boyfriend makes fun of me for keeping old things that he calls junk. Sometimes that “junk” can be repurposed/upcycled into some really cool gift items. Pinterest has tons of ideas on how to do this, as does Instructables.com.

Gift baskets Honestly, this is the perfect gift for anyone, male or female. Get a basket, put some paper shreds in the bottom and fill it with anything that the receiver would like. You can do a theme, like pasta dinner (spaghetti, a jar of sauce, a spaghetti spoon, some grated cheese and garlic bread sticks), a spa basket (soaps, lotions and loofahs), dog owner basket (biscuits, a new leash, dog toy, bone and dog shampoo), snack attack basket, chocolate lovers basket, car wash kit, etc. Use your imagination. Then, get a cellophane shrink-wrap bag and some ribbon and make it beautiful.

By Jennifer Russo