Inexpensive Christmas Gifts to Make

If you're trying to cut back on holiday spending, you may be in search of inexpensive Christmas gifts to make. Fortunately, you no longer need to be a crafting whiz to create meaningful handmade presents.

The best frugal crafts are those which use materials you already have around your home. However, if you need to purchase supplies, take the time to do some comparison shopping. Check for coupons and sales at your local craft store to save money on the supplies you need. Dollar stores can also be good sources of cheap craft supplies.

When you're searching for inexpensive Christmas gifts to make, keep in mind that you can save money by making multiples of the same gift. This will keep you from having to buy an excess of supplies. You'll also save time if you put the gifts together in an assembly line fashion.

A dry erase calendar makes a thoughtful gift for busy parents, home business owners, or college students in need of a little organizational assistance. Look for interesting frames to use for this project at your local thrift store.

Supplies:

• Large picture frame
• Dry erase marker
• Computer, printer, and desktop publishing software
• Cardstock
• Wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, or other decorative paper
• Glue stick
• Ribbon

Instructions:

1. Use your computer to make a blank calendar grid or print off the grid from the Calendar Printables Web site.
2. Mount the calendar onto a backdrop of pretty patterned paper.
3. Frame the calendar.
4. Use a ribbon to attach a dry erase marker to the frame.

Framed artwork makes a great gift for a newly married couple's first home or a baby's nursery. If you don't have the talent to paint or draw, try using your computer to make creative word art.

Supplies:

• Picture frame
• Computer and printer
• Cardstock

Instructions:

1. Visit Wordle and click on the "Create" link.
2. Enter your text. You can use the words to a favorite song, a favorite quote, or just a random list of words and phrases that suit the recipient.
3. Hit "Submit."
4. Adjust the font and color to suit the recipient's taste.
5. Adjust the layout to make a pleasing pattern.
6. Print your artwork.
7. Frame as desired.

If you are looking for an inexpensive Christmas gift for a child, consider creating a paper doll kit. This is a great way to use up all the scraps you've accumulated from other crafts.

Supplies:

• Tin or shoe box
• Cardstock
• Computer and printer
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• Two Ziploc bags
• Assorted fabric and/or paper scraps
• Assorted beads, trim, and other embellishments as desired

Instructions:

1. Decorate the box or tin as desired.
2. Print out 20-30 copies of the Printable Paper Doll and Printable Teddy Bear Paper Doll templates from LoveToKnow Crafts.
3. Add random fabric and/or paper scraps into a Ziploc bag.
4. Place beads, trim, and other embellishments into a second Ziploc bag.
5. Place the bags and doll templates into the decorated shoe box or tin.
6. Add a glue stick and scissors.
7. If desired, make a "sample" paper doll so your gift recipient understands what the kit is about.

Are you looking for more inexpensive Christmas gifts to make? Check out the following helpful ideas from LoveToKnow Crafts:

• Christmas Craft Ornaments
• Beaded Bookmarks
• Bead Bracelet
• Crayon Melting Art Projects
• Salt Dough Creations

LoveToKnow Christmas has several suggestions for getting your holiday shopping under control, including a slideshow of Christmas Gifts to Make

Food gifts are also appreciated for Christmas and other special occasions. Visit LoveToKnow Recipes for a selection of treats to make.

• Cheap Creative Christmas Gifts
• Low Budget Recipes
• Frugal Presents for Kids
• How To Save Money At The Grocery Store
• Am I Saving Enough Money

• Great Clips Coupon
• Coupon for Olive Garden Restaurant
• Printable Online Coupons
• Free Coupons for Olive Garden
• Golden Corral Coupons

• Inexpensive Thank You Gifts
• Frugal Christmas Gift Ideas
• Christmas on a Tight Budget
• Category:Saving Money
• Frugal Gift Giving