The quickly approaching holiday season means for most the onset of the gift-giving season. Some people enjoy the excitement of crowded malls, cheery holiday music and endless hours of shopping. Others despise holiday shopping for the stress, anxiety and overdrawn checking accounts. For those who need a break from the commercialism and stress of the holiday season, here are ways to make personalized gifts that will not break the bank and will ensure that the holiday season is a little more special this year.

Decoupage

Decoupage is a great way to make a personalized, professional-looking gift. The options are endless when it comes to using this craft medium, and most likely the necessary supplies can be found around the house. Just about anything can be decoupaged: frames, photo albums, shoeboxes – any flat surface. While special decoupage materials can be purchased at the craft store, you can opt to use household supplies like white glue and Popsicle sticks.
Take creative items like photos, magazine clippings and drawings, and glue them to your flat surface. Next, coat the collage with diluted white glue (or decoupage glue if preferred). Use a Popsicle stick or something like it to evenly apply the glue, then set to dry.

Knitting

Knitting is a simple, inexpensive way to make a great gift. Conveniently, the holidays roll in during winter, when just about anyone could use an extra scarf or pair of mittens. Find fun yarn at a yarn or craft store, purchase or borrow some knitting needles and look for how-to instructions on the Internet.

Baking

Use a favorite dessert recipe and bake a large quantity of the sweet. You can even cook something as easy as brownies, but top them with crushed candy canes for a festive feel. Wrap the treats in holiday-colored cellophane and distribute to friends and relatives. You can get more creative with how you wrap the treats; just make sure to make them attractive and festive.

Customized Magnets

Make customized magnets for each of your friends. Buy a magnet sheet at a craft store, and glue favorite photos or quotes to the sheet and cut them out.

Personalized Cookbook

For friends who love to cook, or those who have no idea how, make them a recipe book. Take a three-ring binder, clear sheet protectors and some of your favorite recipes and make a personalized cookbook. You could even use your decoupage skills to make an artistic cover.

Survival Kits

Make personalized survival kits. Use creative themes like “Duck Game Survival Kit,” “First Date Survival Kit” or whatever else you can conjure up. Find or make a container that goes along with the subject and fill it with related survival items.

Wrapping Paper

Rather than going out and buying wrapping paper, make your own. Recycle old gift wrap by turning it inside out and using the white side. Adorn it with a bright colored bow, or make it even more unique by drawing on it or decorating it with rubber stamps. Or, if the gift is small, put it in a brown lunch bag, fold over the top, make holes at the top and tie the bag shut with holiday ribbon.