https://milraypark.com.au/the-magazine/diy-christmas-gifts

DIY Gifts for your loved ones this Xmas

Last minute gift ideas
DIY Gifts for your loved ones this Xmas

It’s nearing closer to that time where, although you probably should have thought of what to give your family and friends (and be super on top of your Christmas shopping this year), like the rest of us you’re actually still struggling for ideas.

Panic not! We’ve put together a few DIY gifts for Christmas this year that won’t cost you a fortune and you just know your friends and family will love that you’ve given them a handmade gift. Happy crafting!

1. Vanilla Extract | Image: Tidbits
1. Vanilla Extract | Image: Tidbits
2. Gemstone Soap | Image: A Beautiful Mess
2. Gemstone Soap | Image: A Beautiful Mess
3. Marbled Candles | Image: Etsy
3. Marbled Candles | Image: Etsy

1. Vanilla Extract (a Milray Park recipe)

We love making this for our friends and family! Not only is it WAY better than store bought vanilla extract, it’s such a gorgeous gift and it smells like heaven!

Our difficulty rating: Super Easy! 1/5

General Rule: 4 to 5 vanilla beans (depending on how strong you want it) to 1 cup of alcohol such as vodka, bourbon, rum or brandy

  1. Slice the vanilla beans in half lengthwise – if you leave a bit connected at the ends of the bean it will look better.
  2. Put the beans in a clean jar or bottle of your choosing and fill it up with alcohol (try not to drink too much yourself first – it will make pouring it into the bottle a little difficult).
  3. Shake it up and store it in a cool dark place until you put it under the Christmas tree!
  4. Make a cute little label to put on the jar or bottle with a ‘Ready by: (one month from when you made it)’. They can also strain it or keep topping it up with alcohol until the flavour from the vanilla beans has gone.

2. Gemstone Soap

These little soaps are so beautiful and fun to have in your bathroom. You could also use any shape mould you like to personalise the soaps.

Our difficulty rating: A little time consuming but completely worth it! 4/5

Check out the method on A Beautiful Mess!

3. Marbled Candles

This marbling technique is everywhere and we just love that every piece is unique. Once you’ve had a go doing these marbles, try the same technique on crockery and other items around the house!

Our difficulty rating: As easy as candle making gets! 2/5

Check out how to make them and colour other candles on Etsy.

4. Vanilla & Lavender Sugar Scrub | Image: The Resourceful Mama
4. Vanilla & Lavender Sugar Scrub | Image: The Resourceful Mama
5. Infused Olive Oil | Image: Brit & Co.
5. Infused Olive Oil | Image: Brit & Co.
6. Monogram Clay Keychain | Image: Homey Oh My
6. Monogram Clay Keychain | Image: Homey Oh My

4. Vanilla & Lavender Sugar Scrub

Everyone loves to pamper themselves, especially during the holiday season. This is so easy to whip up for a last minute gift and looks beautiful. You can even personalise it with your own label or try some different scents to mix through it.

Our difficulty rating: Super Easy! 1/5

Check out the recipe by The Resourceful Mama!

5. Infused Olive Oils

This is the perfect gift for any foodie (and a great addition to any antipasto plate)! Dipping freshly baked sourdough into an infused olive oil is basically heaven.

Our difficulty rating: A little bit of cooking required but nothing too difficult! 2/5

Check out how they did it on Brit & Co.

6. Monogram Clay Keychains

Oh my goodness these are beautiful! I need to make these for myself and my dog sooner than yesterday! (Can you tell we’re obsessed?)

Our difficulty rating: The hardest part is sourcing the materials, but what a fun crafternoon! 3/5

Check out how to make them on Homey Oh My!

Etched Wooden Spoons (Cover Image)

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You definitely can’t have too many wooden spoons, especially when they are as cute as these! The personal touch is what makes Christmas presents special.

Our difficulty rating: Easy and fun, and you get to be creative (which we love)! 2/5

Check out how Design Mom did it!

The gifts are sorted! Now make them even more unique with some RAD ideas for the wrapping paper.

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