By Emily Wei, Lifestyle Columnist
And just like that, November has slipped away, leaving us with the holidays just around the corner. If you’ve been procrastinating on your holiday shopping, don’t stress – it may not be as bad as you think! Although the stores might be running low on the typical Christmas staples, this is your chance to let your creative side shine and gift some presents that not only stand out but also show how much you care.
For those with a crafty side, there are so many possibilities of easy gifts to make. Crochet projects, in particular, are always a hit because of their versatility and charm. They make great gifts for nearly anyone on your list and can be easily altered through colours or patterns to suit different tastes. If you’re new to crochet or short on time, consider starting with simpler items like coasters or book covers. For an extra special touch, pair the book cover with a book to match the recipient’s interests. It’s a thoughtful combination that’s bound to earn you bonus points! If you’re more into knitting than crocheting, a scarf is the perfect go-to gift! They’re practical, customizable, and simple to make! I’ve recently taken up embroidery, and it’s become a favorite hobby of mine. It’s surprisingly easy to learn and makes fantastic gifts because you have endless creative freedom with the designs. You can present your work framed in an embroidery hoop or stitch it directly onto clothing!
Some non-yarn crafts that are not only enjoyable to make, but are also unique gifts include candles, earrings, charm bracelets, and cookies! For DIY candles, you can experiment with different scents, colours, and containers to fit the recipient’s personal style. All you need is a container like a glass jar or tea cup (easily found at thrift stores), melted soy wax, a candle wick, and essential oils! Jewelry-making projects such as earrings or charm bracelets are also extremely customizable and you can find all the materials you need at craft stores like Michaels! While it might seem a bit intimidating at first, I promise it’s much easier than it looks. All you need to do is pick out the charms or pendants you love, then simply attach or clip them onto the earring hooks or bracelet chains! Lastly, for those with a sweet tooth, custom-decorated sugar cookies are a perfect gift! Since they have a smooth surface, they’re perfect for decorating with different icing designs and you can find lots of design inspiration online!
For those of you who might not have much of a crafty side, but know people who do, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered too! A crochet kit with yarn, needles, and stitch markers is a perfect option for someone just getting into the craft. Or, you could surprise them with an organized craft bag to help keep their materials tidy. Another great idea is a customized crafting tool, like personalized scissors or a custom knitting needle set. Lastly, if you’re looking to encourage a little zen time, a tea kit (matcha would be my personal choice) can be a great way to encourage both creativity and relaxation!
No matter your crafting skill level, there’s a plethora of creative gift options. Whether you’re crafting something by hand or helping someone else along their creative journey, crafty gifts are a meaningful way to celebrate the holiday season!
