By Mariya Kalashnikova
Staff Writer

The holiday season has begun, bringing with it the age-old question, “What kind of presents do I want to give everyone?” If the first word that comes to mind is “cheap,” then homemade gifts just may be the answer.

Personalized cookies
The holiday season is synonymous with cookies, especially those cute little gingerbread men. Consider digging through cookbooks or looking online for recipes and making cookies for friends and family. There is a wide variety of cookie cutter shapes and sizes that can be used, from the traditional girls and boys to Stars of David and reindeer. The cookies can be decorated with frosting, sprinkles and candy. If the cookies are in the shapes of people, they can be decorated to look like the recipient, by detailing them with clothes the actual person would wear. The cookies can also depict holiday scenes, menorahs, Kwanzaa candles or snowmen. Friends and family will love the personalized cookies and appreciate the thought and effort that went into baking them.

Candles
Making candles is another great do-it-yourself gift idea. They can be entirely homemade or bought and then decorated. Candle-making kits are available at crafts and hobby stores and that run anywhere from about $12 to $200. There are several websites dedicated to candle-making such as Nwcandlemaking.com and Discountcandleshop.com. If actually making the candles seems like too much of a hassle, they can be bought at craft stores, department stores and on-line. Store-bought candles can be melted down and then re-solidified in a mold. Candles can be painted with different designs, decorated with rhinestones, melted down and combined with leaves and flowers or dyed different colors. The candles can have people’s names or holiday messages written on them. Making candles is a perfect opportunity to let one’s creativity flow.

Holiday breakfast
This may be the perfect solution for people who love having all of their friends gathered in one place by cooking a big breakfast for everyone. Invitations should be sent out in advance so people can make plans accordingly. Any favorite dishes can be made for the meal, such as pancakes, waffles, muffins, omelets, scrambled eggs, crepes and bagels. The gathering can also include a gift swap in which each guest brings one present within a certain price range, and everyone exchanges gifts after breakfast. Don’t be daunted by the idea of cooking a big breakfast. If cooking the whole thing seems like too much, the meal can be done potluck style. Just specify to your guests what they should bring and enjoy!

Christmas ornaments
Ornaments can be made out of paper máche and then decorated using paints and markers. Plain ornaments can also be bought in bulk for as cheap as 12 for $2.99. The plain ornaments can be embellished using rhinestones and wrapped in multicolored wrapping paper. Edible ornaments are another great way to go and can include popcorn or cookies on a string. Ornaments can also be made out of cardboard and paper or any other “inspiring” materials lying around the house. Another good idea is to make ornament frames and glue a favorite picture inside. The ornaments don’t have to be Christmas-specific. Overall, ornaments are a great present to give to loved ones without going bankrupt in the process.

Inspiring creativity
Hopefully these gift ideas have inspired creativity in all. Crowded malls and tight budgets can often make the holiday stressful. Making presents helps avoid the stress during the time that should be spent with loved ones. By “doing-it-yourself” one can give some unforgettable presents this holiday season.