You totally don't have to be a craft master to make a heartfelt gift from scratch for a pal. In fact, you don't need any artistic experience whatsoever, if you ask us. All you need are the right recipes and a bit of elbow grease. Here are 6 super easy-to-make, awesome-to-recieve present ideas that will definitely put a smile on the birthday girl's face.
Home spa treatments
Whipping up natural DIY spa treatments is surprisingly easy. All you need is a few choice ingredients. Make a brown sugar body scrub by mixing 1 cup of olive oil, brown sugar, and raw oatmeal, and putting in a small mason jar. Or, mix up some epsom salts with dried lavendar flowers in a sachet for an aromatic bath salt mix.
Stencilled pillow cases
This is a heartfelt craft that looks super artistic but in reality, a kindergarten kid could do it. It might take some time, depending on how detailed your design. Grab a blank pillow case and some stencils, fabric paint and paintbrushes from a craft store. Lay some cardboard inside the pillow case before you start, and dab paint into the stencils. Writing a personal message with letter stencils is a great way to go.
Mason jar mixes
Baking fans will really appreciate this. Measure out all the dry ingredients to your favourite cookie or muffin recipe (starting with flour at the bottom, then sugar, then add ins like chocolate chips. You’ll want the finest granules to be at the very bottom). And pour them into a mason jar. Print out the recipe, punch a hole in it and tie it to the mouth of the jar with a ribbon.
Spice sampler
Stock up on spices at a bulk store, and grab some mini spice jars from any home furnishing store (or the dollar store, most of them look just as good) and you have a pre-made spice sampler pack. Make your own labels if you’re feeling extra crafty.
Teacup candles
An elegant motif for a Victorian-style apartment! Hit a thrift store for some antique teacups. You’ll also need craft-store wicks, wax (or old candles that can be melted down), and if you want, essential oils. Melt wax in a double boiler, add fragrance, then stand the wick by it’s metal support in the teacup and carefully pour the wax around.
Infused vodka
The cocktail enthusiast / entertainer in your life will totally love you for this. It's super easy to make, but takes time. Add 4 pints of strawberries or cherries, pitted and sliced, to 750 mL of vodka in an airtight container. Let the mixture hang out for up to 2 weeks. The longer you let it sit, the stronger the flavour will be. Strain it through a cheesecloth after it's done.
