We all want to give our loved ones the most beautiful gifts they deserve, but sometimes it’s just not in the budget. Here’s how you can get the look of an expensive present with just a few DIY skills.
1. This infinity scarf ($349)
Image: eBay.com
For an almost identical look to this overpriced scarf, buy similar fabrics from your local supplier and use this video guide on how to sew your own. Or for an extremely thrifty DIY, use fabric paint and an old T-shirt to create an infinity scarf with no sewing at all.
2. Burberry painted ankle boot and bag ($1695)
Image: Neiman Marcus
The best thing about this DIY is that the instructions are pretty much right there in the photo. Take one pair of light colored peep-toe ankle boots and one bag, add some spray-painted flowers and, presto! You’ve got yourself a gift set just like this one.
3. iPad stand ($35)
Image: etsy.com
This item can be used as both an iPad stand or a cookbook stand and it’s pretty easy to make. All it takes is a cutting board and a couple of extra pieces of wood and you’re done. You can also personalize it by adding a fun accessory or maybe some initials.
4. Kate Spade crystal sneakers
Image: Neiman Marcus
Not that everyone doesn’t love some Kate Spade in their closet, but sometimes we can’t all afford the price tag that comes with it. Just get some black sneakers and add crystal beads and you’ve got the same look for less.
5. Glitter Mason jar light ($25)
Image: etsy.com
If you don’t have the time or skills to create a lamp, you can still easily create this gift for someone on your list. Just get a Mason jar from a thrift store (or even a 99 Cents store), add glitter and a bow, toss in a votive candle and you’re done. It’ll look expensive, but no one has to know you made it for pennies.
6. Menorasaurus Rex ($85)
Image: etsy.com
This gift is incredibly cute and also very easy to make. You just need a toy dinosaur, a block of wood, some mini candle holders and some gold paint and you can make anyone on your gift list happy.
7. Gold candle holders ($95)
Image: etsy.com
Cheap candle holders can be found in almost any store. You can buy them used at a thrift store or even find them new for next to nothing. Just add some gold paint and you’ll have one fancy gift to wrap.
8. Jackson Pollock style sneakers ($565)
Image: thisiswhyimbroke.com
Just take a look at that photo and you’ll see how crazy easy it would be to DIY these sneakers. Gray leather sneakers plus some red, blue, white, orange and yellow paint. The best part is you don’t even have to worry about being neat. Just splatter away to your heart’s content.
9. Gold shoelaces ($19K)
Image: mr.kennedy.com
This gift can either be DIY’d by buying standard laces and dipping them in gold paint. Or you could just buy gold-colored cord (seen in many gift-wrapping departments) and use that instead. Either way, you get the same look for a lot less.
More gift ideas
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7 Places I have tried to hide my kids’ Christmas gifts
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