If you’re scratching your head over what to buy for Aunt Lucy—or your neighbor or your kids’ teachers—there’s time enough to make some DIY gifts that are sure to please anyone on your list.
Check out these five DIY ideas from Country Living Magazine and get started now. But be prepared to decide that you may just want to keep a few yourself:
Marble Vase Centerpiece
Place a small pillar vessel inside a larger vase and fill the gaps between the two with red and white marbles. Fill the center with fresh or artificial flowers, such as anemones, garden roses, and evergreen sprigs, and it’s perfect as a centerpiece.
Paint Chip Bookmark
Those leftover paint chip strips make great bookmarks if you punch a hole in the top, insert some yarn and tie on a tassel, a jingle bell or a tiny toy or ornament that personalizes it for your recipient.
Barbecue Lover’s Favorites
Put together some grilling aids—a basting brush, a tin of dry rub, some skewers, some gourmet BBQ sauce—and arrange them on a wooden cutting board. Tape them down securely, then wrap it up in glassine or cellophane and tie it with a big red ribbon.
Mix It Up
Do the same thing for a budding chef: arrange a peeler, a garlic press, and/or other kitchen helpers on a cutting board and proceed as above. Alternatively, wrap the kitchen aids in pretty kitchen towels, roll it all up and tie it with ribbon.
Ceramic Tile Coasters
Got some photos you’d like to share? Buy ceramic tiles at a craft store along with a foam brush, some Mod Podge and a spray sealant. Cut your photos to fit the tiles, leaving a small white border. Apply Mod Podge to the tile, position the photo on top and let dry for 30 minutes. Spread Mod Podge over the photo and exposed tile borders and let dry for one hour. Repeat two to three more times. Spray with clear sealant and let dry for 24 hours then affix adhesive felt pads to the underside corners of your picture-perfect tiles.
