MNN - Mother Nature Network

Still need a few gifts for the holidays? Don't panic;  you still have plenty of time to whip together a few of these awesome handmade gifts.  

 

Felted holiday ornaments. This project is great for sewers of all levels. Colored felt and simple stencils make these ornaments a breeze to make and a beauty to behold.  

 

 

 

 

 

Lotion bars. I've always been scared of making soaps and lotion bars, but the directions for these cute little gems look so simple to make, even I could handle it. One caveat: you need access to a health food or specialty store where you can buy ingredients like cocoa butter, beeswax and sweet almond oil. If you can get the ingredients, the bars come together fairly simply into these cute little gifts.

 

 

Polaroid-style magnets. I love the retro-style look of these throwback magnets, and I love how absolutely easy they are to put together. The hardest part? Not getting lost in the vortex of fun family photos as you sift through your favorites for this project!

 

 

Mod Podge photo frames. Picture frames always make for a great gift, especially when they are filled with your favorite shots from the year. Jazz yours up with this fun and festive technique using Mod Podge (or plain white glue in a pinch,) and you'll have a great gift in minutes.

 

 

Candy bar reindeer. Turn your little one's favorite candy bar into their favorite reindeer with some recycled paper and a few leftover craft supplies. This gift is just so darned cute I may have to make a few for my own little elves. Makes a great stocking stuffer!

 

Scrabble tile coasters. For the wordsmith in your family, Scrabble tile coasters that spell out fun words and quotes. Hit the thrift store to find extra tiles so you don't have to use up the tiles from your home game. Chances are, this gift will inspire a round or two over the holidays!

 

 

 

 

Vintage photo candle holder. These colder handlers are a beautiful way to display your favorite photo memories. The project uses black and white photocopies of your photos and transparent contact paper to transfer images to glass votive candleholders. Easy and beautiful!

 

Need more ideas? MNN Food blogger Robin Shreeves has you covered with 5 affordable last-minute gifts for foodies and 10 last-minute local gifts for food lovers.