Whether you're the type to jump on any opportunity to craft, or you're just on a tight budget this holiday season and need to find gift ideas that'll save you a buck, there are lots of fun, fabulous and thoughtful gifts that you can fashion for each member of your family. With a combination of thrifting and DIYing, you can save hundreds of dollars, and even create some family heirlooms in the process.
Read more ¿Qué más?: 5 Ways to turn your leftover Halloween candy into holiday gifts!
From your prima's new baby to your foodie little brother, here are eight DIY gifts you can get started on right now.
Image via theidearoom.net
Lego Table
Whether you buy a set of Legos to go with it, or you just want to create an awesome space to use them, a table is a great idea. You can use a thrifted end table or buy a cheap one from a discount furniture store, whip out your hot glue gun and perhaps include a basket to store the Legos in, and you've got an incredible gift for any little kid.
Envelope Laptop Case
I can hardly believe this super chic laptop case involves no sewing at all. It's the perfect gift for a student or a young professional, or even to accompany a new laptop. And don't be fooled by the cute chevron pattern–simply switch out the fabric to something more masculine and it'll make a great gift for a guy too.
Play Kitchen
If you're the handy sort, making a DIY play kitchen could save you well over $100. Seriously, I've seen play kitchens that cost more than $200. Using a few thrift shop or garage sale items and your power tools, you can make a completely customized version for the littlest chef in your life.
Peppermint Sugar Scrub
Every lady from your teenage cousin to your abuela will appreciate a jar of hand-crafted exfoliating body scrub. Make a big batch of this pretty-in-pink peppermint sugar scrub, and you can cover every woman on your gift list in one fell swoop.
Family Recipe Book
Making a family recipe book will cost you a lot more in time, than in money, but it's sure to be a gift the recipient treasures for a lifetime. The version shown here can be made for $5 or less, and will allow you to handwrite your family's most valued recipes, and is sure to be passed down through the generations.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Homemade vanilla extract is another DIY gift that you can make in a big batch and gift to each of the bakers on your list. It's also a good one for "secret Santa" and co-worker gifts–it's thoughtful and festive, but won't take a lot of time or money.
Socktopus
You can make a sweet DIY socktopus for the newest member of your family without having to sew a single stitch. The design of these adorable plush "socktopi" is completely up to you (and the sock selection at your local box store). One of these little guys would make a perfect lovey for a new baby!
Puerto Rican Coquito
Being Puerto Rican, I simply cannot leave coquito off the list–it's not Christmas without a few bottles of this rum-and-coconut libation floating around the tree. Our version of eggnog (only way, way better) makes a perfect hostess gift. My family's recipe is similar to this one, but we go a bit more traditional and add in some egg yolks.
