DOING IT YOURSELF? Here’s our top 5 DIY gift ideas

The festive season is fast approaching, and not everyone enjoys struggling to find the perfect gift for their loved one.

Endless lines at retail stores or the delay of items ordered online all contribute to the stress of the holiday season. Here, we have compiled simple step-by-step DIY gift ideas that not only will save you a fortune, but are as easy as mince pies!

1. Pebble Dominoes

Dominoes are believed to have originated in China in the 12th century, and have evolved as one of the most popular games played. It is the ideal gift for people of all ages.

All you will need are:

• 28 smooth black pebbles
• Correction pen
• 30 x3 0cm cotton material of your choice
• 15 cm ribbon

Draw pattern on the pebbles with the correction pen as illustrated. To gift; once correction ink has completely dried, place the pebbles in the center of the material and bring together opposite ends to meet in the middle. Secure the material with ribbon and a name tag if you desire, and voila!

2. Prism jars

This whimsical gift will bring a sparkle to anyone’s eye. Simple, cost-effective and enchanting.

You will need:

• A clear glass jar, 10 cm in diameter
• 25 clear glass pebbles
• Craft glue
• Tea light candle

Apply glue on the flat side of the glass pebbles and place next to each other around the jar, covering the jar completely. Allow pebbles to dry and place tea light candle inside of the jar. Light with a candle lighter.

3. Christmas tree treats

This is an original way to hand out chocolates to your neighbours, instead of the conventional box type. Trust me, they will appreciate the effort.

You will need:

• 3 strips of  green cardboard – 1 x 30 cm, 1 x 20 cm and 1 x 10 cm
• 1 x 50 cm decorative ribbon
• 9 x individually wrapped chocolate treats

Fold the 30 cm strip to form a triangle, overlapping on one side to secure shape. Take 2 cm strip and fold 5 cm squares in opposite directions, creating a make shift accordion style. See illustration. Repeat process with 10 cm strip. Place in triangle to create compartments for chocolate. Arrange chocolates in compartments and secure triangle with decorative ribbon.

4.Custom-made candles

A great gift idea that can get the children involved as well. Create a unique message to their grandparents, friends and other family – these will be cherished.

You will need:

• A white candle (10 cm in diameter)
• Wax paper
• Hairdryer
• Permanent markers – colours of your choice
• Cellophane tape

Cut a desired amount of wax paper that can accommodate your message. Write your message with the permanent markers. Allow to dry completely. Place wax paper over the desired area and secure with tape. Set hair dryer on heat setting, and hold it about 10 cm away from the wax paper for approximately 2 minutes, depending on different hair dryer settings. Remove tape and wax paper gently, leaving the imprinted message behind.

5. Home-made snow globes

This gift will fascinate even the oldest of minds. No one can resist the urge to shake up a snow globe and watch it settle again! This simple gift will make a statement – without hurting your pocket.

You will need:

• A clear jar
• Miniature Christmas ornaments (like snowmen)
• Water
• Silver glitter
• Craft glue

Apply glue at the bottom of the miniature Christmas ornament and stick on the inside of the lid of jar. Allow to dry. Fill the jar with water, all the way to the top. Add glitter to the water and place the lid with the Christmas ornament stuck, inside the jar. Secure the lid tightly on the jar. Shake and turn upside down. Watch in fascination.

Will you be trying any of these DIY projects? Send your photos to reveshni@caxton.co.za, and some may be published!