We’ve put together a collection of 20 pretty sweet DIY homemade gifts that you can make for someone special this holiday. We’ve picked out a few from our resident DIY extraordinaire Jamie, but we’ve also found some other great finds out there in the good ol’ Internet. We know you are a creative bunch, so let your imagination run wild and take some of that winter break time to get your craft on! You’ll light up someone’s day when they see you’ve put so much time, energy and part of yourself into their gift.

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For Someone With A Special Place In Your Heart

I love this Heart Ring made by Jenni at I Spy DIY. They're just made with wire and the help of some jewelry pliers! They're simple, but chic enough to match any outfit your fashionable friend may own.

Source: iSpyDIY.com

For The Stylish Chick

Martha Stewart is kind of a crafting queen, so it's no surprise that these Striped Bangle Bracelets are pretty adorable. Get the deets on how to make them at MarthaStewart.com . Personalize them with different colors for all your friends, and you know, maybe make a couple extra for you to keep.

Source: MarthaStewart.com

For The App-Loving Techie

We all know someone totally addicted to their cell, so these iPhone Magnets by Beckie at Infarrantly Creative are a fun nod to your friend's favorite technology. Go check out the steps on how to make these magnets — she's even put a document with the images together already!

Source: InfarrantlyCreative.net

For The Jewelry Collector

Jewelry really is wearable art, and with this cool Do-It-Yourself Jewelry Storage idea from Jennifer at Monaluna.com, you can make your jewelry serve as wall art in its free time. I know my family often has old frames sitting around in our basement, so re-purpose one into something useful for a special holiday gift this season.

Source: Monaluna.com

For The One With Fancy Taste

Before you get rid of that whole set of teacups because you accidentally broke one, check out how to make these DIY candles courtesy of Jamie of Do It, Gurl! They're so adorable and would make a great gift.

Source: Do It, Gurl!

For Your Snacking Buddy

Let your imagination take over with this plate decoration project from Jamie. Give it a holiday theme like Jamie did with her Jingle Bells lyrics, or personalize the plate for that special someone. They can use them all year if they want! Check out what to do in Do It, Gurl!

Source: Do It, Gurl!

For Someone Who Shakes Things Up

Yet another great holiday-themed project from Jamie and Do It, Gurl! The snowman is perfect for a holiday gift (but if you have other ideas for inside your snow globe, for for it!). Every time that special someone gives their snow globe a shake, they're bound to think of you.

Source: Do It, Gurl!

For The Book Worm

My mom and I have so much old costume jewelry taking up drawer space, so why not turn them into these awesome bookmarks for a book lover in your life? You can get the step-by-step instructions from Christina at Intimate Weddings. I already love reading, and these bookmarks would just make it even better.

Source: IntimateWeddings.com

For Your Music Lover

If you have some old CDs laying around, turn them into a sparkling ornament to give as a gift this year. So shimmery! You can follow Natalie's instructions on how to make these ornaments at Crème de la Craft (there's even a jazzy video tutorial!).

Source: cremedelacraft.com

For Anyone Who Needs To Organize

I think this Cosmetic Bag looks just like something I could pick out at the store. If I could make a duffel bag in 8th grade home ec, I have faith that you have the sewing skills to follow along with this tutorial from Craftster. Plus, a bag like this doesn't just have to be for cosmetics, so you could gift it to anyone you think just needs a little storage organization.

Source: Craftster.org

For The Picture Perfect Pal

This picture frame has a fun, textured look, and you can customize the colors exactly for your gift recipient. Check out the tutorial by Steph at Dollar Store Crafts - all you'll need then is the perfect picture to go in the frame and you have a wonderful DIY gift ready to go!

Source: DollarStoreCrafts.com

For Your Most Refined Friend

I admit, I'm a bit of a tea addict, so how fabulous are these Homemade Tea Bags? You can make your own with any loose teas, and the little cardstock tags are a cute touch to bring a smile to someone's face during their morning or evening tea. Find out how to make them from Stephanie at Think Crafts!

Source: ThinkCrafts.com

For The Board Game Champ

These Scrabble Coasters are a handy and creative addition to the dorm or living room of anyone you know who has a way with words. If you have an old version of the game lying around with some tiles missing already, turn it into a useful gift to give this holiday. The tutorial by Christina can be found at Intimate Weddings.

Source: IntimateWeddings.com

For The Note Taker

If you know someone who still loves jotting down notes rather than programming it all in a phone, these Mini Orgami Books could make great little gifts your friend can throw in a bag or a pocket. Follow along with the photo slideshow tutorial by Chrissy at PaperKawaii.com to see how to make them.

Source: PaperKawaii.com

For Anyone Who Loses Their Glasses

Glasses get their own home with these cute Necktie Eyeglass Cases that Laura made at Olive and Love. I'm always leaving my glasses laying around, but I'd love to have a cool case like this - get those old ties and make one for your glasses-wearing friend today!

Source: OliveAndLove.com

For Someone Full of Whimsy

Another super creative ornament idea - and this Geo Ornament is made out of paper! Crazy, right? Take on this doable task by following Sarah's tutorial at Compulsive Craftiness and give someone special this one-of-a-kind decoration.

Source: CompulsiveCraftiness.com

For The Snow Bunny

Ornaments are a great gift because they can decorate things besides just a Christmas tree. For example, I'd totally hang this Beaded Snowflake Ornament in my window for all of winter (maybe even summer too, because I love snow!). Get all the details on how to make it at Craftster.

Source: Craftster.org

For Your Favorite Muggle

Omigosh... this Harry Potter Snitch Ornament is something I want in my life ASAP. So fun and creative, and the best part is, you can make it! The Do It Yourself Divas show you how to make this ornament for any Potter fan in your life. A bazillion points for Gryffindor!

Source: DoItYourselfDivas.Blogspot.com

For The Shining Star

I wear sunglasses all the time, so I'm loving these Glitter Sunglasses that you can make as a holiday gift for a friend with some serious flair. Alexandra Amoratico from SheIsRed.com shows you how to take some regular shades and glitz them up.

Source: SheIsRed.com

For Your Chattiest Friend

How about a sweet Glitter Phone Case to go with those amazing new sunglasses? Laur from Desire & Inspire put together this tutorial so you can revamp your friend's old case with this sparkly twist. You guys are texting each other constantly anyway, so you know she's going to see it and think of you!

Source: DesireAndInspire.com

Have you ever given a DIY gift? Have you ever received a homemade gift? Know any other DIY projects that would make awesome gifts this holiday? Tell us about it in the comments!

Bring The World Into Your Room With DIY Wall Art!

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Jamie’s giving away $100 so you can make these awesome plates for all of your friends. Um, best news ever? And to make it ever better, check out these awesome plates! They’re so stinking cute! Who on your list wouldn’t want one of these? No one! That’s who! Now watch, enter and win! Click here to enter.

Are you making these dinner plates? Are you entering to win $100 so you can make ten of ‘em for your friends?! Tell us in the comments!

DIY Snow Globes Are Another Great Gift Idea!

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How adorable are Emma Stone and her mom? SO ADORABLE! | Source: Ian Wilson/WENN.com

Yeah, so your mom probably deserves a little extra something right about now. Here are 5 super nice things you can do for her that could even count as holiday gifts–heck, make a coupon book with all of ‘em in it, and she’ll be psyched!

1. Make Dinner
I’m not talking put-the-Lean-Cuisine-in-the-microwave, either, girl! Get a simple recipe online or from one of your mom’s cookbooks, hit the market to get all the ingredients, and do it! She’ll be super psyched that you’re taking the initiative and thankful to have a night off as house chef! Just, um, don’t set anything on fire if you’re working with the oven!

2. Give Her A Back Rub
You know why your mom’s back is probably hurting right now? Because she’s been lugging home tons of awesome presents for YOU from the mall! To show her how much you appreciate her amazing generosity (and face it, it is amazing), start kneading out some of the major knots in her back. She’ll love you forever.

3. Offer To Take Down The Christmas Tree
Putting up the Christmas tree is so much fun, but taking it down? Well, not so much. If that’s usually your mom’s job, tell her you want to help, or maybe even do the whole thing! She’ll be surprised and excited not to get covered in tree sap and dry pine needles again this year.

4. Help Your Kid Sister With Her Homework
Of course your mom could help, too, and she probably usually does, but seeing you take on such a leadership role will make your mom incredibly happy–and it’ll take one more thing off her to-do list so that she can actually relax for a little bit. Seriously? When was the last time you saw your mom just . . . resting?

5. Do The Dishes (All Week)
Sure, everyone pitches in to do the dishes once in a while, but if you give her a full week without a single plate to rinse, she’ll love it! It’ll take about 15 minutes out of your evening, but will add a whole lot of joy to hers. Worth every second, if you ask me.

What are some nice things you think your mom would like? What holiday gifts are you giving her this year? Have you ever thought about giving a “coupon” book? Tell us in the comments!

Never EVER Say These Things To Mom!

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Shop for a good cause this holiday! | Source: Shutterstock

I LOVE holiday shopping for people, and I get so excited thinking about somebody smiling when they open up a gift from me. Holiday shopping can shift from awesome to stressful though when you seem to have run out of good gift ideas for what to get a special person in your life.

I was definitely feeling this way once the holidays rolled around during my senior year of college. My boyfriend and I started dating my freshman year, so we had already done our fair share of gift exchanges. On top of my total lack of gift inspiration, we were both wrapping up a really intensive class that was zapping up a lot of our free time and energy. We ultimately decided we would not exchange gifts.

It did bum me out a little bit that we were going to be skipping the fun holiday shopping. That’s when I had an idea. One Saturday, the two of us drove out to the mall and picked a child off one of the “giving trees” by the customer service desk. The two of us decided to pool our gift money and we spent the whole afternoon shopping for a little kid we had never met.

And you know what? It was probably our most memorable holiday together. Each time we found something on the list we’d get so excited, and it was fun for us to have friendly debate over what color hat or which game we were going to buy. Instead of each of us sneaking off the mall separately to do holiday shopping and stress about what to buy the other, we got to spend the entire day hanging out. With all the craziness of school, we hadn’t gotten to do that a lot, so the extra time was almost a gift in itself.

When we dropped off our big bag of items before we left the mall, I felt so happy for a whole bunch of reasons. First off, helping others just makes you feel good, and I liked thinking about how excited that kid was going to be with his gift – way more excited than my boyfriend probably would have been if I just got him another CD for the sake of having a holiday gift.

Thinking about that kid also helped me put some things in perspective, and a lot of the stress I had about my school projects had melted away. Finally, deciding to share this whole experience with my boyfriend wasn’t just fun because I could have a shopping buddy, but his enthusiasm about making this gift donation reminded me how he is a genuinely compassionate and thoughtful person.

Basically, this whole “donate date” was awesome for me, and I think it could be amazing for you too! Just getting to know each other and don’t feel like you’re really at a gift-giving stage? Suggesting this as a date idea gives you the chance to hang out no stress and learn more about each other, all for a good cause. If you’ve been together a while and you need a break from presents, it’s a great way to still get the fun of holiday shopping and enjoy the spirit of the season.

What’s great is that during the holidays there are often local opportunities available if you are wondering how to donate. Need one idea? The United States Postal Service sponsors Operation Santa which connects you with a letter that a child wrote to Santa, and you have the chance to write back and/or get some things off their list. Local malls, stores or places of worship are usually good places to find similar programs that accept donations of gifts for children or families.

I think teaming up to donate makes it more fun, so if you’re single don’t let that stop you! You can definitely propose this alternative gift-giving idea to a sibling or a friend as well. Sometimes when you’re in a couple, it can be easy to get caught up in each other while also feeling like you’re sort of just going through the motions. For me, taking a holiday for the two of us to work as a team and give back to someone else was a great way to still have holiday fun and spend quality time together. Everybody wins!

Does this sound like a fun holiday date for you? Have you ever decided to skip holiday gift giving with your significant other? Let us know in the comments!

Are You Exchanging Presents For Christmas?

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While I guess you could give these gross-factor items as holiday gifts, I would exercise caution. When I look at these holiday decorations and accessories in all their gross and disgusting glory, all I can ask myself is “Why? WHY?!” That said, while I may not want these holiday decorations hanging in my home in these next few weeks, they are worth checking out (and hey, if these all say “Happy Holidays” to you, then by all means, enjoy them as part of your holiday celebration!). Let me give you the gift of these 13 icky, gross holiday-themed items, and may you not be scarred during this time of holiday joy.

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Santa Barf App

Why would I want to make poor Santa throw up? If the man can fly around the globe in a night, I have to think he has some kind of effective digestion plan for all that cookie eating. You download the free app, you shake your phone and Santa spews green vomit. Against my better judgment, I even downloaded this to get this appetizing screen shot, so yeah, you're welcome.

Source: Santa Barf App

Santa And Reindeer Candy Poopers

I'd seen the pooping reindeers before which have always grossed me out, but never the pooping Santa. I mean, it's all still gross because you are eating candy that is being compared to excrement (hilarious!), but I just think there's something particularly scarring about the man in the red suit doing this. Needless to say, I would never eat from one of these.

Source: OffBeatTreats.com

Reindeer Poop Lip Balm

I pity the poor unsuspecting family members who get a kiss on the cheek when I am wearing this. Just the idea of wearing something related to poop around my mouth really skeeves me. Apparently though, the flavor of "reindeer poop" is actually chocolate and peppermint which sounds amazing. I just don't think I could apply this in public without getting some weird looks.

Source: Etsy

Pooping Moose Holiday Sweater

I have received a number of sweaters I wasn't super into over the years, but I can luckily say I never received this. Can you imagine showing up to Grandma's in this get-up? I know it's a natural part of life and all, but I do not feel like it needs to be emblazoned on an article of my clothing.

Source: Stupid.com

Unsavory Holiday Cards

There's plenty of less than wholesome holiday cards floating around the Internet. Take this one in particular. Not only would my mom not know where to put this among her holiday display of cards, she would probably faint if someone actually sent her that. And like seriously, when did number two become the go-to holiday reference??

Source: Etsy

Santa Toilet Paper

See what I mean! Actually, while this by itself isn't too gross, when you remind yourself of the purpose of toilet paper, it becomes a little unsettling to have all those Santas on it. In any case, I pretty much draw the holiday bathroom decorations at evergreen scented hand soap.

Source: Fosfor Gadgets

Gingerdead Men Cookie Cutter

Okay, so the product name is kind of a clever pun. This isn't so much gross as much as it is kind of sad. I mean, yeah I guess I'm going to eat the gingerbread men, but thinking about them as having creepy little skeletons is a little on the morbid side.

Source: Think Geek

Baby Head Tree Topper

Granted, from what I can tell, it's not like this is being mass produced, but it is still highly unsettling. I also have a childhood doll with a very similar-looking head so this feels particularly upsetting. I mean, the lights in the eye sockets!! Yikes.

Source: Pintrest

Zombie Santa Ornament

Hanging ornaments was always a happy family affair for me. I can't imagine that a zombie Santa complete with rotting flesh and some kind of toxic mouth spew really fits in with those happy memories.

Source: Etsy

Bloody Ornaments

I know red is a color associated with Christmas, but who knew there was such a holiday bloody-gore market. These ornaments have the drippy "blood" interior, but also little detached limbs in there as well. Hey, they're definitely creative. I'm just not sure that I want to look at them when snacking on holiday treats.

Source: Etsy

Tampon Menorah

I'm all for arts and crafts, but would I really want to explain to holiday guests that this menorah is made from tampons (*obviously unused)? No, I probably would not. I mean, tampons are nothing to be ashamed of, but the idea of having to pull the tampon string to "light" the candles on this holiday centerpiece during Hanukkah would be just a little too much for me.

Source: TamponCrafts.com

Lady Gaga's Christmas Tree Song

I remember first hearing this song. It started as "Yay, a Lady Gaga Christmas song!" and slowly turned into total mortification when I really listened to the lyrics and realized my professor was right nearby. If you thought Christmas trees were spared from the very long list of words with sexual innuendos, well this song will prove to you otherwise.

Source: C.Smith/ WENN.com

White Chocolate Peppermint Pringles

Full disclosure: I have yet to try these. Maybe I would love them. But when I saw that these existed I was hesitant, and then I also read this excerpt from a review from GrubGrade.com: "Imagine eating a handful of kettle corn along with some toothpaste, and that’s what these chips tasted like." I love a peppermint-themed holiday food, however I may skip these ones.

Source:GrubGrade.com

Do you own any gross holiday decorations? Would you want these are part of your holiday celebration? Would you give any of these items as holiday gifts? Let us know in the comments!

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