“The most wonderful time of the year” has become “the most stressful time of the year.” Between partying, baking, and traveling, there is still the issue of trying to find gifts without becoming utterly broke. Thankfully, do-it-yourself (DIY) gifts are here to save the day.

 
“I never really thought about how easy it was to just make your own decorations,” freshman Maggie Murray said. My mom and I always bought expensive things but DIY gifts are so simple and you can make so many things for such a little price.”
Not only do DIY gifts save money, they also provide a more thoughtful approach than a typical, store bought generic.
“Homemade gifts are truly the most meaningful and heartfelt gifts,” junior Scott Mayo said. “I’ve received homemade gifts before, and they bring me so much joy. We’ve all heard that money doesn’t buy happiness and when it comes to gifts, that is absolutely true.”
There should be no worry about lack of wonderful craft skills, have no fear. DIY gifts do not necessarily require too much ability or time out of your ABC’s 25 Days of Christmas marathon.

 
“My mom and I are going to make little homemade tags with old book pages and decorative paper,” Murray said. Its more simple than I thought. Simply punch the tag and write the name on it.”
Gifts are not the only things that students are making themselves this winter. Homemade Christmas decorations make everything much more festive.

 
One student has begun her own DIY Christmas tradition with which she can add little personal touches to her home.
“My aunt is really crafty and one Thanksgiving taught me how to make old fashioned fabric ornaments,” junior Lily Howard said. “Surprisingly, they don’t even require sewing. You get Styrofoam balls and choose several fabrics, which you cut into squares and pin with straight pins onto the ball. You cover the middle with a decorative ribbon once you are done which allows you to hang it. They look really impressive and difficult to make but its actually really fun and almost anyone could do it.”
Whether gifts or decorations, DIY crafts not only save money but bring a special touch the season that cannot be found on the aisles of Best Buy.

 
“I love being able to find the perfect thing for someone and watch them open it,” Howard said. “Homemade stuff makes everything even more special and personal.”