Lifestyle

Holiday Crunch Time: 9 Last-Minute DIY Gifts…

by Alexa Mellardo

'Tis the season to indulge in holiday sweets, deck your apartment out in festive décor and pin to your holiday-inspired Pinterest boards.

When it comes to buying presents, the thought put into them is much more important than a big price tag.

DIY presents are meaningful and so much fun to make.

I created several DIY gifts fit for just about everyone on your list. Most of what you will need can be purchased at any local craft store.

Each DIY project can be as simple or as fancy as you'd like based on your taste and budget.

For The Fashionista: Necklaces and Chokers

Alexa Mellardo

What you will need: black cord, chains and charms. The cost to make this DIY gift can range from $4-7.

DIY necklaces and chokers are easy, fun and very affordable.

There is a large selection of charms, jewels and embellishments. Cording can be tied in the back or you can easily attach clasps.

Alexa Mellardo

For The Home Decorator: Winter Snow Wreath

Alexa Mellardo

What you will need: wreath, wire ribbon and embellishments. The cost to make this DIY gift can range from $25-30.

For inside or outside, a winter snow wreath is perfect for the holidays. The decorations I chose for my winter wreath are absolutely gorgeous.

Alexa Mellardo

For The Literary Nut: Chic Bookmark

Alexa Mellardo

What you will need: bookmark and charm. The cost to make this DIY gift can range from $5-10.

This gift is perfect for that best friend or family member who loves to cozy up on the couch with a book. Everyone who reads can use a trendy bookmark to dress his or her book up.

Alexa Mellardo

For The Wine Enthusiast: Wine Stopper

Alexa Mellardo

What you will need: wine stoppers and beads. The cost to make this DIY gift can range from $5-10 each.

The wine enthusiast in your group will absolutely love putting this pretty present into his or her favorite bottle of Merlot. If your price tag allows, you can include your handmade wine stopper with a bottle of vino to make a great gift combination anyone would love to receive.

This is an awesome hostess gift!

Beads used on the wine stopper can be found to suit any style and kitchen color.

Alexa Mellardo

For The Cute Couple: Hot Chocolate Set

Alexa Mellardo

What you will need: hot chocolate, marshmallows, mugs and a glass chalkboard jar. Items can be placed in a basket, bucket, tray or anything creative and fun. The cost of this DIY gift can range from $13-20.

What couple wouldn't want to have a hot chocolate set ready to enjoy for the first snowfall… complete with a beanie and faux fur headband?

Alexa Mellardo

For The Kid In All Of Us: Hipster Snowman Kit

Alexa Mellardo

What you will need: snowman kit (a basic one for the eyes, carrot nose and buttons), scarf, hipster hat and glasses. The cost of this DIY gift can range from $15-30 ($5 for basic kit).

A snowman kit for winter fun is a necessity at any age! I purchased an inexpensive set at a craft store and doctored up the kit with all of the things a hipster snowman needs for swag, including a flannel shirt, of course.

Alexa Mellardo

For The Holiday Lover: Funky Ornaments

Alexa Mellardo

What you will need: plain glass ornaments and fun items to use as fillers. The cost of this DIY gift can range from $3-10 each, based on fillers.

Glass balls can be filled with just about anything, as long as it fits in the ½ inch opening.

Alexa Mellardo

For The Entertainer: Hand Painted Wine Glasses

Alexa Mellardo

What you will need: wine glasses and paint. The cost of this DIY gift can range from $3-10 each, based on fillers.

Glasses can be painted to reflect anyone's colors and décor. They can be painted a similar design or each one can be unique. The great thing about this gift is you can make as many as you'd like, depending on your time and budget.

For Just About Anyone: Keychain

Alexa Mellardo

What you will need: key rings and charms. The cost of this DIY gift can range from $5-10.

Split key rings are very inexpensive, and the charms can be chosen to match anyone's personality.

Alexa Mellardo

DIY presents are a great way to spread holiday cheer… and not break the bank. So get crafting this season!