I’m quite aware that I am straying away from the topic of culture shock a bit, but I’m sure many of you have realized that I absolutely adore the holiday season. And this holiday season, I have decided to devote a good amount of time to DIY projects. I found a few online that looked interesting, but would be a bit difficult for those of us without a creative bone in our body to work out. Nevertheless, I came up with a handful of easy Do-It-Yourself projects for great presents that are even better for your wallet!
Presents:
DIY Tea Set:
If you have a friend or family member who always seems to be stressed out, this is a great relaxing present for them. From a local dollar store or Corningware factory, you can buy single tea cups for as low as $2.00 or as high as over $50. You can decide the extravagance of the gift. Add several different types of tea bags and some sugar cubes and wrap in cellophane, and finish it off with a colorful ribbon. If you want to add to the soothing factor, you can put in some scented candles or bath salts! I’m sure this de-stressing gift will be much appreciated by anyone!
Ikea sells cute glass tea cups for a mere $3.00! http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90209991/
This can also be made into a Holiday Hot Chocolate Mug!
DIY Beanies
In this cold weather, and dropping degrees by the day, a warm hat is something that any girl would need, but who wants to wear a boring plain hat? Instead, this year you can gift your best friend a personalized beanie, with minimal cost. Forever 21 sells adorable colored beanies for just under $3.00.
It is very simple to dress these up with the use of some fabric glue, ribbons, and iron on pieces. Michael’s is the place to go for all your crafting needs, and if you are short on ideas, check out http://www.tipjunkie.com/post/beanie-designs/ for some help!
DIY Laptop Case
We all have that friend who seems to be a bit careless and drops their electronics everywhere they go! (In my group of friend, that would me me!) The perfect solution? A personalized laptop case that they wouldn’t dare to forget is on their lap.
Just grab a sturdy large envelope ( you can find one at Michael’s for under $10) and add whatever they like! From Hello Kitty stickers to a classy wash of gold paint, anything will do!
Decorations
Ornament Wreath
Last year, my sister and I were putting up the tree when we came across tons of unused ornaments that would just sit in the basement until next year. My sister ( who is a bit more artsy than myself) took it upon herself to make the most amazing wreath! With a wire hanger, she simply undid the wire, shaped it into a circle, and put in the ornaments. After about an hour, it looked something like this:
If you need any help with this, a handy YouTube video is on the way!
I hope that you will enjoy making some of these this holiday season! 
