Last Minute DIY Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Last Minute DIY Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Hey Guys!

I love giving gifts! It makes me so happy! Whether it’s hand-me-downs, extravagant gifts, or simple homemade things that come from the heart…I love them ALL!  If you’re like me and you want to give every single person you know a gift, then doing it the Cheap Clean Eats way is a must! Not only will your gifts be healthy, but they’ll be cost-effective as well.

I’m telling you guys, it truly isn’t the gift that matters, it’s the gesture. The four gift ideas below are useful, delicious, fun to make and I guarantee, fun to receive. Be sure to write a nice little card with each gift you give, because your words are precious and no one else will say things exactly like you. It’s what makes things come from the heart. And things that come from the heart make the world a little bit brighter.

Idea#1: Apple Wreath

You can’t get any healthier than this (or cuter, I think!). Simply take 8-10 organic apples and a long ream of cello wrap and tie off each apple with a bow or knot to hold them in place.  You might need a little tape to hold the cello in place. Fashion into a wreath shape, add a big bow and a card, and you’re done!

Idea #2: Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats.

Not only are you gifting a yummy breakfast with a reusable Mason jar, but you’re giving the gift of TIME!  You’ll be saving your loved one several minutes of prep time in the morning, and probably countless calories too since this breakfast is healthy! Scoop 1/3 cup oats into a Mason jar and add a pinch of stevia and cinnamon. Top with 1/2 cup freeze dried apples and 1 tablespoon walnuts, if desired. Write out a card that says: “Pour almond milk 2-inches over the oats. Place in fridge overnight. Stir well. Top with some chopped apples, add more milk, if needed and serve.”

When you gift it, try wrapping the whole thing (apple included) in cellophane with a bow.

Idea #3: Strawberry Coconut Shake in a Jar.

Once again, you’re making a healthy recipe that saves someone tons of time. You can also easily make this one for two people by doubling the ingredients. Scoop 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder into a small jar. Cover the powder with 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, 2 tablespoons coconut and 2 tablespoons cashew pieces. Add a card that says, “Serves Two! Add contents to a blender with 2 cups of ice and 2.5 cups of coconut milk from a carton. Blend until smooth, and serve.”

Idea #4: Homemade Vanilla Extract.

You need to plan this gift out about 8 weeks in advance because the extract needs that long to sit and soak up the vanilla-goodness. All it takes is an inexpensive bottle of vodka or rum and vanilla beans! Like, literally guys, that’s it! The quality is fantastic and you’ll find that the price is so much better than what you pay for good vanilla from the grocery store. You’ll also need some cute little bottles, but those are inexpensive too. You can get them off Amazon or a craft store.

Start by cutting the ends off of 8-10 vanilla beans. Throw them into a large Mason jar. Cut the beans into 2″ pieces and add the the jar. Add 16-ounces of vodka or rum to the jar, seal and shake. Place in your pantry. Over the next 8 weeks (or up to a year, if you like), shake the jar once per week.  That’s it! When you want to gift it, just strain and use a funnel to pour into your tiny jars. You can make bigger or smaller batches using this rule of thumb: 4-5 vanilla beans per 8-ounces of liquor. No need to spend a lot on the liquor. (I say buy a liter that’s under $10.)

I want to know what your favorite Cheap Clean Eats gift ideas are! What do you give to neighbors, teachers, gym buddies and friends? Comment below so we can all share ideas!