More Canadians are spending less this holiday season as costs remain high and wallets tight.
In a survey from Harris & Partners 61 per cent of the 1,820 respondents reported they do not feel financially prepared for Christmas. Seventy-two per cent plan to cut back on spending compared with last year and 83 per cent will set a strict budget.
With this in mind The Wren compiled a list of do-it-yourself gifts that won’t break the bank but will put our creative minds to work and spread holiday cheer.
To help get folks started Carly Schmidt, owner of Kamloops Art Party shared a few tips and opportunities.
“Whether you’re coming into our shop and creating in there, or you’re creating at home. I think that the best gifts you can give people is something that you put a little bit of your own touch, work, time into and it makes things really unique,” Schmidt says.
Kamloops Art Party offers workshops where folks can learn how to do acrylic painting, resin pouring, glassware painting, paint pouring, wood burning, sculpting and pottery.
“It’s such a wonderful place to connect, share and inspire,” Schmidt says.
The studio also has drop-in art where folks can make whatever they like. During the drop-in times there is always staff available to help and in most cases also includes the materials needed to make something with the cost. Pricing and schedules vary depending on what is available during Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with various schedules.
“I think there’s a misconception. There’s no just magic wand that makes you a good artist or a creator or a crafter. It is a skill like everything else,” Schmidt says. “So even something like a paint pour, if you can spill a cup – all you have to do is dump a cup over – you can create a beautiful decor painting.”
For the holiday season Schidmt acknowledges some folks might not have the budget to create things in her studio but encourages people to still create.
“There’s so much information out there, and so many things you can do with even household items that can create a really special gift, or something fun,” she says.
To keep costs low and your wallet happy, here are some ideas paired with local stores you can support if you need materials.
Baked goods
A baked good goes a long way, whether it is cookies, cake or a loaf of bread. During this season flavours that feature gingerbread, cranberry, eggnog, cinnamon and peppermint are great options.
To find some items for your baking needs you can also support Scoop N’ Save, a local business with cake decorating supplies and other baking items.
Personalized notebook
If you have spare sheets of paper laying around you can make a personalized decorated notebook filled with memories, momentos and more.
Here is an example of an easy tutorial, or for those ambitious creators, this one is more detailed.
If you need any extra supplies check out Aall Scrapbook Essentials, a local business which offers various materials for paper crafting.
Apron
For those avid cooks and bakers in your life, an apron is the perfect present.
Upcycle old clothes, sheets or other fabric or visit 4 Generations Creations, a local Indigenous owned-store with various colours and prints. Here is an easy tutorial for a way to put an apron together.
Crochet and knitting items
Techniques like crochet and knitting can be used to make many things, including small plushies, scarves, sweaters, book marks and more. It offers you the chance to be creative and customize the item for the person you are giving it to.
Stitches and Skeins, based in Kamloops, has yarn and other items available to order online.
That Darn Yarn Shop and Fibre Mill offers yarn made in Kamloops and you can visit the store as well to shop for any of your needs. The website shows what items are available. Rainbow Rows Knitting offers yarn sales as well and is based locally. Another local store with yarn offers is Smith and Ewe.
There are various free patterns online like from the website Love Crafts and more.
Handmade Jewelry
Making bracelets, earrings or necklaces with beads is quite simple. There are many tutorials and ways you can personalize jewelry for someone in your life.
If you are looking for beads 4 Generations Creations has options for colours and bead types along with other materials. Other beads can sometimes be found on local dollar shops, Walmart or Michaels.
Air-dry clay items
Figurines, ring trays, candle sticks and plant pots can be made from air dry clay. The clay can be found in various stores and you personalize the item for the person you are gifting it to.
There are various folks online who have made articles or tutorials on how to use air-dry clay. Here is a Youtube video with some ideas on what to give.
Bookmarks
Whether it is a custom design that you painted or a valuable quote, bookmarks can be customized.
Visit your local print shop to choose a material and pick the perfect paper.
Preferred Picture Framing offers some art supplies and paper which you can use for your book mark.
Do you have any other ideas for presents you can do at home? If there is anything we missed please let us know by emailing editor@thewrennews.ca
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