One of our favorite pieces of debt advice to give is to have a budget. It helps keep you in check during expensive occasions, such as parties. For example, bringing the party host or hostess a gift might intimidate those who are facing credit card debt. If you need a quick and inexpensive party offering, DIY hostess gifts are a wonderful, frugal option. Check out our ideas below!
8 Inexpensive DIY Hostess Gifts
You may or may not be a crafty person. However, these DIY hostess gifts don’t require too much skill. Depending on the recipient and your budget, there is bound to be at least one option for you to choose from on the list!
Homemade Potholders ($0-10)
Find a pattern online, whip out the sewing machine, and you’ll be done in no time flat. Use some scrap fabric or sale fabric from the store. This is great for anyone who already has some basic sewing skills. Plus, everyone needs potholders!
Holiday Ornaments ($0-10)
Making DIY Christmas ornaments is one of the most open DIY Hostess gifts. Basically, anything you can put ribbon or string on, you can make into an ornament. My family has whacky ornaments, including mini spatulas, old CDs and all sorts of other things. Making something from your craft supplies is also a great option- glitter is gold!
Flowers & Vase ($0-25)
A timeless tradition of DIY hostess gifts is to give flowers in a vase. If you have access to free flowers and also have a mason jar laying around, you don’t have to spend a dime out of pocket. This is definitely a great way to stay on budget. Perhaps you could adorn the vase or jar with some ribbon to give it some extra umph.
Cookies ($0-10)
COOKIES. I don’t know a single person who doesn’t like cookies. Find out their favorite flavors or preferences, and go to work. Again, depending on your pantry, you might not have to spend a lot of money. If you can, put the cookies in a cute tin or container. Cookies can actually be a student loan solution by keeping your budget on track to eliminate those pesky loans on time.
Framed Photo ($5-20)
A framed photo of you and your bestie can be the perfect DIY hostess gift. Most likely, you will have to get the photo printed and purchase a unique frame. However, between coupons and printing a small photo, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg.
Gift Basket ($0-30)
By gift basket, I mean, make any kind of gift basket you want! Whether you have a bunch of stuff to get rid of in your house, or you head out to buy some yummy treats, it’s up to you and your budget. And don’t forget a cute basket! Check out thrift stores- they are usually loaded with baskets.
Decorated Stemware ($10-20)
Does the hostess enjoy wine and other tasty beverages? They might like some special stemware decorated by you. Therefore, if you have some artistry in your blood, look into this DIY project to avoid drowning in debt over buying fancy new glasses.
Tile Trivets ($5-15)
A tile trivet can help the hostess on the very night you are there! This DIY project works best if you have a local reuse or architectural salvage store that sells unique or vintage tiles. Once you find a few tiles, simply glue a few small wood blocks on the bottom or felt bumpers to elevate the tile off the counter.
Even if you can’t spend any money on a gift, you probably have a few items or ingredients around the house that you can use. Think about your budget, the hostess and your craft abilities to choose the best fit from these DIY hostess gifts.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.