15 DIY holiday gifts that won't break the bank

With a bottle of vodka and a few vanilla beans, you can make homemade vanilla extract that's even better than store-bought. You'll need to make this gift at least a few months in advance, though, or at the very least, tell your recipient to let the beans steep for optimal flavor. 

DIY body scrub is easy to make at home with just a few ingredients, like essential oils and Epsom salt. You can add whatever scents you know your gift recipient will love and customize the moisturizing oils (jojoba, sweet almond, coconut) depending on their preferences. 

There's truly no better gift than a home-baked treat. Share your beloved chocolate chip cookies or pumpkin bread, or even savory options like a quiche during the holidays for a totally personal gift that's satisfying every single time. 

Even if you don't think you're much of an artist, making beautiful DIY wall art is easier than you think. Use a canvas and plaster to recreate a minimalist, geometric piece, or try your hand at paint-pour art. 

Grab an oil-based paint marker and a plain white coffee mug when you need a last-minute gift that's still totally personalized. Draw (or write) your design on the mug and bake it in the oven to permanently bond the paint with the mug. You can also try this DIY with plates and other dishware like casseroles. 

It might seem a little cheesy, but an old-fashioned coupon book is still a totally viable gift option for someone you love. Make coupons for movie dates, taking on their most-hated chores, and other personalized little surprises to make this gift feel really special, not a slapdash, last-minute decision. 

Even if you can't knit or crochet, you can still make a cozy gift for someone you love. Try one of these hand-tied fleece blankets in a fun print, or try your hand at making a warm, no-knit scarf for the winter. 

Soaking in a long bath always feels like a luxury, especially when the water is scented with essential oils and infused with moisturizing ingredients. Try this recipe for DIY bath salts and store them in a ribbon-decked jar for a perfectly festive gift that will help your loved one relax all year long. 

Thanks to websites like Shutterfly and Snapfish, turning your Instagram photos into beautiful collages, canvas wall art, and other personalized items is wildly easy. You could also go the old-school route and print photos and pair them with a collage frame for a totally timeless gift. 

Homemade holiday ornaments are the kind of gifts that get passed down through generations. Get the kids together to make classic salt-dough ornaments for Grandma and Grandpa, or try out one of these easy ornament DIYs for a gift that's both easy to make and easy on your wallet. 

Even though time is running out for DIY gifts, you can still make limoncello. This classic Italian drink is a great gift for cocktail enthusiasts and only needs to rest for a few weeks after it's made for optimal flavor. 

Blending avocado oil, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil with shea butter and scents will produce a moisturizing body oil that will help even the driest skin make it through the cold winter months. Pair with cozy socks and a sleep mask for a gift that encourages your recipient to pamper themselves. 

Plain flour sack tea towels are the perfect canvas for a personalized holiday gift. You can use stamps and fabric-safe ink, appliques, or even try your hand at embroidery to make a cute towel that will always have a place in your gift recipient's kitchen. 

You may not be able to afford a brand-new chair for your mom's Christmas gift, but nothing is stopping you from scoring a good deal on Facebook Marketplace and giving it a facelift with new fabric and fixtures. You can also take on smaller refinishing projects, like painting an old mirror or picture frame to fit your recipient's decor scheme. 

Grab cute fabric, some rice or buckwheat, and the essential oils you love to make scented sachets for anyone who loves a luxurious little touch. The sachets can be used to keep clothes smelling fresh while they're stored in drawers and are easy to refresh with a few drops of essential oil every few months.