Inexpensive Christmas Gift Idea

Sometimes it's the small, homemade inexpensive Christmas gift idea that can impress someone the most. When you make a gift for someone, it gives them a warm glow of knowing that you cared enough to make them something with your own two hands. So what is a great homemade inexpensive Christmas gift idea? Read on to find out.

My all-time favorite inexpensive homemade Christmas gift idea is to customize a picture frame using the technique of “decoupage”. I realize you may not have seen or even heard of decoupage before. Decoupage means covering a hard surface (such as a picture frame) with photos, clippings or other flat items, and then applying a gloss as a veneer to the whole thing. You can run your hand over a finished decoupage object (such as our picture frame) and it will feel like a single surface, even though there are lots of photos and other things beneath the glossy veneer.

To get started with decoupage, this is what you will need. 1) A plain (unfinished) photo frame (these are readily available from dollar stores). 2) Any flat items that relate to the person you want to give the gift to. For example, you can use photos of the two of you together, tickets from concerts you have attended together and old letters you are prepared to include in the photo frame. 3) A regular pair of scissors 4) Glue dots (ask at your neighborhood craft supply store). 5) Decoupage gloss (ask at your neighborhood craft supply store once again).

Next, arrange all the photos, concert tickets and letters on the photo frame. You may have to cut a few items to make them fit. Glue them down with the glue dots (follow the instructions on the packet for best results). Make sure all items are glued down flat (we don't want any corners that poke up or edges that curl). Once you are happy with the design, apply the decoupage gloss as per the instructions on the bottle.

You will now have a fully customized photo frame as a Christmas gift! Write a nice message or put an actual photo in the photo frame itself. This person will value this gift much more than any iPod, DVD player or other gift, because all consumer electronics gifts will be in the recycling trash can in ten years time, whereas your picture frame will last the test of time.

You can of course use this inexpensive Christmas gift idea for many relatives, friends or guests. Don't hide the fact that you are giving them to everyone – be proud of it! As long as you are customizing the photo frames for each person, everyone is sure to treasure your gift for a long time to come.