DIY Holiday Gifts for Every Michigander

Holiday shopping is in full swing and if you are still searching for the perfect gift for someone special, perhaps you should consider a homemade gift! Below are six DIY holiday gifts perfect for your favorite Michigander:

Chalkboard Party Tray

Fitting for the party-planners and Michigan-wine lovers in your life: This gift can be used at holiday shindigs and year-round. All you need is some chalkboard paint, a wooden tray, and your gift recipient’s favorite Michigan wines.

Items needed:

• Wooden art tray (available at local craft stores)
• Chalkboard paint
• Painters tape
• Paint brushes
• Chalk
• Michigan wine and cheese

Instructions:

1. Prep the wood tray with painters tape and paint with chalkboard paint.
2. Follow instructions of paint for the number of coats and time to dry.
3. Gift with a bottle of Michigan wine and use chalk to customize your party board.

Click here for full instructions.

Euchre Cubes

This trick-taking card game is a favorite pastime of many Michiganders, and Euchre cubes help gamers remember which suit is trump in this fast-paced game.

Items needed:

• Four 2-3 inch square wooden blocks
• Red and black acrylic paint
• Paint brushes
• Card suit stencils

Optional:

• Wood stain

Instructions:

1. Using the suit stencils, paint one suit on four faces of the cube (red heart, red diamond, black spade, black club) and allow to dry.
2. Leave the top and bottom faces blank.
3. Pair with a new set of cards and a six-pack of Michigan microbrew.

Mitten Ornament

This simple and inexpensive gift is a cute token of holiday cheer. Give to out-of-state family and friends missing The Mitten, or add one to a larger gift as a holiday tag.

Items needed:

• Felt
• Ribbon
• Embroidery thread
• Scissors
• Pins
• Needle
• State template

Optional:

• Heart shaped-button

Instructions:

1. Using the state template cut out two pieces of felt.
2. Sew together with embroidery thread and add ribbon.
3. Add a heart shaped button to your hometown for a personal touch.

Click here for full instructions.

String Art

For the more advanced crafters and Pinterest lovers, Michigan string art is a fun gift to make and give!

Items needed:

• Canvas or wood board
• Small painters nails
• Hammer
• String
• Template cut-out of the state of Michigan, favorite Michigan city skyline, or sports team logo

Instructions:

1. Secure template on the canvas or board.
2. Place nails at even intervals around the border of the cut-out. (Optional: place nails in shape of heart around hometown or favorite city).
3. Remove the template and wrap strings around nails in desired design.

Click here for full instructions.

Snowman Kit

Fun for all ages, a snowman making kit has all the fixings and accessories to deck out “Frosty” this winter!

Items needed:

• Large googly eyes
• Scarf or scrap fleece fabric cut into the shape of a scarf
• Mittens or gloves and hat (available at a dollar store)
• Large buttons
• Black rocks or buttons (for the mouth)
• Wood dowel
• Orange felt
• Thread
• Needle
• Stuffing
• Construction paper/card stock
• Marker

Instructions:

1. Cut orange felt into a large triangle. Stuff and sew to create a carrot nose.
2. Attach the wood dowel to the carrot nose.
3. Arrange the buttons, googly eyes, hat, gloves and scarves into a holiday gift box or bag.
4. Add your own snowman making kit label.

Click here for full instructions.

Homemade Mackinac Island Inspired Fudge 

Who doesn’t love a sweet treat during the holiday season?! Whip up your favorite flavors of fudge inspired by Michigan’s top tourist island and share the love!

Items needed:

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Follow this recipe
2. Optional: add your favorite nuts or peanut butter for other flavors.
3. Store in plastic container or bag. Add a holiday ribbon and tag for a festive touch.

What is your favorite do-it-yourself holiday gifts to give and receive? Who will you make a Michigan-themed gift for this holiday season?