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:
- Prep the wood tray with painters tape and paint with chalkboard paint.
- Follow instructions of paint for the number of coats and time to dry.
- 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:
- 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.
- Leave the top and bottom faces blank.
- 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:
- Using the state template cut out two pieces of felt.
- Sew together with embroidery thread and add ribbon.
- 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:
- Secure template on the canvas or board.
- Place nails at even intervals around the border of the cut-out. (Optional: place nails in shape of heart around hometown or favorite city).
- 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:
- Cut orange felt into a large triangle. Stuff and sew to create a carrot nose.
- Attach the wood dowel to the carrot nose.
- Arrange the buttons, googly eyes, hat, gloves and scarves into a holiday gift box or bag.
- 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:
- Follow this recipe
- Optional: add your favorite nuts or peanut butter for other flavors.
- 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?
