6 simple things you can turn into great (last-minute) Christmas gifts for under $20

With a little creativity and not much money, you can make some great presents.

Anna Cheang| December 24, 10:49 AM

3. A Daiso package

This is the perfect place to put together a thoughtful Christmas package (on a budget), tailored for your loved ones.

Some of the things I found, for instance:

- Mini Christmas trees

-Colourful ring/plastic files;

-Minnie-Mouse-themed trash cans, which can double as buckets or containers for odds and ends;

-Piggy banks;

-Christmas themed warm & long socks;

-Face towels

Step 1: Buy your desired items.

Step 2: Throw in one of their gift bags, boxes or baskets in-store.

Step 3: Put a nice bow on it and a meaningfully-written card. DONE.

4. A Photo frame with an encouraging message

These, you can get from Daiso, Popular, Art Friend, IKEA and many, many other places — and you'll be surprised how much a little frame with an encouraging message can uplift a person who's going through a tough time at work or school.

It’s simple but definitely meaningful, and if you know your gift recipient well enough, it will make your message much more effective and helpful.

Step 1: Buy a frame and some nice paper.

Step 2: Write or print the message on the paper and cut it to size.

Step 3: Insert the printed paper into the frame. DONE.

5. Chocolate Mousse

You can't go wrong with this one for sure, especially if you're going to a party this Christmas or New Year.

Step 1: Buy ingredients from your nearest supermarket.

Step 2: Make the mousse (and if you mess it up, try again). You don't even need an oven with this recipe.

Step 3: Dish out into portions and hand it out to your friends and loved ones! DONE.

6. A book of personalised vouchers

These are actually pretty nifty, because in a way, you're buying yourself more time to give them a "gift" — and these, hopefully, will also be seen as more meaningful, as they are (as we would hope) things you should do to make their lives easier.

The above is an example of a book of vouchers a person could give to their spouse. You could also make one for your mum or dad:

Step 1: Make a list of favours your gift recipient would appreciate that you are willing to do for them (which you wouldn't usually).

Step 2: Put them down in individual cards (you could get blank flash cards for this purpose, and decorate them with stickers, markers or craft hole punchers).

Step 3: Buy a metal ring clip and link them all together! DONE.

Lacking in ideas? Here are some:

- Give a foot massage

- Run an errand

- Buy or make breakfast or coffee

- Take me out to the park or for a fun activity together

- A fancy dinner

- A free movie

- A short holiday (if money and leave permit)

Christmas is about giving, not just in a material sense but also the giving of ourselves. Trust me, there is nothing more precious in this world than the love of a friend or family member, so if you’re all out of ideas, deploy these simple methods to make this Christmas special and full of love.

Merry Christmas everyone!

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