Jackie Gower - Super speedy Christmas gifts

Making your own gifts is a great way to save money and these ones are super fast and easy.  Even if you're not too experienced in the craft department, most of these DIY gift ideas are can be done last minute and are all simple enough for just about anyone to do (no crocheting or sewing required)!  The great thing about a home made gift is that they're ALWAYS better than something store-bought because they're made with love. Even if it’s something as simple as personalising a coffee mug, monogramming a casserole dish, or making a candy bouquet, not only is it unique but saves cash too!

Hot cocoa kit for grown-ups.  This is so easy and looks great!  Simply buy or recycle a clean Mason-style jar and half fill it with cocoa powder.  Fill up the other half with marshmallows, then using twine or festive ribbon, attach a small bottle of Baileys liqueur (or other similar brand) around the neck of the jar, along with an attractive tag with handwritten instructions.  To make, simply make the cocoa in a mug according to the instructions on the pack you bought, then add a 'shot' of Baileys to each mug (or more if you like it stronger!) and top off with marshmallows.  Inexpensive, simple and stylish!

A chopping board that's an heirloom.  This rustic gift looks so effective it's almost too good to cut food on!  All you need is a plain wooden chopping board and a hand-written favourite family recipe (the older, the better).  Scan the recipe so you don't damage the original, then take it to a woodburning artist and have them burn the recipe into the chopping board so that it lasts forever – or of course you can do this yourself if you have the tools.  To find one in your area, either search online or on an art and craft website such as www.etsy.com.

Funky frugal fridge magnets. Never has your shopping list looked more stylish!  Instead of letting vintage brooches or costume jewellery gather dust in your jewellery box, turn them into unique and attractive fridge magnets.  All you need is a pair of narrow pliers to remove the backing, then use superglue to attach a magnet and leave to dry.  You can buy plain magnets cheaply from hardware stores, $2 shops or Spotlight and can also pick up great costume jewellery bargains from most op shops.  

Decorated treat jars.  Gifts in a jar are super fashionable at the moment and you can easily transform a single packet of chocolate caramels or bag of sweets into something stylish and appealing very cheaply and easily.  To give you an idea, check out this snowy suggestion, very festive!
www.minted.com/julep/2012/11/22/let-it-snow-treat-jars/#more-13888