For a homeowner, the cost of purchasing the little things tends to add up quickly, especially during the holidays. Thankfully, there are platforms like Pinterest, which provide lots (LOTS!) of Do It Yourself (DIY) guides to help you get what you need, without having to go over budget. Besides, when you do it yourself, you know it is well done!
Ready to get in on the DIY action? We’ve rounded up some quick and simple DIYs to help you spruce up your home for the holidays while saving some coins.
Scents for the Home
“It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas…”
A fantastic smelling home can help us de-stress. Think of it as self-care for you with the bonus of a great smelling space.
Stovetop Orange and Cinnamon Potpourri
Orange slices + Cinnamon sticks + Cloves (optional)
Simmer in a pot of water, then turn off the heat and let sit on the stove. Soon enough, the delicious scent of orange cinnamon will be wafting through your home.
Christmas in a Jar
½ pint Mason Jar + 8 Apple Slices +
6 drops Almond Extract + 4 Cinnamon Sticks +
3 Slices Orange
Add ingredients to the jar. Fill with water and refrigerate. When ready to use, pour contents into a saucepan and simmer. As the water evaporates, refill.
This makes a sweet and thoughtful hostess gift!
Cleaners (Nontoxic)
You’re saving twice with these DIY cleaners. Firstly, you already have most of the ingredients needed in your pantry – that’s a win for your pockets – and secondly, the ingredients are nontoxic. A win for your health and the environment. Look at you winning!
Windows
Add ¼ cup vinegar, 1/8 cup rubbing alcohol and 2 cups hot tap or distilled water into a clean spray bottle. Add one tablespoon corn starch and shake. Spray and wipe in circular motions with a clean, absorbent cloth.
(Pro-tip – Coffee filters are great for wiping windows clean.)
PSSST! — Corn starch granules are very fine and can act as an abrasive, which is perfect for tackling any bits of grime on your glass.
Grout
Mix baking soda and cleaning vinegar (not your usual vinegar) until you have a thick paste. You need a paste thin enough to spread but thick enough not to run. Spread along the grout line using a scrubbing brush. Allow the mixture to sit on the tile grout for 10 minutes.
Using the brush, scrub along the grout in a circular motion.
Heartfelt Gifts
Gift-giving during the holidays mean so much more when they’re homemade because the lucky recipients know that you put in a little more time and thought into it and thoughtfulness is always appreciated.
For Your Best Pal
Bubble Bath Gift Box
Who doesn’t love some “me-time”? This set has everything you would to unwind, complete with bath salts and wine.
What You’ll Need
- A wooden craft box (DIY or store-bought)
- Mini bottle of wine (we like Prosecco or Rose’)
- Mini candle
- Cute matches (local restaurants and hotels always have these)
- Lavender bath salts (placed in a small mason jar)
Put it Together:
Add cut up craft or tissue paper to the bottom of the craft box.
Arrange all items and tie with a bow.
For the Hostess
Every hostess loves to receive a bottle of wine. Ditch the paper gift bags and make a stylish holder for the wine bottle using a beautiful tea towel. Choose a set of two towels that you like and wrap the bottle in it. (We’re loving the super simple technique used in this video. )
Decorations
Christmas decorations need not be expensive or store-bought. Leave the actual Christmas tree to the store, but DIY and save with this nifty décor idea.
Vanilla Cinnamon Candlestick
Not only does this little DIY look amazing, but it also smells great too!
What You’ll Need:
- Vanilla candles
- Cinnamon sticks
- Thick rubber bands
- Twine
- Ribbon
Put it Together:
Place a rubber band around
the top and bottom of a candle and carefully slide the cinnamon sticks behind the rubber bands, one at a time.
Fit the cinnamon sticks all around the candle until there are no spaces left.
Wrap twine around the rubber band to cover it. Tie off the ends in a double knot and tuck the knot beneath the other strands.
Wrap a ribbon around the candle and tie it into a bow.
Customisable Chalk Ornament
These clever ornaments add a personalized touch to your Christmas tree and are perfect to make as a family.
What You’ll Need: 
- Ornaments
- Chalkboard spray paint
- Chalk or white chalk marker
Put it Together:
- Spray paint ornaments with chalk paint and allow to dry.
- Draw (or write) your personalised Christmas message on ornaments.
- Arrange on your tree or give as a gift to your loved one.