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10 DIY Gift Ideas to Make the Holidays Special

Homemade presents rising in popularity due to extra time at home and financial constraints

Creative diy craft hobby. Making handmade craft christmas ornaments and balls with felt spruce tree. Woman's leisure, holiday decorations. Closeup of female hands at white wood background

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En español | You've heard the phrase, “It's the thought that counts."

Well, it's true when it comes to homemade holiday gifts. You can personalize just about anything to make the receiver feel special.

Do-it-yourself gifts are rising in popularity this year in part because some people may be facing financial challenges caused by the pandemic, while others have more time to make them. In fact, 85 percent of Americans who picked up a new hobby during the coronavirus pandemic plan to give their creations as holiday presents this year, according to a recent OnePoll survey.


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Janet Ady of Myersville, Maryland, has been crafting holiday gifts — everything from soap to soup mixes — for years. This year she's knitting vests for family and making grape jelly for neighbors.

"I like to give homemade gifts when I have the time,” says the 65-year-old retiree. “It's going to have a lot more meaning and richness than something bought at the store."

If you need some DIY inspiration, here are 10 ideas: