Not all of us have jobs, and obtaining money to spend on an expensive gift can be pretty difficult to do. So I found some affordable, creative gifts that you can make yourself and give to your friends and family.

Feel Good Jar:

This jar can be unique depending on the person you are giving it to. Basically, you get many pieces of paper and write different uplifting, “good feeling” quotes on them and put them in a jar. The person that gets this can read one quote every morning or read one during a bad day. I feel like this gift would be best for all moms out there.

Pictures Letter:

This gift is one of the more personal gifts. You get a wooden letter or any type of big letter; this letter will be the first letter of the person’s name you’re giving it to. (Optional: you can paint this letter to make it look better.)

On this letter, you are going to put all the pictures of you and whoever that friend or family member is. This particular gift is not something you see every day; it is definitely one of my favorites because not only is it a creative gift, but it’s also a fun piece of room décor. I would recommend giving this gift to a friend. (I strongly suggest that your pictures are big enough to cover the surface of the letter.)

Cookie In A Jar (Makes 2 dozen):

I love this idea. It is exactly what it sounds like: a cookie in a jar. For this gift, all of the ingredients that make the cookies are layered in any clear jar. (Make sure that the jar is big enough.) Attached to this jar would be the instructions on how to bake the cookies; you can attach the instructions by writing them on a small piece of paper and punching a hole into it. Then, put ribbon through that hole and tie the ribbon around the jar.

I’ve done this gift for a family member and they loved it. I would recommend giving it to someone who loves to cook; it would be much appreciated.

Ingredients:

• 1 2/3 cups – All-purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 cups – Chocolate Chips
• 1/2 cup – Sugar
• 1/2 cup – Brown Sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon – Baking Soda

Additional Ingredients (The ingredients that the person adds):

• 1/2 cup –  Butter (softened)
• 2 Eggs
• 1 teaspoon – Vanilla Extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Place all of the jar ingredients in a medium sized bowl, and stir until well combined. Set aside.
3. Place the butter, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl, stir until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, and mix with a spoon until well combined.
5. Drop the dough by heaping teaspoonfuls onto the greased (optional) baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until light brown in color. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Transfer to wire racks and cool completely.
7. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.