The holidays are a joyous time when people are seen dashing from store to store laden with gifts and goodies. But, as teenagers who have little financial aid available, gift shopping can be difficult. Here is a gift guide just for the financially challenged. Each gift can be made with everyday items and will last your loved ones a lifetime.

COASTERS

You know how dads are always worrying about coasters to protect their precious tables? Well, now you can finally put him at ease with some lovely customized coasters. All you need are 4-by-4 inch tile coasters, white tissue paper, a printer, Scotch tape, scissors, Mod Podge, a paintbrush, Krylon acrylic clear coat and black felt with adhesive backing. Print out a 4-by-6 photo onto white tissue paper by taping a piece of tissue paper on a piece of card stock and feeding it through your printer. Once it is printed, cut the tissue to 4-by-4. Then, paint a thin coat of Mod Podge over the tile and paste the photo onto the tile. Once the Mod Podge has dried completely brush a thin coat of Mod Podge over the photo and let it dry completely. After repeating this step two more times, seal with Kylon acrylic clear coat. Now just attach a 4-by-4 inch piece of black felt and attach it to the back. It is always fun to make multiple coasters and tie them together in a neat stack with a festive ribbon.

RECYCLED SWEATER BLANKET

A splendid idea for the lady in your life is a recycled sweater blanket. First, go to Goodwill and buy a bunch of sweaters, preferably all in similar colors or colors that look swell together. Once you have returned home, get to work. Wash all of the sweaters and dry on a high heat. Do not worry if they shrink; that is supposed to happen. Then cut out a template from a piece of cardboard. Next, use this template to cut out as many squares as you can from all of the sweaters. Lay all of the squares on the ground until you find a pattern and size that suits you. Do not forget to take a picture, and do not worry; you are almost done. Now sew all of the pieces together by placing the fronts together and sewing the edge with either a sewing machine or a needle and thread. In simpler words, keep the layout of the squares the same and sew them side by side along all of the edges. The last step is to use a large needle and some yarn to stitch around the entire blanket’s edge. Voila — cozy perfection.

MIX CD

A sweet gift for a boyfriend, or a perfect gift for a “bro,” is a mixtape. It is a fact of life that everyone just adores free music, and who better to receive some from than a friend? A sweet touch is a homemade casing. Grab a brown paper lunch bag and place the CD inside. Then fold that bag in half, hamburger style, to the size of the CD. Write an original title and wrap it with a bow, and there you go: a lovely gift.

JAR OF COOKIE/CAKE MIX

What man does not love homemade cookies or cake? Well, here is how to give the man in your life a sweet surprise. Layer all of the dry ingredients of a homemade cookie or cake recipe in a mason jar. Top with a lid, bow and a tag with the rest of the baking instructions and, perhaps, a lovely note.

SCRAPBOOK

An easy and sentimental gift for Mom is a scrapbook. All you need is a larger-sized journal, some markers and family photos. Place photos of special memories and write little anecdotes on the side. On the pages you can write poems, rhymes or all the reasons why she is the greatest mom. She will adore and appreciate your precious homemade gift.

“I APPRECIATE YOU” JAR

Another great homemade gift for Mom is an “I appreciate you” jar. All you need for this dandy gift is a mason jar, some colored paper and some fun pens. Next, decorate the jar. Put on stickers or make a homemade tag that has “Mom” written nicely on it. The final step is to write down a bunch of lovely reasons why your mom is so great. Make sure to fill up the jar. Warning: your mother may begin to cry out of happiness and love when she opens this dear gift.