DIY Gifts People Will Actually Like

We’ve all been on both sides of this dilemma: feigning excitement over a friend’s crochet scarf that’s roughly the length of a hankie, whimpering “it’s the thought that counts” as you watch your friend’s obviously feigned excitement over the paper towel roll art that seemed so cool on Pinterest at 2 a.m.

Somehow, a remarkably misshapen ceramic bud vase ceases to be cute somewhere after the third grade. Especially if you’re giving it to someone other than your mom.

We get it — gifts are expensive, and as a teen or twentysomething, you’re more likely to be living on borrowed dollars (Gee thanks, Uncle Sam! Or Daddy Warbucks. Or Senor Scholarship. No judgment here.). That’s why we’re bringing you easy gift ideas people will actually enjoy receiving. And even if they were hoping for a Coach purse and instead got your Apple Empanadas, well, that small disappointment will fade once they pop one into their pie hole.

Just package them all fancy (we love these gingerbread house boxes from Target and this cheaper alternative from Oriental Trading), include a sentimental note (go for the tearjerker! Show us the tears!), and you’re good to go.