Do you have a lot of friends? Well, I do and I can never figure out how to get them all Christmas gifts. I only make $9 a week! So, here are some cheap and easy ideas.

Group Pix: You can take a picture of your whole group of friends, or you can take a pic of each one separate. Then, buy some cheap picture frames and decorate them with household items, such as ribbons, buttons, glitter, or even macaroni noodles! And just hand them out on Christmas!

Earrings: This idea is simple and easy. All you need is to go to a craft store and buy earring posts and some wire. Then put beads on the wire and tie the wire onto the earring post. Instant gift!

Bracelets: Ok, now this one might be a little tricky, but it will get easier as you go. All you need is multicolor embroidery floss and jewelry clasps. You need to braid the embroidery floss. It has to be long enough to fit on your friend’s wrist, but short enough not to fall off. You can use your wrist and either make it shorter or longer. After you braid, you need to put the clasps on the ends. Then, voila! You’re ready for Christmas!

GIFTS WE MAKE, NOT BUY!
By: Maira, 10, Philippines (aka Masoomro16)

It’s your friends or relatives birthday. But you used all your money and can’t buy any gift for them. So why not MAKE them? Here are some ideas!

Pen: You’ll need an old pen, PVA glue, glitter, sequins or scraps of colored paper and a paint brush. Get a paintbrush and paint on an old pen using PVA glue. Dip it in glitter, sequins or scraps of colored paper. If you’re going to give only pens, make at least 3, pack them in a pen box and wrap it.

CD: Download songs from your computer, transfer the songs onto a cd. Print the album cover of the singer and you’re done!

NoteBook: Make the cover by pasting or drawing pictures onto a piece of colored paper. Get pieces of white paper (at least 50) for the back cover use the same piece of colored paper. Staple it or go to book binders to make a spiral notebook. Tip: You can make a full size notebook and half size notebook + a pen and pencil and pencil case. Put them in a plastic and wrap it. Now you have a writing Kit!

Pencil case: Cut 2 even rectangles from fabric. Sew them - NOT THE TOP PART. Get a zipper. Sew onto the pencil case (if you can’t find a zipper, use buttons). You can cut out some small squares or rectangles. Sew them on the front side of the pencil case. They can be pockets.

Picture Frame: Get a plastic bag and spread it. Make sure there are no wrinkles! You’ll need modeling clay roll it into thin sausages and shape them the way you want it to be shaped like.

If you’re making it square shaped, use the modeling clay to make a big square and a small square on the inside of the big one. Now, you need to pour some Plaster of paris between the big and small squares and wait till it dries.

Your friend or relative will love these gifts you made!