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Make It Yourself

I know - when you went to the Illini Union Bookstore, you were expecting more than $5.00 back for that Statistics book because you paid $95.00 for it. Sorry - welcome to U of I.

If you're running low on money for gifts this jolly season, don't fret: make your own! Here are some GOOD gifts you can make at home that will make you seem thoughtful, caring and creative (which, of course, you are).

1.) A pop-up Card

Bust out your markers, stencils, stickers, glitter, construction paper, glue, scissors, and pull a candy cane off the tree because it's time to show off those skills that you've been developing since Kindergarten. Make sure this card is bigger than normal and take your time. You can be serious, funny or sweet. But, the key to a good pop-up card is making sure SOMETHING pops up out of the card. Do a couple test runs to see if your suprise pops up when you open the card.

Serious:

"I Love You"

"You're All I want for Christmas"

Funny:

"Ho, ho ho!" (One for each guy)

"What did Santa say to Rudolph?" "Forget rain, it's going to snow-deer!"

Sweet:

"You Make me Jolly"

"You satisfy my Sweet Tooth"

2.) Gingerbread House

3.) Sweet Potatoe Pie

Try this Recipe for your edible gift.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sweet-Potato-Pie-I/Detail.aspx

4.) Scarf

These kits are cheap at Walmart and JoAnn Fabrics, and this is a great way to use what you know about someone to develop a personalized gift that matches their personality.

5.) Decorate a Picture Frame

Buy a simple white or silver picture frame from Target ($4-5), decorate it with Christmas colors (or the giftee's favorite colors) and add a picture. Use ribbons, bows, colored glue or anything else you have lying around the house that's pretty.

6.) Express Yourself with a Song or Poem

There's nothing sweeter than a personalized song or poem for your friend or sweeetheart. Sing it, rap it, act it out - follow your heart.

Got any ideas for homeade gifts? Send em' in, tell us how to make them and we'll put post YOUR idea on the web!