What if we told you that you could tick off your 2024 Christmas gift list with only three DIY materials, some crafty know-how and a whole lotta love?

With the rising cost of living along with soaring inflation, you’d probably think we’re pulling the wool over your eyes… which is exactly why we’ve called on three expert ClassBento makers to show you how you can save money this Christmas and gift presents with heart. 

Without further ado, it’s time to get crafting and learn how to save money at home this Christmas 2024!

Mould clay into Christmas gifts for just $5

Like us, you’re sure to fall in love with the simplicity of hand building clay from your very first pinch pot. Whether you choose to make clay sculptures, vases or ceramic mugs, this versatile material will only set you back about $5 per kilo and comes with so many possibilities.

As well as being soothing and mindful, DIY pottery comes with the added bonus of being completely customisable, so you can ensure your loved one receives something truly unique — made entirely by you!

Daisy Cooper from Daisy Cooper Ceramics in Melbourne believes that ceramic DIY gifts are so much more personal and can be treasured for a lifetime. 

“It also reduces our need to consume and buy during the silly season,” Daisy adds, “we all get so caught up in the buying and sometimes forget the sentimental value of gifting.”

Get started with a handmade mug

With one kilo of clay ($5), you should be able to craft two mugs and save money this Christmas 2024. You can add a coloured glaze to your piece for around $30 (keeping the additional glaze for future projects) and/or have the piece glazed and fired at your local pottery studio for about $9 per kilo.

Daisy’s biggest tip? Make sure you start early, plan ahead and factor in the time it will take for two firings, which can add up to three or more weeks. Not a great option if you’re scrambling to get gifts organised last minute!

Not confident you can sculpt a masterpiece alone? Sink your hands into pottery classes like Daisy’s hand building workshop in Research, Melbourne and create your first set of ceramic gifts.

Pour your love into scented Christmas gifts for just $5

Whether it’s the sweet smell of your loved one’s perfume or a scent that reminds you of a treasured holiday — fragrance oils are a powerful way to steep some love into your DIY Christmas gifts. Add them to coconut oil and salt to create a soothing body scrub, mix them together to make a tantalising perfume or pour them into soy wax to craft DIY candles. 

“Your loved one will feel LOVE and know that you had them in mind the whole time you made it,” says Amy Cherrie from Cherrie Blossom Candle And Co in Perth, “What could be better than that!”

Get started with a fragrant candle

Fragrance oils can cost as little as $5 per 50mL. If you reuse old jars and buy soy wax, wicks and wick tabs in bulk, a 300g candle can cost as little as $10 to make. What a great way to save money this Christmas in 2024!

When making candles from scratch Amy invites you to trust the process. There is no rush and you have plenty of time before the wax starts to set. 

Ensure you have a nice, cool space to make your candles in and check that your wicks are the correct size — if they’re too big, you can burn your candle too quickly; if they’re too small, they won’t burn enough.

Need some more guidance before you start melting and pouring? Get creative with fragrances at candle making classes just like Amy’s candle making class in Applecross where you’ll leave with four gifts ticked off your shopping list!

DIY polymer clay Christmas gifts for just $8

Ah, polymer clay. It’s quirky, colourful and can be baked in your at-home oven the night before Christmas. Although it may look small, it’s super versatile and can be transformed into more items than you might imagine.

Gift a green thumb some mini succulent planters, learn how to craft trinket dishes, or mould your loved one’s personality into handmade polymer clay jewellery and save money this Christmas 2024.

As Brooklyn Rooke from The Blushery Studio in Brisbane puts it, “it’s less about the item you create and more about the time and love that is put into creating it!”

Get started with polymer clay earrings

You can expect to pay between $3 to $8 for each colour block of polymer clay, and although they may look small, these blocks can go a long way! Grab some additional tools like pliers, a drill bit, and some simple earring hoops and you’re on the way to making your own personalised Christmas gifts.

Shape cutters and a pasta machine (make sure you clean it well before whipping up your next fettuccine) can also be used to make your creations look more stylish.

“These items are sure to be loved when they are made with your own two hands,” says Brooklyn.

In need of creative inspiration for your colourful gifts? Explore your crafty potential at polymer clay classes like this polymer clay earring making class with The Blushery Studio and learn how to make around five (yes, five!) beautiful pairs of earrings to gift to your loved ones this Christmas.