Creating gifts yourself is extremely meaningful, especially if you are making it for someone else. Deciding what to get someone is challenging, but what if they just do not need or want anything that money can buy?

 An explosion box is one of the most beautiful Christmas gifts which you can make at home. It represents times of joy between you and your partner, sibling, family members or whomever you decide. What you will need is a small cardboard box, printed out photos, mini envelopes (that the photos fit in), glue, and your creativity. First, take the lid off the box and horizontally cut the corners down. That way the box lays flat for the next step. Then, take out the envelopes and glue one on each side of inner box. After that, take the photos and place them in the envelopes. You are basically done after this step, but to make it more personal, put your own unique spin on it and watch as it becomes beautiful. When you are done, place the lid back on but do not glue the sides back. The box purposefully is made like this to enhance your creativity and to view all of the photos.

 Another gift you can make is an accordion box. They may be small in size, but they are truly meaningful and will lift spirits this Christmas. What you will need is a printed out list that has small headings titled “Reason 1” and so fourth until you get to “Reason 50” in any font size fourteen, double sided tape, scissors, colorful cards, 13×13 cm papers, two mm magnets, markers, and three 12×5 papers. To start off the process, first take the printed list and flip it over so that all you can see is the back of the paper. Then, take the double sided tape and cut about six strips to place on the back. After completing that, cut out the reason headings individually from the paper so they turn into stickers. Take the number and peel the double sided tape backing off then place on the card. Your card should be the size of an index card. Take the 12×5 papers and make zig zag folds to make them accordion like. After this, take the thirteen pieces and glue each piece on top of one of the zig zags, continuously do this until no supplies are left. Now to complete the folder make a mini pocket box by wrapping a 12×5 paper  around the folder to get the dimensions right, decorating the outside, and some folding. Write down each reason on each card to then place them into the slots you created. Next, glue the magnets onto the flap and under the flap. Finally, glue the outside folder you just made onto the box. If needed you can go online and look at visual instruction for more understanding.

 Not everyone can afford to buying gifts for their loved ones during the holiday season, but sometimes buying gifts is not necessary. Even if it takes a little bit of time, it comes from you and that is the Christmas what Christmas is truly about! “When making gifts for others, I feel like I’m giving them a part of myself, which means more than buying gifts and handing them to someone. It is more sentimental,” said junior Enrique La Rosa.