Finding the perfect gift for someone can become the biggest stress of the holiday season. With the economy in its seventh year of the doldrums, it’s difficult to buy top-end presents for everyone. But it’s even harder to choose gifts that are memorable.

The solution: Switch up your style of gift giving this holiday season. Instead of hurting your head and wallet trying to buy the most popular gifts in retail, try going thrifty and thoughtful by creating something crafty and unique for friends and family.

Handmade gifts can often mean more on Christmas than things being checked off a wish list. A handmade gift requires thought, patience and time. Even if you don’t feel like you have the talent, some handmade gifts are easy for everybody and just require time and effort. And, in these busy and stressful times, time and effort can turn out to be the two best gifts of all.

[lz_ndn video= 30053170]

Here are 10 crafty and thrifty ideas for gifts to give this Christmas.

Candles: These may seem complicated to make, but they are relatively straightforward. Purchased wax for your candle will usually come with recommendations for scents and designs, depending on your preferred style. The main ingredient for this handmade gift: time. If you’ve got some of that to give, then it’s a great present. It requires little more than melting down wax, adding a scent and buying the right candle wick. But you’ll need a little patience to follow through from start to finish.

Chalkboards Trays: Chalkboard trays are a hip decoration to make right now. They also make unique presents and show off your creativity to friends and family. Don’t sweat it too much if arts and crafts don’t come naturally, though. This is yet another easy handmade item that makes for a cool craft to give on Christmas. After purchasing the board you like, you’ll need to sand, stain and then apply chalk spray paint. You can turn the board into a tray, a wall decoration or even use it as a gift for kids.

T-Shirts: Ever had an idea for a slogan or saying that would be perfect for a T-shirt? Christmas can be your time to actually make those shirts and use them as gifts. A T-shirt idea can be a humorous gift that can really be for anyone you’re buying for this Christmas. Come up with a humorous saying, and go online, let someone else do all the work. Or you can bring your design to a local screen printer and have the shirt(s) made. To do every step yourself, you just need to iron on the letters and designs yourself.

Printed mugs: “I hate Mondays.” “World’s Greatest Dad.” Many people love their personalized coffee mugs. Whether they’re funny, ironic, both, or just a truth of life, it’s easy to appreciate a clever coffee mug. You can put a saying on the mug yourself or use decal paper to get it on. To seal the image you can use an oven or coat it with a clear resin. If you can’t come up with a clever or meaningful quip on your own, you can also apply pictures taken from the Internet or from your own personal files.

Treats: It’s hard to go wrong with food as a gift. Everybody likes treats. Find the right recipe for the right treat, and everybody will be talking about your gift until New Year’s Day. There are plenty of recommendations for holiday treats to make as gifts out there. Just make sure you know the diet restrictions of your friends and family. If your cousin is crazy for the Paleo diet, there are plenty of recipes that will suit the diet. Treats are relatively easy to make and certain to signify your commitment to making your friends and family feel loved.

Who do you think would win the Presidency?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Related: 12 Christmas Things to Do with the Kids

Family History DVD: Technology has changed the way memories are stored and shared. A legacy gift is always a treasured one, and video editing software is more accessible than ever. The act of creating a video is revealing and impressive, as very few people take the time to display photos and memories anymore. It’s a lost art in the digital age. This gift will stand out this year and hold a special place in the hearts of your friends and family for years to come.

Christmas Wreath: Wreaths are fairly simple and straightforward to make, but the sheer size and splendor of them are a joy to behold. Whether you use perishable materials like live poinsettias or inanimate objects like wine corks, your options are truly limitless. Find a material that matches the decor you want to channel, whether it’s rustic or modern or somewhere in between. If you use a lasting material, it’s certain to be a present that will bring joy year upon year.

Infinity Scarf: Don’t know how to knit? That’s fine. All you need is a little courage, the right materials, and about 30 minutes of your time. A number of viral videos offer simple tutorials that explain, step by step, how to make knit infinity scarves even if you don’t sew. This a practical gift, but stylish and memorable. The best part: You’ll undoubtedly foster warm feelings when you say you made it all on your own.

Wine Wrap: Gifting a bottle of wine is an excellent way to tell a friend, “I feel you and hope you find time to relax and celebrate the holidays.” Selecting a bottle of wine is one thing; wrapping it is the key, and decorating a homemade wine wrap can be just the thing that sets it apart. You just need a white dish towel, a letter stamping kit, and a wine glass. Simply stain the towel with the wine-soaked edges of a wine glass and then stamp a message or monogram in the middle. Even if you gave a white to someone who prefers red, they’ll love the presentation.

Personalized Notebook: In the digital age, paper and pencil may seem like a relic, but personalized notebooks never go out of style. Select a fabric with a color or pattern that suits the personality you want to channel, and wrap the front and back of the notebook (using glue or tape to attach), covering the inside covers with colored card stock. If you want to go a step further, find an inspirational quote or photo and attach it to the cover. It’s a gift that will brighten someone’s day for many days beyond Christmas.