The holiday season is here, bringing with it the joy of giving. Make their day this holiday season with a thoughtful handmade gift.

Thoughtful doesn’t have to mean time-consuming. These DIY gift ideas use items you can easily pick up during your weekly shop in-centre. From a curated self-care box to a sweet brownie mix in-a-jar, these gifts are simple, stylish and sure to delight.

How-to: Self-care gift box

Perfect for someone who deserves a little me-time. This gift can be tailored to their favourites – it's always the little, thoughtful details that mean the most.

What you'll need:

• A basket or box: Choose a festive print or a classic wicker style that suits your gift selection.
• A thoughtful treat: Pop in something you know they love, think their favourite chocolate or candle.
• Skincare: Sheet masks, eye masks, body scrub or face washes make for the perfect pampering indulgence.
• Lip balm: A practical staple, often available in fun sets.
• A moisturiser: Think hand cream or body oil in a scent they love.
• Ribbon, cellophane and tissue paper: For that polished, festive finish.

Putting it all together:

1. Prep the box: Line your basket or box with colourful tissue paper to cushion and highlight your items.
2. Arrange your gifts: Place larger items at the back and layer smaller ones in front for a balanced, visible display.
3. Wrap it up: Lay out your cellophane, centre the box, gather the sides of the cellophane together and tie with a ribbon to secure.
4. Ready to gift: A beautiful thoughtful box that’s sure to make someone’s day.

How-to: Brownie mix in-a-jar

A sweet gift that looks gorgeous and bakes into something even better. Use your own recipe or follow ours for a fool-proof gift.

What you'll need:

• A large mason glass jar

Dry ingredients:

• 1 cup plain flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup white sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Ribbon and a gift tag

Gift assembly steps:

1. Pour the flour into the jar and press down gently to flatten. Add salt and baking powder, then layer cocoa powder.
2. Add brown sugar, followed by white sugar, pressing each later flat.
3. Top with chocolate chips (and be generous!)
4. Seal the jar and tie a festive ribbon around it. You can attach a gift tag with a message.
5. Don’t forget to include the baking instructions with the jar.

Baking instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease and flour a 20x20cm square baking pan.
2. Empty the jar contents into a large mixing bowl and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, melt 225g of unsalted butter and let it cool slightly.
4. Add the melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir just until combined.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a skewer comes out with moist crumbs.
6. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving.

Whether you’re gifting relaxation or indulgence, these homemade ideas are easy to create and full of heart. Head in-centre to shop everything you need and make this season extra special.