They say it’s better to give than receive, but living up to the old adage can be expensive. This holiday season, keep your wallet full—and your stress level at a minimum—by going the DIY route with your gift-giving. You don’t have to be an expert crafter or pro chef to create a gift that’s memorable and meaningful, and these ideas are proof! 

Put together a gift basket. Who wouldn’t want to receive a beautifully presented gift basket during the holidays? You can customize a gift basket for every recipient on your gift list, from the foodie to the spa-goer. After deciding on a theme, grab a few inexpensive wicker baskets from the craft store, then fill it with goodies that follow the theme. For the home chef, for example, you could fill the basket with a dish towel, oven mitt, gourmet non-perishables, and a cook book.

Whip up something sweet. The holiday season isn’t complete without a bite of a homemade treat, so pick a recipe that’s easy to make in large batches, and get to work! Fudge, caramels, brownies, and cookies are always welcome gifts, especially when presented in a whimsical tin or jar that can be reused after the treat is gone.

Treat them to a day at the (home) spa. Everyone could use some tranquility during hectic holiday season, so give the gift of R&R in the form of bath and body treatments. Sugar scrubs, bath bombs, and soaps are surprisingly easy to make, and the ingredients are inexpensive and readily available. Arrange the goods in a beautiful glass jar tied with a ribbon.

66 DIY Christmas Gifts to Add Heart to Your Holiday [Good Housekeeping]
85 DIY Christmas Gifts That’ll Mean so Much to Your Friends and Family [Country Living]
60 DIY Christmas Presents Your Friends and Family Won’t Re-Gift [House Beautiful]

For an incredible culinary experience that you’ll be surprised by, head to the new Ebisuya Japanese Noodle House which has been open since August on Summer Street. This authentic spot serves only ramen, which is why each bowl is so delicious! The interior is rather unassuming; you wouldn’t realize just how complex and delicious their food is by looking at the simple interior. 

The menu has two options: Shoyu Ramen or Spicy Miso Ramen. The first is a broth boiled for six hours with all sorts of special ingredients, while the second is the first broth with a spicy miso sauce added in. Both are topped with perfectly tender pork, bean sprouts, and scallions, and you can add a soft boiled egg or extra pork if you’re in the mood for something a little more hearty.

Their hours are a little odd, but it’s all in the name of tasty food! Make sure you head there between noon and 3 p.m. or 5-8 p.m., with cash as they’re cash only, otherwise you’ll be out of luck. Enjoy!

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, you’re probably starting to make your holiday plans. And if those plans include hosting the big meal at your apartment, you might also be panicking about how you’re going to accommodate everyone. But don’t worry—just a few of these small tweaks will get your apartment ready for the crowd.

1. Stash your superfluous stuff. Extra clutter will always make your space look smaller, but it can actually become a physical barrier to your guests’ comfort in this case. Clear out the pieces of furniture that serve no functional purpose and stow them in the bedroom or office, and get rid of any knick-knacks or decor that are taking up what could be valuable space for food and drinks.

2. Find some extra seating. Unless you really want to mix things up with a cocktail-style dinner, you’re going to need enough seating for everyone on your guest list. But it doesn’t all necessarily have to be at the dining room table. Keep things casual and invite guests to take their plates to the living room, where they can get comfy on the couch, or set up some extra folding chairs wherever you have space.

3. Create a more modest menu. It’s probably tempting to go all out with the menu the first time you’re hosting Thanksgiving, but if you fight that urge, you’ll be happy you did. When you’re working with a smaller kitchen and less serving space, a full-sized Thanksgiving turkey might not be your best option. Instead, opt for a smaller main dish—maybe even chicken or a turkey breast—and keep the sides simple. Consider cutting casserole recipes in half to free up space in your fridge and on the table.

4. Invite your guests to pitch in. Or better yet, let your family and friends do some of the work. Chances are people will be clamoring to help out by bringing their own dish, so let them! Invite dinner guests to take care of the appetizers, salads, sides, and desserts, and then you can really pay attention to making the main dishes and the setting perfect.

How to Host Thanksgiving in a Small Space [Williams-Sonoma]
How to Host Thanksgiving in a Small Space [The Good Stuff]
How to Host a Huge Thanksgiving in a Small Space [Realtor.com]