Creative Holiday Gifts

Looking to make cool holiday gifts instead of trekking to the mall? Want to have fun at the same time? Your friends will be impressed when you tell them you made it yourself! See these books for inspiration:

• Knitgrrl: Learn to Knit with 15 Fun and Funky Projects or Knitgrrl 2: Learn to Knit with 16 All-New Patterns, both by Shannon Okey. Beyond scarves, hats, and mittens, you can also make soda-can or water bottle cozies, book covers, fuzzy flip-flops, and more!

• Get Hooked: Simple Steps to Crochet Cool Stuff, by Kim Werker. Scarves, pillows, belts, bookmarks, and more.

• Cool Beaded Jewelry, by Pam Scheunemann. Make necklaces, bracelets, and rings.

• Polymer Clay: 30 Terrific Projects to Roll, Mold, & Squish, by Irene Semanchuk Dean. Picture frames, tic-tac-toe game, magnets, and more.

• D.I.Y. Girl: The Real Girl's Guide to Making Everything from Lip Gloss to Lamps, by Jennifer Bonnell. Find out how to make your own gift wrap, lip gloss, bath salts, or simple jewelry. Decorate hair clips or recycle old jeans into a roomy tote bag.