As the economy continues to recover, many of us find our holiday budgets a bit tighter this year.

But instead of singing the blues, here are some creative DIY gift ideas to help you indulge in the joy of spreading holiday cheer to those you hold most dear.

Flavored Oils & Vinegars

You still have time if you get started on this right away, as these take 4 to 5 days to steep. All you need are some large and small food-grade sterilized glass bottles that are able to be sealed, olive oil, and either red or white wine vinegar.

• To make the flavored oil, just gently roll fresh herbs of your choice (rosemary is nice, so are tarragon and thyme) between two pieces of wax paper or plastic wrap to release their fragrance, don’t crush or chop them. Warm your olive oil in a pan on very low heat and add the gently bruised herbs. Remove the oil from the heat and let it sit in the pan to cool to room temperature. Pull the herbs out of the oil and place them in a large glass container and pour the oil to cover the herbs. Refrigerate for at least four days. After that time, you can strain your flavored oil into smaller bottles filled with fresh herbs and decorate them with handmade labels and ribbon. Date your bottles as this oil should be used within one month.

• For a flavored red or white wine vinegar, you can use a blend of garlic cloves, oregano, colorful peppercorns (2 teaspoons worth), shallots (sliced thin), lemons (sliced thin), dried apricots. In the jar or glass contained you are going to steep your vinegar in, place your flavor blend. Heat your vinegar of choice to just before it boils and pour the hot vinegar over your flavor blend. Let it cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for 4 to 5 days. You may then strain and transfer your flavored vinegar into smaller bottles that either have the same flavor blend with refreshed ingredients or just let the vinegar stand on it’s own. This vinegar mixture should last a few months if stored in a cool, dry place.

• For more exotic flavored oil and vinegar recipes, check out CDKitchen.

Framed Poem

Antique frames or something from a craft store that you can paint and personalize is the perfect setting for a heart felt poem. There are even paperweights that allow you to put a picture in them that are the perfect size for a heartfelt sentiment. Need some help finding the words to express yourself? Check out World Class Poetry. There you will find a lot of information, as well as resources, to help you create your ideal message.

Homemade Body Treats

Who couldn’t use a tube of natural lip balm? The Instructables website has an incredible recipe for homemade chocolate lip balm, which could easily be pared with homemade body butter, and bath tea bags.

Need more inspiration? Check out these top DIY gifts for 2009 in the Huffington Post or over at the Associated Content website.

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