From sweet cotton slippers to pretty etched-glass bowls, creating one-of-a-kind presents is easier and cheaper than you might think. Here are four books to help you get crafty this holiday season, plus gift ideas for those who'd rather leave the work to the professionals.
1. Sewing:

Even needlephobes can whip up the snuggly, ballet-style cotton slippers featured in Heather Ross's vividly illustrated Weekend Sewing (Stewart, Tabori & Chang). Customize your creations using the retro fabrics ('50s poodles! mod '60s swirls!) available at reprodepot.com.

Not crafty? Try another treat for the feet: Hydra Heart's custom-made, shockingly affordable Mary Janes and ballet flats are 100 percent vegan and totally adorable (starting at $30; buildanest.com).

Next: Crafty stationery

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