Is the Grinch getting you down? Are you unexpectedly low on funds this holiday season? Don’t let Jack Frost get the best of you! Add presents under your friend’s, family’s, and loved one’s trees with Scout’s Do-It-Yourself holiday gift idea. Holiday drear is easily turned into holiday cheer in 4 easy steps.

1. Burn a special play list onto a blank CD for your secret Santa to create a budget friendly gift. For a more personal touch, pick out songs that remind you of your giftee, or music that will remind them of you. You could even include popular holiday tunes to coordinate with the season. Remember: Always download legally!

2. Decorate the newly burned CD to give it a funky, yet professional touch. Cute stickers, various colored sharpies, and tons of sparkle are some of many perfect ingredients to add to your Christmas DIY. You can use almost whatever your heart may so desire, because CDs have a special protective coating that will make sure your holiday décor does not damage your play list. The world is at your fingertips, so let your creativity thrive!

3. Wrap it up. A sheet of computer paper (8 ½ in x 11 in) is the perfect size to wrap a CD case. If you have a copier or scanner at your disposal, use it! Copy or scan your face or Scrabble letters to create completely unique wrapping paper. If you can’t get to a copier or scanner, don’t fear! Create your own design with markers, crayons, and colored pencils, or go to your local scrapbooking store to pick up pre-designed paper. DIY wrapping paper only adds origniality to your final product. When you wrap your completed masterpiece, add some flare and use stickers instead of scotch tape, and don’t forget to add a creative gift tag!

4. Give it! It’s time to present your DIY Christmas present to that certain someone. The awesome tunes, funky decorations, and home-made wrapping paper may even make jolly old Kris Kringle proud. Stick it under the tree, stuff it in a stocking, or flat out hand it to your Secret Santa, but don’t forget that it’s the season of giving! Turn that frown upside-down even if the gifts you receive can’t compare with your personalized CD. And be sure to have a pen and paper at the ready to take gift orders for next year; your present is sure to be an instant success!

Remember: It is better to give than to receive!