For students stumped for fresh new gift ideas, a handmade gift from the heart could be the perfect alternative to the typical store-bought gift this holiday season.

Local businesses offer a wide selection of materials for students to craft their own creations.

The Alexa Bead Studio, located at 178 South Main, offers the materials customers need to craft unique jewelry pieces that can be given as gifts. Owner Melissa Adler-DeSmith has stocked her store with thousands of beads in a variety of shapes and colors, ensuring that customers can tailor their jewelry to fit the tastes of their loved ones.

“It’s great because you can customize it to that person or their wardrobe,” she said. “Some people may like chunkier pieces and some people may like smaller, petite pieces.”

She said that many of her customers had already began selecting beads and designing their gifts in early November. But these pro-bead workers aren’t the only ones who are encouraged to give homemade pieces as gifts. Adler-DeSmith said it can be easy for a first-timer to get started. She even offers classes to help beginners along.

“I just had basic class and they can now make basic bracelets,” she said.

She is more than willing to help anyone who has an interest in getting started, which she said can be simple. To create jewelry, crafters only need to start with wire which she described as a flexible string, a clasp and beads.

Jewelry gifts created at the bead studio can be relatively inexpensive for the student on a tight budget. Adler-DeSmith said that creations can start at $5 and go up depending on the price of the beads used.

Kristten Strum, owner of Scrappin’ on Main, also said that her shop offers materials for students to create inexpensive gifts.

“I think it can be a cheaper way for college students to make a nice gift that in the end can cost a lot less,” Strum said.

Strum had a wide range of gift ideas. Mini photo albums that center around a theme are popular gifts that can be given to anyone. Strum said that love albums make a nice gift for students to make for their boyfriend or girlfriend.

She suggested making calendars with family photos for grandparents. For those looking for a gift for a crafty loved one, she suggested creating a scrapbook kit for them with paper scissors, a blank scrapbook, adhesive and decorations.

Students can get creative in how they give their gifts, too. A new craze in the craft world replaces wrapped gifts with personalized paint cans. Like Adler-DeSmith, Strum offers classes on paint can decoration and other subjects. She offers late night workshops that last until 2 a.m. on Fridays. On the first two Fridays in December, Scrappin’ will be hosting “Pajama Parties,” where crafters can work on their projects until 4 a.m.

Whether students choose to make jewelry or reminiscent mementos, a gift made by the hands from the heart may be the perfect choice.

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