2025 has been the year of surprises, new trends, viral memes, and memorable moments. We are nearing the end of this exciting year, which means it is time to reminisce! TikTok was the hub for both silly and creative trends this year. In the “I am so hungry I could eat…” trend, creators explored social media for obscure relatives or past friends and told the victim they would eat this random person. This led to amusing reactions, which sent these videos viral in early 2025. More recently, people have tested their talents by singing to see if they can “quit their jobs.” Though some were great, I think most of them went back to work. The videos broadcast singing fails, which turned out to be a hilarious trend. On the topic of shopping, people went crazy over the Sonny Angel Babies, which are small dolls with hats or decorations. Similarly, viral Labubus have been a controversial trend, as they can be over one hundred dollars for one monster stuffed animal. What is your take on these products? This year has been one of our most unserious yet, full of funny and sometimes annoying memes. We started with Italian Brainrot, which by the end of the year turned into the iconic, but slightly annoying 67 trend. The middle of the year fed us with iconic and ridiculous lines, like “Chicken Jockey” from the Minecraft Movie, and “I’m A Mommy” from Season 7 of Love Island USA. Sounds and songs also went viral for being funny on TikTok, like “Nothing beats a Jet 2 Holiday” and songs from the K-pop Demon Hunters movie, which was Netflix’s most popular film of all time. There were so many noteworthy pop-culture moments, though some of them are more notorious than others. We witnessed the Louvre robbers making it easily past security, and the Coldplay couple who were unable to get past the Jumbotron. Katy Perry traveled to the edge of space and sang “What a Wonderful World,” because you know, who wouldn’t? Taylor Swift got engaged and released a new album, but declined performing for the Super Bowl. It is for the better because we are all still stuck on Kendrick Lamar’s inspiring halftime performance from last year. We are ending November with thankfulness, turkey, and Wicked: For Good. This December will be filled with fun, festivities, and joy, ending our exciting and extremely unique 2025.

Every week, there is a new event you have to prepare for. Just as you want to save up, you blink, and it is already time for Christmas! Sometimes we do not realize just how much money we spend on gifts. It is nice to take your time and think of a gift and spend money on the person you want to show affection toward, though it gets to a point where you cannot spend much. This does not mean anyone should give up on gifting. You can still show your love with homemade gifts that can feel even more special. These ideas work great for Christmas since it is coming up, but you can make them for any holiday!

One popular idea is a memory jar. You can fill a little jar with sweet notes, memories, and reasons you care about the person. It feels personal and thoughtful! Here are a few quick instructions on how to make one:

1. Find a small jar you already have at home.
2. Cut up pieces of paper and write small notes.
3. Fold them and fill the jar, then decorate the lid with a ribbon.

Another idea is making a personalized ornament. It takes a little more work, but it feels special for the holidays!

1. Cut out a shape from cardboard, such as a star or a heart.
2. Paint or color it, then glue on things like glitter or small beads.
3. Write the person’s name on it and tie a string on top so they can hang it on their tree.

You can also make a simple photo frame. It works well if you share a favorite picture with the person!

1. Get a piece of cardboard and draw a rectangle the size you want the frame to be. Cut it out, then cut a smaller rectangle inside it so the center is open.
2. Paint it or color it to match the holiday. You can add stickers or draw little designs to make it look nicer.
3. Place the picture behind the open space and tape the edges of the photo to the back of the frame so it stays in place.
4. Cut one more piece of cardboard the same size as the frame and tape it to the back to make sure everything is sturdy. You can even tape a small folded piece of cardboard on the back so it can stand up.

Another fun gift is making a homemade candle. It takes time and effort, which makes it feel special!

1. Find an empty glass jar and clean it well.
2. Melt candle wax in a pot on low heat and place a wick in the center of the jar.
3. Carefully pour the melted wax into the jar and let it cool. You can add a little scent by mixing in a drop of vanilla before it hardens.
4. Once it is fully set, tie a ribbon around the jar to make it look nice.

One sweet idea is to make a hand-painted mug for upcoming hot chocolate days!

1. Get a plain mug.
2. Use paint markers to draw simple designs or write the person’s name.
3. Bake the mug in the oven so the design stays on.
4. Let it cool and wash it gently.

You can also make a holiday scrapbook page that shows memories you share!

1. Take one sheet of thick paper.
2. Print or draw pictures and memories you have with the person.
3. Glue everything on and decorate the borders.
4. Slide it into a clear sleeve so it stays neat.

Another cute gift is a decorated picture bookmark!

1. Cut a strip of cardboard about the size of a bookmark.
2. Glue a small photo at the top or draw something meaningful.
3. Color the rest of the bookmark and add simple designs.
4. Tape a ribbon to the top so it looks finished.

For those with sewing skills, you can also make a cozy hand warmer set!

1. Cut two small squares of fabric the same size.
2. Sew three sides together, leaving one side open.
3. Fill it with dry rice so it feels soft and full.
4. Sew the last side closed. They can heat it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm their hands.

Homemade gifts show real effort. They prove that you care enough to make something with your own hands! They save money and make the person feel seen and appreciated. Gifts do not need to cost much to have meaning.