"Homemade" Cake

• Pour the cake mix into muffin pans to create cupcakes.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  If your loved one adores culinary gifts, don't worry if you don't have time to bake from scratch. Buy a boxed caked mix and follow the instructions. While it's baking, make a simple homemade icing. After the cake cools, apply the icing. Decorate further with any appropriate fresh fruit or candies you have on hand. With these homemade touches, she'll never notice the cake came from a box.
  
  

Tool Box Basics

• Tool boxes can be found at hardware stores.Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  If you need a good gift for a new homeowner or recent graduate, put together a tool box set for him. Buy a basic tool box, or re-purpose one from a discarded box with a handle. Browse the sale rack and put together a collection of affordable, simple tools. Tuck a note inside the toolbox promising to show him how to use his new tools at any time, and with the project of his choosing.
  
  

Homemade Gift Certificates

• Give stressed out friends "certificates" for massages from you.Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
  
  Using several sheets of fine quality paper, write out a series of homemade "gift certificates." Write out certificates for babysitting, a home-cooked meal, and more, all redeemable from you. Staple the sides of the papers together to create a miniature "coupon book." For further personalization, decorate a cover with your friend's name and positive sentiments.
  
  

Personalized "Recipe Basket"

• Wrap the ingredients individually for a colorful effect.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  If your friend loves your cooking, write out recipes for one or two of his favorites on blank cards. Then, pick up a basket from a craft store or re-purpose an old Easter basket. Fill the basket with all the ingredients needed to follow the recipes. Decorate the basket with a colorful ribbon and flowers. When you present the gift, offer the make the dish with your friend as part of the present.