With warnings of Christmas shortages due to supply chain issues and delivery delays, you might be thinking about giving homemade gifts this year. 

Covid-19 and Brexit are among contributing factors, while an escalating dispute over fishing rights has led French fishing representatives to threaten a blockade at Calais to stop exports to the UK. 

Current issues have been put down to a "transition period" by Boris Johnson's administration, which they say will not cause "much risk" at Christmas.

However, as industry experts deem Christmas shortages "a certainty", making your own presents could help you to avoid potential delays or disappointment.

Not only that, but family and friends are sure to appreciate the time and effort that goes into creating a hand crafted gift. 

Here are some ideas for homemade presents this Christmas...

1. Homemade jam and chutney

The festive period is a time for eating, so what better than cooking up a big batch of homemade jam or chutney for your loved ones. 

Start saving your jars now and by Christmas you will have plenty to fill. 

Hundreds of recipes can be found online and if you are cooking in large quantities, it won't necessarily be that expensive!

Another positive is the long shelf life of such products, meaning people can enjoy them well into 2022. 

2. Christmas decorations

Christmas tree decorations are an underrated gift - with people using the same items year after year, and even generation after generation, this could be your opportunity to leave your stamp on celebrations for decades to come. 

There are plenty of ideas online, but why not buy some cheap, clear plastic or glass bobbles which you can decorate with permanent markers, tippex pens or paint, before tying with ribbon.

Baked salt dough can work just as well, while simple origami folding techniques can be used to transform a piece of paper into something special. 

3. Photo albums 

A photo album filled with memories could be the best present someone ever receives. 

It may be slightly time consuming, but a collection of photos reminding your loved ones of a special time in their life is a timeless classic which will never get old. 

Photo albums can be cheaply purchased online or in store - charity shops are a good place to start - and companies like Free Prints mean you can order photographs for free from your phone. 

4. Knitted socks

If you are a keen knitter, homemade socks are guaranteed to please as well as keep people warm through the cold winter months. 

5. Sloe gin

Sloe gin is synonymous with a Christmas tipple, and as it turns out it's pretty easy to make yourself, with some recipes only requiring three ingredients.

Again, start saving bottles and by December you will be ready to decant. 

6. Christmas baking 

You can't go wrong with some Christmas baking, whether it be mince pies, yule logs or mini Christmas puddings. 

Pop it in a box and tie with ribbon and you have yourself the perfect gift which will go down a treat while people wait for Christmas dinner.  

7. Vouchers

If you don't want to give physical gifts, you could make a voucher for an experience to take your loved one out for coffee or dinner once the festive season is over. 

It's something to look forward to once Christmas is over, and gives you a chance to catch up on each others lives after the busy end-of-year period.