RD.COM Christmas
Lucie TurkelUpdated: Jan. 25, 2024
Turn your home into Santa’s workshop by making these easy and affordable DIY Christmas gifts for everyone on your list.
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A very DIY Christmas
Christmas is right around the corner, which means you’re currently on a quest to find the best gifts for the various men and women in your life. But as you realize every year, it’s a lot harder than it seems to find unique gifts—and Santa’s budget maxes out pretty quickly! Well, there’s an easy way to spread holiday cheer without breaking the bank, and the answer lies in three little letters: D-I-Y. Not crafty? Not a problem! While some DIY Christmas gifts require a little skill, others are more about clever packaging. And they all make a serious impression.
From cute coasters emblazoned with your favorite memories to clear ornaments filled to the brim with their favorite things, the handmade gifts on this list are affordable and fun. You’ll find fabulous gifts for moms, dads, wives, husbands, best friends, and even kids. Whether you need a main present or a stocking stuffer, and your loved ones will appreciate that you spent the extra time, thought, and effort on these gift ideas. Even better? You’ll also enjoy making them!
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Frosted Winter Frames
These rustic frosted frames would make a beautiful addition to any home. The secret to achieving the perfect look? Snow spray, snowflake ornaments, and adhesive script letters. These DIY Christmas gifts can also double as showstopping hostess gifts they’ll display year after year.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Pedicure in a Jar
If there’s a woman on your list who could use a little pampering, try this thoughtful self-care gift. Simply fill a Mason jar with everything she needs for a pedicure—including a fabulous new nail polish, of course—and top it with a festive tag or bow. Voilà! An instant and affordable present.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Sweater Pillow
This handmade gift idea is not only lovely for the recipient—it’s also a great way for you to upcycle the sweaters in your closet. Follow the simple sewing tutorial to create this cozy cable-knit pillow in an afternoon. Also bookmark this idea for future housewarming gifts.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Gingerbread Body Scrub
Raid your kitchen for this deliciously scented body scrub, which makes an excellent last-minute Christmas gift. Mix sugar, coconut oil, and assorted gingerbread spices with two teaspoons of vitamin E oil to create a product she won’t believe you didn’t buy at a high-end spa.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Christmas Nativity Peg Dolls
Remind your loved ones of the true meaning of Christmas with this handmade gift. All you’ll need is some paint and creativity to transform plain wooden peg dolls into a nativity scene.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Homemade Bath Fizzies
Want them to soak up all your love and affection? Try these homemade bath fizzies, which require few ingredients but a lot of heart! If your budget allows, package these DIY Christmas gifts with a plush bathrobe.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Color-Etched Mugs
These color-etched mugs are practical, cool, and surprisingly easy to make. If the people you’re making these for are coffee lovers, pair a set with their favorite blend or a clever brewing accessory for a well-thought-out gift.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Cherry-Vanilla Lip Scrub
This lip scrub is perfect for the women in your life who always have lip balm in their pockets or purses. Since so many ingredients can be found in your kitchen, it’s an eco-friendly giftto boot.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Christmas Cookies
What’s better than DIY Christmas gifts? Edible DIY Christmas gifts, of course. Christmas baking and crafting go hand in hand, which is why your loved ones will adore receiving these sweet treats as holiday favors. Make sure they share with Santa!
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Christmas Potpourri
A gift that smells like Christmas? Yes, please! There are a number of different ways to make beautiful-smelling potpourri blends, and this one uses cranberries, an orange, cinnamon sticks, and assorted spices. Making it with your family may become your new favorite Christmas tradition!
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Travel Toothbrush Holder
Whether the jet-setter in your life travels for business or pleasure, they’ll take this handmade toothbrush holder with them wherever they go. Bonus: One look at this, and they’ll feel like you’re right there with them.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Map Coasters
These cute coasters are definitely the way to a loved one’s heart—and make fabulous gifts for a boyfriendor girlfriend. For an extra-special touch, personalize the coasters with your recipient’s hometown, favorite vacation spot, or another meaningful destination in their life, like where the two of you met. With a little Mod Podge and clear acrylic spray, you’ll have a handmade gift that is truly priceless.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Homemade Vanilla Extract
If you have someone on your list who loves to bake, this idea is perfect. Whip up some homemade vanilla extract and gift it in beautiful bottles for lovely handmade Christmas gifts.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Upcycled Denim Apron
Make way for the most stylish cook in the kitchen! Even cooler, this eco-friendly craft upcycles an old pair of jeans. It’s a double win. A Virgo would absolutely love this gift, and if your recipient is also into astrology, check out these zodiac giftsas well.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Christmas Stockings
Personalized? Check. Festive? Double check. Easy to make? Check, check, check! These DIY Christmas gifts are perfect for people who understand the importance of a well-stuffed stocking. If you don’t want to start a sewing project, you could also choose from these personalized Christmas stockings and fill them with all sorts of goodies.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Wire-Wrapped Bracelet
Bangle bracelets make beautiful gifts, and this DIY gemstone version requires relatively few supplies and very little time. The fashionista on your list will be très impressed.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Stress-Relief Teacup Candles
Candles are always a hit for holiday gifts, and you really can’t go wrong with this delicate and ultra-feminine teacup candle. It’s a fabulous twist on a classic that you just might want to pair with a new romance novel.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Upcycled Cup Sleeve
Another upcycled masterpiece! Turn old sweaters into cup sleeves for the ultimate cozy item: a literal cozy. This present is like giving your loved ones a piece of you.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Wood-Burned Cork Trivets
These DIY Christmas gifts are for the master chefs on your list. They’ll be impressed that you made them by hand. You’ll need a woodburning tool for this one, and that will also come in handy for one of our incredibly cool gift wrapping ideas.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Snowflake Lotion Bars
Here’s another bath product that you can DIY with love. A snowflake mold will make them all the more festive for the season.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Flower Wall Clock
We love how easy this DIY gift would be to personalize, depending on your loved one’s decor, general style, and interests. The paper flowers turn this dollar-store wall clock into a beautiful handmade Christmas gift.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Upcycled Chandelier Terrarium
Succulent lovers, unite! They’ll absolutely love this fun take on a succulent terrarium. All you’ll need is an old chandelier to get started, and if you don’t have one collecting dust in your attic, you can purchase one at a thrift shop for next to no money. Give this11 as an affordable yet impressive-looking gift to your boss.
Family Photo Display Board
This farmhouse-style board lets you put a personal spin on the traditional idea of giving a picture and frame. Twine and mini clips give this even more of a rustic feel, and they can always change things up down the road by hanging new photos.
Salt Dough Ornaments
Making DIY ornaments with your children is a super-fun Christmas activity, but you can also get some amazing homemade gifts out of it. This is the type of gift that keeps on giving since your loved ones will use them every year—and smile from ear to ear whenever they see them.
Courtesy Lindsey Galvez
Tea Towels
With a strip of burlap and a paint pen, you can create a personalized tea towel that goes with any theme. Not only are these homemade gifts meaningful, but they’ll also be super helpful around the kitchen.
via michaels.com
Sled Ornament
Here’s another handmade ornament idea to add to your list. This sled ornament is as fun to make as it is to receive, and they’ll especially love the picture you put inside. More glitter, please!
Personalized Door Mat
What gives more of a warm welcome than a custom doormat? This isn’t a Christmas riddle; we really can’t think of anything better. It’s easier than it looks to create: Get crafty with stencils and waterproof paint. Not the arts-and-crafts type? You can buy a premade welcome mat that will still strike the right note during the holidays and beyond.
via michaels.com
Ugly Christmas T-Shirt
Why should sweaters be the only things that get the “ugly” treatment at Christmastime? This T-shirt is a gag gift that they’ll break out every year.
Personalized Christmas Ornament
Family is what the holidays are really all about, and nothing expresses that sentiment better than a personalized Christmas ornament. You can make the ornament from scratch, or buy one and write everyone’s names on it using a fine-point permanent marker. The least crafty among us can always buy this personalized ornament fully made. Kids will particularly love seeing their names on DIY Christmas gifts like this.
Family Tree Frame
Yes, you can create a thoughtful keepsake like this yourself if you’re handy with woodworking tools. Your woodburning device will be useful for writing everyone’s names in! Or you can cheat a little and order it premade from Etsy. We won’t tell.
Custom Cutting Board
Any home chef will adore this personalized gift. Use a woodburning tool on a plain wooden cutting board to personalize it with the giftee’s name, initials, or a meaningful note. Not that crafty? You can buy one from Etsy. Either way, you just might get invited over for a home-cooked meal!
Christmas Slime
Have a very slimy Christmas! Nope, you didn’t read that wrong. Little ones will love this Christmas-themed slime, which comes together easily with just a few simple ingredients, including a little Elmer’s glue, food coloring, and glitter. It’s a fantastic stocking stuffer for kids that will also keep them busy for days.
Stamped Wooden Utensils
Every meal they make will be that much more special with one of these personalized utensils. A metal stamping set transforms basic wooden cooking items into unexpected keepsakes.
Crockpot Caramel Apple Butter
Say it with us: Yum! Caramel and apple aren’t just fall flavors—they’re as cozy and comforting as can be all winter long. Your giftee will want to spread this crockpot-created butter on nearly everything, and they’ll think of you every time they do.
Hot Chocolate Gift Basket
Satisfy any sweet tooth with this delectable DIY Christmas gift. Decorate a wooden crate and include all of the ingredients needed to make the perfect mug of hot chocolate. Don’t forget the marshmallows! You can’t go wrong with this as a gift for the coworker with the secret chocolate stash. (You know the one we’re talking about.)
Peppermint Snowflake Bath Bombs
While the weather outside is frightful, these peppermint snowflake bath bombs will make a dip in the tub delightful. The peppermint essential oil will make your gift recipients smell like Christmas all season long and will leave them utterly relaxed.
Holiday Baking Oven Mitt
If they’re always whipping up the most amazing baked goods around the holidays, they’ll love this Christmas-themed oven mitt. Use a Cricut to write out your message (or write it freehand), and get it onto the mitt with red glitter heat transfer vinyl. Opting forChristmas colors makes it instantly festive. For an extra-thoughtful presentation, fill the mitt with cookie mix, a spatula, and a whisk.
Cookie Cutter Set
‘Tis the season for cookies! You don’t have to bake them yourself … but you may get a few as thanks for this DIY gift. Simply fill a Mason jar with holiday-themed cookie cutters, glue a fun Christmas cookie recipe to the outside of the jar, and wrap with twine to finish it off.
Snowball Play Dough
Kids as young as toddlers will love playing with this snowball-inspired play dough, and they’ll be super impressed that you made it from scratch instead of buying a can of Play-Doh. Chances are, they’ll volunteer to make the next batch with you.
via onegoodthingbyjillee.com
Polaroid Photo Coasters
Throw it back to the 1980s with these Polaroid-inspired photo coasters. You’ll need white ceramic tiles, Mod Podge, a sponge paintbrush, clear acrylic finish spray, small adhesive felt circles, and of course, the coolest, funniest, or most sentimental pictures you can find. Pair these with a bottle of vino or a wine gadget if you’re putting together a gift for a wine lover.
Fringed Flannel Throw
During the holiday season, there’s nothing better than curling up under a cozy blanket in front of a roaring fire. This DIY fringed flannel throw gets them halfway there. (Sorry, fireplace not included!) Every time they snuggle up with it, it will be like getting a warm hug from you.
Milk and Honey Soap
Could anything “bee” sweeter than these handmade soaps? We don’t think so. Not only will this homemade gift look and smell amazing, but honey is great for the skin too.
Crochet Face Scrubbies
Beauty gurus know that one of the most important parts of a makeup routine is taking off all the makeup you’ve put on. These crocheted face scrubbies are an eco-friendly way to do just that, and they’re super kind to skin. If your budget allows, pair them with a top-rated makeup remover or even a luxurious anti-aging cream.
Gold-Dipped Coffee Mugs
All that glitters isn’t always gold … but this handmade present is! This DIY gift is perfect for any beginner crafter since it doesn’t take much effort but will still exude love.
Coffee Lovers Gift Basket
Java junkies will get a kick out of this woven basket, which is filled with everything they need to get their caffeine fix: fabulous coffee, flavorings, baked goods, mugs, to-go cups, spoons, and more. Line it with plaid tea towels or a small blanket for a festive effect. Talk about the perfect Secret Santa gift!
Pineapple Bookends
How about some bookends for your bookworm? These look super fancy, but that’s just some gold spray paint livening up two plastic pineapples. Affix each to a block of wood with some hot glue and you’re done!
Pumpkin Spice Soap
If they’re all about pumpkin spice the second September starts, you can’t go wrong with this at-home spa gift. It would make a sweet little present for a neighbor or your child’s teacher.
Hand Warmers
Baby, it’s cold outside! But these hand warmers will keep that special someone’s hands nice and toasty. For these DIY Christmas gifts, you’ll need festive fabric, fabric scissors, a sewing machine or needle and thread, long pins, and rice.
Rose Milk Bath Bomb
So many bath bombs, so little time. But seriously, they make for a great handmade holiday present and will leave your gift recipient smelling, well, like a rose.
Snow Globes
No matter how old you are, there’s a special joy in shaking a snow globe. Create one that looks like it came straight from the store by using iodized salt for your fake snow. Cheap and convenient! Plus, depending on what you put inside, you could turn this into a gift for dog lovers or cat lovers!
Dip Mix Ornaments
Have yourself a spicy little Christmas this year (literally!) with clear ornaments filled with dried spices and herbs that make everyone’s favorite party dips. Simply fill craft ornaments with the spice combinations, tie a ribbon around them, and attach a recipe printout of Ranch Dip, Bacon Dip, Fiesta Dip, or whatever you’ve included.
Stamped Christmas Tea Towel
Even the youngest kids can help you make this one. Use a potato stamp (literally a stamp created out of a potato) to decorate a plain white tea towel with Christmas greenery and, of course, a brightly colored tree topper.
Holiday Spice Gift Jar
How does mulled wine or cider on a chilly winter night sound? Or maybe just the scents of holiday spices simmering on the stove? Create a mason jar filled with dried orange, cinnamon sticks, whole nutmegs, star anise, and more, and your giftee will drink to either—or both!
Wire Heart Bangle
Yes, you can actually make this pretty little bracelet! All you’ll need is some silver-plated copper wire, jewelry pliers, and wire cutters. Easy-peasy!
Nail Kit Ornaments
Are these the world’s cutest stocking stuffers for women or what? Fill clear plastic ornament balls with mini nail polish bottles, clippers, and files, and top with an oversize bow.
Painted Wood-Slice Coasters
These DIY Christmas gifts are ideal for loved ones who appreciate a rustic aesthetic. You’ll need wood slices (either cut your own or pick some up at a craft store), a stencil or two, acrylic paint, polyurethane varnish, and thin cork or felt.
Christmas Coasters
And now for another coaster idea—but for the person who is obsessed with all things Christmas. Use Christmas cards and tile squares to create one-of-a-kind home items that will be the hit of any holiday gathering.
Snowflake Puzzle
Snowy nights are for staying inside and playing board games. What better way to give the gift of this experience than by crafting your very own homemade puzzle?
Christmas Spirit Lip Balm
You’ll be getting a kiss for these DIY Christmas gifts! Just four ingredients, including some deliciously scented essential oils, will keep their lips super soft and smelling like Christmas all year round.
Snowman Bath Bombs
Look at Frosty go! This snowman bath bomb will turn an everyday bath into a full-on winter wonderland experience. It makes a fantastic stocking stuffer for teens.
Terra-Cotta Christmas Pots
It’s time to whip out the paintbrushes and bring on the creativity. These simple homemade gifts have a lot of heart and can be filled with everything from sweet treats to an actual plant.
Teepee Fort
Imagine your little ones running downstairs on Christmas morning to see this teepee fort next to the tree. Not only will they love playing in it, but the fact that you made it by hand will make it all the more special.
Christmas Arrangements
It doesn’t get more gorgeous than a Christmas arrangement like this, which features berries, red flowers, and greenery. If you’re pressed for time and want to buy a bouquet, these are the best online flower delivery services to check out.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Bombs
What is a hot chocolate bomb, exactly? A sphere of molded chocolate (sometimes with goodies like peppermint inside) that you place in a mug and pour hot milk over to unleash all sorts of chocolatey goodness. Yep, it’s as amazing as it sounds! You might want to make a few of these for yourself while you’re at it.
Beard Oil
Even Santa will want to use this homemade gift to take care of his beard! While store-bought beard oils can often be expensive, this DIY Christmas gift is as cheap as it is easy. All you’ll need are some essential oils of your choice and an amber bottle with a glass dropper for a greatstocking stuffer for your favorite (bearded) guy.
Coffee Ornaments
No time for a morning Starbucks run? No problem! They can just grab this plastic ornament full of coffee beans and make their own quick cup. Attach a Starbucks logo cut-out or a cute Shrinky Dink tag for a whimsical touch.
Cozy Mittens
The best gifts are the ones they’ll use again and again, and that’s certainly the case for these warm mittens. The extra-cool thing about this gift is that it can be an upcycled craft. You can easily make them from an old holiday sweater, so you won’t even have to purchase fabric.
Tic-Tac-Toe Travel Game Bag
This simple but sweet game will keep kids entertained for hours. Simply affix colorful fabric tape to the outside of a muslin bag and use buttons as play pieces. This present will come in especially handy during those long car rides to family holiday celebrations. Speaking of which, make sure to download these Christmas songs before you hit the road!
Originally Published: November 17, 2021
Lucie Turkel
Lucie Turkel is a lifestyle and culture writer covering the latest in holidays, books, movies and television, and e-commerce for RD.com. She graduated with an individualized major in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies from the University of Connecticut.
