Homemade Christmas gifts are a heartfelt way to show your loved ones you care, adding a personal touch that store-bought presents just can’t match.
From DIY candles and bath scrubs to delicious homemade treats and hand-knitted scarves, homemade gifts can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.
Here are some charming homemade Christmas gift ideas to inspire you to create thoughtful presents that will make this holiday season extra special for your friends and family.
Hat and Scarf Wine Stopper
They’ll love nothing more than receiving their favorite bottle of wine as a gift. Don’t stop there, though. Consider hot gluing miniature hats and gloves to the cap and neck for a holiday-ready look.
Get the tutorial at Lydia Out Loud »
Alcohol Ink Coasters
They’re colorful, cute and oh-so-fun to make! Decorate ceramic, metal or glass coasters with alcohol ink to bring these elegant designs to life.
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou »
Christmas Poppers
Use blogger Brittany’s template to create candy-filled poppers your gift recipients can let loose right before the Christmas meal! Items needed include Kraft paper, ribbon and an X-Acto knife.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built »
Ornament Pillows
Basic sewing skills and blogger Kelly’s ornament pillow template will help you DIY these adorable plush pillows. They’re festive and can be kept on display long after the holiday season ends.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
Brick Neon Sign
Everyone can appreciate a DIY neon sign to brighten an office space. Blogger Alexis started by gluing foam project bricks to a white canvas. After deciding on the word to feature, sketch it out on paper, use yarn to lay it into the board, then pull your lights through.
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou »
Personalized Christmas Ornament
For this craft, start by spray painting clear ornaments white. Find letter and holiday-themed stencils to apply to the ornaments before painting them in your desired color. Finish the designs off with a sealer. Then, hot glue ribbon or twine to the top so your gift recipient can hang their new decoration on the tree.
Get the tutorial at Tonya Staab »
Gold Leaf Candle Holders
Any holiday dinner table can benefit from the glow of candlelight. Paint clear candle jars with adhesive. After waiting 30 minutes for the glue to dry, place sheets of gold leaves over the area. Smooth everything out with your hands before applying a thin layer of sealer on top.
Washi Tape Holiday Cards
Use washi tape to add flair to basic Christmas cards. Take your pick of festive designs and patterns — think Christmas trees, presents, stripes and snowflakes.
Fringe Ornaments
Easily transform glass ornaments into colorful decor by hot gluing tinsel fringe from the bottom to the top. Whoever you gift them to — a friend, coworker, parent or neighbor — will surely find them stunning.
Coffee Mug Mixers
A mouthwatering treat, especially one that involves spoonfuls of chocolate, is always a go for Christmas. Sprinkle candy onto the chocolate of your choice before wrapping the spoons in plastic to give their hot chocolate an extra dose of sweetness.
Get the recipe for Coffee Mug Mixers »
Christmas Cutout Candle
Use your Cricut machine to print and cut out a winter wonderland scene onto white vinyl. Think fields of snow and white evergreens. Stick the scene around the base of a candleholder for gifting.
Twine-Wrapped Lightbulbs
Don’t worry: These “pears” aren’t as expensive as they look! Coil twine around light bulbs and hot glue the twine in place. Use twigs as the stems and pieces of paper as your leaves.
Christmas Tree Drink Picks
Is it even Christmas without a merry cocktail? Here’s an easy way to take yours up a notch. Cut drink skewers down to 3″ long. Then, attach small bottle brush trees to the top with hot glue. Voila!
Filled Glass Ornament
Spruce up your Christmas tree with clear glass ornaments filled with feathers, bottle-brush trees, miniature figurines (like a snowman) and more!
Knot Pillow
Make your own trendy knot pillows with a sewing machine. Once done, gift them to loved ones to place wherever they need a pop of color for the holiday season and beyond.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth »
Air Fresheners
Choose your preferred scent, fabric and shape for your air fresheners based on your giftee’s style. Maybe lavender for Grandpa and lemon for Mom?
Patterned Wooden Spoons
Wrap wooden spoons with colorful embroidery thread and use quick dry glue and Mod Podge to keep it in place. They’ll make the perfect gift for any home chef.
Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois »
Vintage Map Wall Art
Know anyone who is fascinated with maps or loves to travel? Then, gift them a DIY framed map, where you’ve outlined the countries and continents with ribbon or twine. Hot glue will keep it intact.
Succulent Garden Bowl
Plant lovers will adore a DIY green display they can place on their coffee table, bookshelf or kitchen island. Fill a large glass bowl with soil, before creatively placing moss, cacti, succulents, stones and more on top.
Get the tutorial at Inspired by Charm »
Clothespin Poinsettias
Red poinsettias are gorgeous blooms that symbolize the holiday season! DIY your own set to gift using clothespins, red paint and gold glitter balls.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger »
Wooden Artwork
Blogger Ashley used her Cricut to cut various shapes onto wood — circles, rectangles, triangles, hexagons, ovals, etc. She glued the wooden shapes to her canvas and spray-painted her new artwork with her desired color (in this case, choose your giftee’s favorite hue).
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth »
Cookie Cutter Wreath
This holiday wreath can be made using star cookie cutters and ribbon. Add greenery, like mistletoe or faux pine bough, for extra charm.
See the tutorial at Inspired by Charm »
No-Sew Rope Coil Basket
For this no-sew craft, all you’ll need is cotton piping cord. Choose Christmas colors, such as red, green and white, and wrap them around a galvanized metal bucket to give it a holiday makeover.
Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois »
Bead Pacifier Clip
For the new baby in the family, gift a wood bead pacifier clip. Not only is it a straightforward craft — it’ll make finding a lost pacifier a breeze.
Get the tutorial at The Merry Thought »
Knit Mittens
These hand-knitted mittens will come in handy once the cold rolls in. Follow our simple knitting tutorial below and use this easy-to-follow pattern to get started.
Punch Needle Embroidery Pillow
A festive throw pillow is the perfect gift to get them in the holiday spirit. Plus, it’ll mean so much more that you made it yourself! If you’re new to punch needling, this round pillow is a great way to start. Feel free to customize it however you’d like!
See the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
Photo Collage
Whether they’ve just come back a trip or finished celebrating an important milestone, this DIY photo collage will help them capture their favorite memories. Print out their favorite shots, then personalize the frame with a patterned backdrop and colorful clothespins.
See the tutorial at Inspired by Charm »
Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar
Fill a mason jar with everything they need to make delicious chocolate peppermint or double chocolate toffee cookies. Decorate the jar with a festive ribbon and a cute printable label.
Get the tutorial at Crazy Little Projects »
Crochet Daisy Tote
If you know how to crochet, make her an adorable bag she’ll love carrying around town. To start, follow our easy daisy square pattern that’s designed for advanced beginners.
Arch Candle Holder
Give them a piece of hand-crafted home decor, like this chic candle holder. You’ll only need a few supplies and you can customize it by choosing their favorite color for the taper candles.
See the tutorial at Alice and Lois »
Winter Wonderland Shakers
Fill empty salt and pepper shakers with salt (a.k.a. snow), mini bottle brush trees, and reindeer figurines for an adorable winter wonderland display, perfect for the kitchen countertop.
Glitter Globe
Put their favorite photos on display with this unique snow globe idea. Use a few drops of food coloring to turn the water the color of your choosing, or opt to keep it clear. You can also add glitter, sequins or faux snow.
See the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
Thrifted Canister Candle
It’s not as difficult as you may think to make a candle from scratch, whether you reuse an old candle jar or you’ve stumbled upon a chic canister at the antique shop. You’ll need to pick up some wax flakes — or you can reuse wax from a candle you’re not using.
See the tutorial at Bless’er House »
Reindeer Gift Card Holder
Even if they’d rather unwrap an Amazon gift card on Christmas (hey, we don’t blame them), dress it up by sticking it inside this adorable card holder. It’s made out of leftover toilet paper rolls, so head to your recycling bin stat.
Get the tutorial at Tried & True »
Scrunchies With Adorable Gift Tags
Looking for a small gift idea for friends or classmates? All you have to do is pick up a pack of cute scrunchies and print the gift tag from See Vanessa Craft. Sure you didn’t make the scrunchies, but we’re still considering this a well-executed DIY.
Get the free printable gift tag from See Vanessa Craft »
Road Trip Lover Gift Basket
Here’s the perfect gift idea for your favorite traveler or outdoorsman. Load a basket with their favorite snacks and drinks, then add a few activity books, notebooks or novels. Incorporate some festive pieces, like an ornament or mini Christmas trees, to complete the look.
Get the tutorial at All for the Memories »
Heart Cross-Stitch Socks
If you’re not confident with your cross-stitch skills, don’t fret: The heart-shaped design is actually just tiny Xs drawn on with fabric paint.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »
Wooden Ball Photo Holder
They’ll love putting their favorite photos on display! This super cute DIY will take you less than five minutes — all you need is bendable craft wire, wooden ball knobs, super glue, wire cutters and a drill.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
Mug Gift Box
You don’t have to make your own mug to give a gift that feels handmade. Come up with a creative way to wrap it, like this folding gift box that features tea bags, chocolates and other goodies.
Get the tutorial from Jennifer Maker »
Bath Tea
There’s nothing she loves more than relaxing in the tub while sipping on a cup of tea. This gift lets her do both: Make your own bath soak with layers of Epsom salt, dried flowers and essential oils.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin & A Princess »
Santa Slime
Impress the child in your life! First make an adorable Santa mason jar with a wide black ribbon, gold glitter foam paper and black buttons. Then mix your own red slime and fill the jar.
Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »
Instagram Calendar
Better than a basic wall calendar, this easy DIY also features 12 square-shaped photo prints, which lets them flip through memories as the months pass.
Get the tutorial at Kristi Murphy »
Personalized Name Puzzle
This custom name puzzle is a great choice for children or crafty adults. Find a really cool pattern to use as the background, whether you go for something festive or one that pairs with their bedroom decor. While this project may be a little more involved, the final result is so worth it.
Get the tutorial at Happiness is Homemade »
Felt Dog Ornament
Anyone who adores their pet will cherish a super sweet ornament that’s hand-crafted to look exactly like their family pup. There are two templates that make this project extra simple, even for beginners or for those crafting with children.
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio »
Trophy Bottle Toppers
Celebrate their wins — like finishing a bottle of wine in record time — with these homemade bottle stoppers. To make, glue the tops of plastic trophies to wine corks.
Mini Gingerbread House Mug Topper
Inspire them to dress up a basic mug of hot cocoa with an adorable gingerbread house. While these tiny houses may look complicated to make, they follow the same recipe as bigger versions — just mix, bake and decorate!
Get the tutorial at Noshtastic »
Clay Herb Markers
Perfect for the plant lovers in your life, these clay herb markers will help them stay organized and add a touch of color to their planters. They’re fun and easy to make — all you need is some oven-bake clay, paints and liquid gilding.
See the tutorial at Inspired by Charm »
Lavender Sachets
A great bonus for any self-care gift, these small sachets can be customized with different fabric patterns, button colors and fragrances.
Get the tutorial at Flamingo Toes »
Salt Dough Ornament
Salt dough ornaments are a Christmas classic for good reason: They’re simple to make, basically foolproof and easy to customize. Pick between shapes like mittens, stars and snowflakes.
Cookie Cutter Tea Towel
Use Christmas tree, gingerbread men and snowflake cookie cutters to give all-white tea towels a dose of Christmas cheer.
Citrus Sugar Scrub
For a gift that’ll nourish her body all winter long, make this three-ingredient scrub out of coconut oil, sugar and fresh orange zest.
Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois »
Chalk Paint Ornaments
Tailor your gift to the recipient by customizing ornaments with a white paint pen. The options are endless: You can doodle a holiday design, or personalize them with names and important dates (birthdays, anniversaries and so on).
Peppermint Mason Jar Candle
By gifting them these soy candles, you can fill their home with an energizing and totally holiday-appropriate peppermint aroma.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin & A Princess
Money Tree
Since a wad of cash isn’t necessarily the most personal Christmas gift, roll a stack of dollar bills — no matter the amount — into makeshift tree boughs.
Get the tutorial at Sunny Side Up
Chunky Knit Blanket
Rather than splashing out on an expensive knit blanket, make your own by following this three-step tutorial. That way they’ll really feel the love when they snuggle up on the couch.
Get the tutorial at Lily Ardor »
House Ornament
Perfect for anyone who recently made a big move, DIY this ornament to celebrate their next chapter. Print out a photo of the house, and cut it so that there is no extra white space. Trace the shape and cut out a thin piece of cardboard that’s the same size, and attach the photo using double-stick tape. Add glue around the base of the house, on the roof and on any awnings, then sprinkle glitter or fake snow on top.
“For Your Mistletoes” Mason Jar
Fill a mason jar with everything she needs for a salon-worthy manicure or pedicure in the comfort of her home. Match the gift tag to the nail polish for a more uniform, picture-ready look.
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl Blog »
BBQ Kit
If he has a particular taste, round up his favorite BBQ fixins’ — ketchup, BBQ rub and grilling tools — in one basket. Or make your own sauces and rubs, if you’re inclined.
Flavored Vodkas
Don’t let guests leave empty-handed. Little flasks of infused booze will go down as the best party favor this holiday season.
Bubble Bath Gift Set
Fill a box with everything she needs — wine, chocolate and candles — for a night of rest and relaxation.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm »
Flavored Salt Gift Set
Since there will be no shortage of sweets under the tree, opt for this six-pack of homemade salts, which range in flavor and spice level.
Recipe Box
Instead of giving your family’s top chef yet another cookbook, make their own creations the star of the show in this wooden recipe box, embellished with wallpaper and stickers.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »
Christmas Tea Tree
Proof that even if your budget is under $5, you can DIY a picture-worthy gift. Tea lovers will even appreciate how functional it is.
Get the tutorial at Thirsty for Tea »
Snowball Bath Bombs
Mold peppermint-infused bath bombs in clear plastic ornaments to give this classic winter staple the Christmas treatment.
Get the tutorial at I Heart Naptime »
Snowman Spoons
Bundle these Frosty-inspired spoons with a pack of hot cocoa and marshmallows for a winter-appropriate treat.
Get the recipe from Woman’s Day »
Scratch Off Adventure Map
Not only will this map encourage them to explore what America has to offer (when it’s safe to do so), it’ll serve as a permanent reminder that you inspired their wanderlust.
Mini Yarn Bowl
It’s gift wrap and a gift all in one: Stash holiday treats, trinkets or other goodies in this colorful basket.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »
Mulling Spices Mason Jar
Pair this jar of spices and herbs with a bottle of cheap (yes, cheap) red wine, so they can start brewing mulled wine, stat.
Get the tutorial at Nest of Posies »
Custom Herb Planter
Fill a wooden planter with their kitchen’s most-used herbs to give all their future meals a flavor boost.
Get the tutorial at Alice and Lois »
Custom Sleeping Eye Masks
Anyone on the go (hello, roadtrips!) would benefit from these cute, customizable eye masks.
Instagram Picture Frame
Celebrate all of their monumental moments from the year (babies, weddings and more!) by placing their best Instagram snaps in this desktop-friendly frame.
Get the tutorial at Small Stuff Counts »
Etched Beer Glass
Gift a matching set to the couple in your life who appreciates craft beer more than, well, anything.
Get the tutorial at Thistlewood Farms »
Santa Vase
Before heading to grandma’s house, cover any ol’ mason jar with glitter and fill it with her favorite blooms.
Get the tutorial at KA Styles Co. »
Marbled Ring Dish
Help them keep their odds and ends in check with a cheerful bowl made from oven-bake clay.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
Ombre Tote Bag
Now that she’s trying to be more sustainable, this canvas bag will be her go-to when she runs errands. While you’re at it, make a few to fit her entire grocery haul.
Get the tutorial at Hi Sugarplum »
Agate Coasters
With gilded edges, trendy coasters take their next cocktail hour to the next level. Please wine-lovers and hostesses alike with a glam set of their own.
Get the tutorial at Making Lemonade »
Reed Diffuser
If you can’t settle on a scent that best suits your loved one, make your own reed diffuser with a combination of the essential oils you already have. Then pair it with a small glass vessel and diffusing sticks for an instant gift.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Cloth »
Embroidered Handkerchiefs
Give a personalized gift by stitching cheeky sayings on plain cotton squares. Not sure what to write? Just go with their monogram.
Handmade Soap
Use essential oils and fresh herbs to make a medley of au naturel soaps, ranging from coconut and mint to bold grapefruit.
Get the tutorial at A House in the Hills »
Jewelry Box
A wooden trinket holder gets revamped with a coat of golden paint, but feel free to be as creative with colors and accents, depending on her style.
Get the tutorial at Damask Love »
Koosh Ball Pillow
Give a nostalgic ’90s girl this chic throw pillow, trimmed with a staple from her childhood.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
Decorated Candle Holder
A store-bought, clear candle holder looks much better with a coat of paint and heart-shaped design.
Get the tutorial at Mabey She Made It »
Coin Purse
Loose change is the easiest way to clutter her bag, so help her keep track of it with this tiny citrus wedge purse. It’s too cute to miss!
Get the tutorial at Delia Creates »
Painted Picture Frames
Colored chalk paint turns simple dollar store frames into pretty decor. It’s that easy!
Get the tutorial at Make Your Mark »
Heart Tumbler
You love your friends, so why not use that as the inspiration for a DIY glass set gift? Exactly.
Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts »
Tie Clip
Use a letter and number punch set to stamp these handcrafted tie clips for the guy in your life.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed »
Succulent Box
A box filled with budding plants is basically made for all of your plant-loving friends (even if they lack a green thumb).
Get the tutorial at Burkatron. »
Strawberry Pot Holder
If your cook loves summer, fruit or all things colorful, then sew a pair of these cheery strawberry pot holders.
Get the tutorial at Sew Some Stuff »
Fluffy Keychain
She’ll never lose her keys again once she attaches them to these larger-than-life pastel pom poms.
Get the tutorial at A Bubbly Life »
Custom Dish Set
If you’ve got food-safe markers, food-safe ceramic dishes and an oven, you have everything you need to make these eye-catching plates.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
Wind Chime
Skeleton keys, which you can easily find at most thrift or antique stores, are a nifty way to make a DIY wind chime.
Get the tutorial at Simply Darrling »
Dried Flower Coasters
After you flatten your mom’s favorite blooms, preserve them on wood slices with resin to make a useful but beautiful gift.
Get the tutorial at The Crafted Life »
Rainbow Candles
Go for a bold mix or subtle combo (like ombré stripes in graduated shades) to make these DIY candles. Bonus: They’re colored with crayons, which you likely have hiding somewhere in your house.
Get the tutorial at Evermine Blog »
Cookie Cutter Trinket Dish
This adorable trinket dish can be easily customized to fit their decor style. Just pick a cookie cutter that matches their vibe to shape the clay.
Get the tutorial at Jade and Fern »
Flower Basket
This understated door decoration is a gift your neighbor can use all year when she fills it with seasonal goodies, from spring flowers to holiday holly.
Get the tutorial at Design Dining and Diapers »
Tiered Jewelry Holder
Inspired by flea markets and thrift stores, this jewelry organizer is made with tiers of antique plates. Choose plates of different sizes and colors to really make your organizer unique.