Making DIY Christmas gifts is all about adding a personal touch to the season. It’s not just about the gift itself, but the time, thought, and care that goes into creating something special.
DIY gifts are unique because they carry a little bit of you, from the design to the details, and they show the recipient just how much you care. Luckily, here are 8 simple and inspiring DIY Christmas gifts that are happy to make and filled with heart.
1. Homemade scented candles
Budget: $20-$40
Time spent: 1-2 hours
Who doesn’t love a cozy candle? With homemade scented candles, you can customize the fragrance—lavender, vanilla, or cinnamon, it’s up to you! What’s more, it’s a fun and simple DIY gift that’s both personal and practical. Imagine the glow of a candle that YOU made lighting up someone’s home this holiday season.
What’s needed:
- Soy wax flakes
- Essential oils
- Wicks
- Jars
- Glue gun
How to do it: Melt the wax, mix in your favorite essential oils, and place the wick in your jar. Pour the wax, let it cool, and it’s ready to light up someone’s life!
2. Customized hot chocolate jars
Budget: $10-$20
Time spent: 30 minutes
Layer up some holiday cheer in a jar with this super cute DIY gift! A hot chocolate jar is as easy as it is sweet. Layer cocoa powder, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes in a jar for a cozy treat they can enjoy any time. Try to add a ribbon, and you’ve got a yummy gift.
What’s needed:
- Cocoa powder
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed candy canes
- Mason jars
- Ribbon
How-to guide: Layer your ingredients into the jar, seal it up, and tie a ribbon around the top. Don’t forget to add a little note with instructions for the perfect cup of hot cocoa!
3. Personalized photo coasters
Budget: $15-$25
Time spent: 1-2 hours
Take your favorite memories and turn them into something useful! Personalized photo coasters are easy to make and a fun way to display cherished moments. They’re fabulous DIY Christmas gift for friends or family and will bring a smile every time someone reaches for their drink.
What’s needed:
- Ceramic tiles
- Printed photos
- Mod Podge glue
- Paintbrush
- Clear acrylic spray
Guide: Cut your photos to fit the tiles, apply Mod Podge, place the photo on, and seal it with more glue. Once it’s dry, spray with acrylic for a finished look.
4. DIY bath bombs
Budget: $15-$30
Time spent: 1 hour
Why not help someone relax in style this Christmas? DIY bath bombs are a fun and fragrant gift that transforms an ordinary bath into a spa-like experience. Customize with essential oils and colors, and you’ve got a gift that smells as good as it looks!
What’s needed:
- Baking soda
- Citric acid
- Essential oils
- Food coloring
- Molds
How to do it: Mix the baking soda and citric acid, add essential oils and a bit of water, then pack it into molds. Let them dry, and you’ve got a homemade spa experience ready to go!
5. Hand-painted Christmas ornaments
Budget: $10-$20
Time spent: 1-2 hours
Get creative and personalize the holiday tree with hand-painted ornaments. Whether you go for traditional designs or something quirky, these ornaments make a wonderful keepsake. This DIY Christmas gift is admired by many and suited for kids and adults, and they add a personal touch to the festivities.
What’s needed:
- Plain ornaments
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Ribbon
How to do it: Grab your ornaments, pick your colors, and paint away! Once they’re dry, tie a ribbon for hanging, and you’ve got a holiday treasure ready to adorn any tree.
6. DIY terrarium kit
Budget: $20-$40
Time spent: 1-2 hours
Give the gift of greenery with a DIY terrarium! These little gardens are a beautiful and low-maintenance way to bring nature indoors. Meanwhile, they’re fun and easy to make, great for anyone who loves plants but doesn’t have the greenest thumb.
What’s needed:
- Glass container
- Pebbles
- Potting soil
- Succulents or air plants
How to do it: You can start by layering pebbles, then add soil. Place your succulents or air plants in the soil, add some decorative stones or moss, and your tiny garden is ready to go!
7. Homemade body scrub
Budget: $10-$15
Time spent: 30 minutes
Pamper your loved ones with a homemade body scrub! Using simple ingredients like sugar or coffee, you can create an exfoliating scrub that’s perfect for soft, smooth skin. It’s a luxurious gift that’s super easy to make and feels like a spa in a jar!
What’s needed:
- Sugar or coffee grounds
- Coconut oil
- Essential oils
- Mason jars
How to do it: You can mix the sugar or coffee with coconut oil and a few drops of essential oil. Scoop it into jars, add a label, and you’ve got a DIY gift that smells divine and makes skin feel amazing.
8. DIY Knit Scarf
Budget: $15-$25
Time spent: Several hours
There’s nothing more heartfelt than a handmade knit scarf. If you you’re a pro knitter or a beginner, this is a cozy and thoughtful gift for you. It’s recommended to choose a soft yarn in their favorite color, and knit a warm, comfy scarf they’ll cherish all winter long.
What’s needed:
- Yarn
- Knitting needles
Tutorial: Cast on stitches, then knit each row until the scarf reaches the desired length. Finish by weaving in the loose ends, and you’ve got a handmade gift that’ll keep them cozy all season!
FAQs:
Q1: What can I make for Christmas to make money?
You can create and sell items like homemade candles, personalized ornaments, bath bombs, custom photo coasters, or knitted scarves. These are simple yet popular items that people love to buy as thoughtful and affordable gifts.
Q2: What are the 5 DIY gift rules for Christmas?
- Personalization: Tailor the gift to the recipient’s preferences.
- Simplicity: Keep it simple but thoughtful.
- Quality over quantity: Focus on making one well-crafted item.
- Time management: Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Presentation matters: Wrap or box your gift beautifully.
Q3: How do you make a simple, old fashioned Christmas?
Create a warm, nostalgic feel by decorating with handmade ornaments, stringing popcorn garlands, and lighting candles. Stick to classic colors like red and green, play traditional Christmas music, bake homemade cookies, and exchange thoughtful, handmade gifts.
Q4: Which are the best teacher gifts for Christmas DIY?
DIY gifts like personalized mugs, custom-made bookmarks, handmade candles, or a jar filled with homemade cookies are perfect. Teachers also appreciate practical items like a customized tote bag or a set of DIY bath bombs for relaxation.
Q5: Which are the best DIY Christmas gifts for coworkers?
Great DIY gifts for coworkers include hot chocolate jars, personalized photo frames, handmade candles, mini succulent planters, or custom notebooks. These gifts are thoughtful, not too personal, and easy to make in bulk.
