77+ DIY Christmas Gifts (That Don’t Suck)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—but that doesn’t mean it has to be the most expensive! What better way to show your loved ones how much you care than creating heartfelt, one-of-a-kind DIY Christmas gifts with some love?

With 77+ options in this guide, you’ll get plenty of creative inspiration for homemade gifts at any price point. From spa-themed DIYs to handmade gifts for kids, there truly is something for everyone on this list!

And don’t worry. These are gifts that people will actually want to get, not just ones they’ll be polite about (and secretly toss in the trash later).

Just choose a gift from the list below, and pair it with a free printable Christmas card, and you’re good to go!

Collage of diy christmas gift ideas

Note: This is a long post with tons of options! I have broken it down into sections based on the types of gifts. Feel free to use the table of contents to skip around and find your perfect homemade gift.

Spa & Relaxation Gifts

Are you looking for a way to help your loved ones unwind and relax during the busy holiday season? Look no further than these spa-themed DIY gifts. From luxurious bath bombs to soothing candles, these gifts will bring a touch of tranquility to anyone’s life.

Plus, you can double the batch easily—they make for great self-care treats too! 😉

lavender bath salts for DIY Christmas gifts

60-Second Project: Lavender Bath Salts

These lavender bath salts take just a minute to make for hours of serenity – all packaged up in a giftable jar.
Soothing Epsom salts and fragrant lavender are the ultimate power duo, caring for sore muscles along with aromatherapy benefits.

easy sugar scrub in a small container

Easy DIY Sugar Scrub

A 4-ingredient DIY? Count me in!

My sugar scrub is made with all-natural ingredients and is beyond easy to make. Best of all, it makes your skin silky smooth with gentle exfoliating sugar.

homemade blue and pink bath bombs

Easy DIY Bath Bombs (Copycat Lush Recipe!)

Forget about buying bath bombs – make them with this easy DIY bath bomb recipe!

It’s easy (and inexpensive) to make bath bombs at home, turning every bath into a fizzy delight.

essential oil candle DIY

How to Make Candles with Essential Oils (+ Video)

Learning how to make scented candles may sound intimidating, but you’ll be surprised at how simple it really is! These DIY essential oil candles are toxic-free and clean-burning.

This also happens to be one of my most popular DIYs of all time, so it’s been vetted by hundreds of people!

intricate homemade soap bars on a doily

Cinnamon Apple Soap Bars

Ever thought about crafting your own homemade soap? It’s easier than you’d imagine!

This apple cinnamon bar soap is as deliciously festive as it sounds and surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re just dipping your toes into the soap-making world.

Christmas tree sugar scrub bars

Christmas Tree Sugar Scrub Bar

These festive scrub bars are just the thing to leave everyone feeling refreshed and pampered through the holiday season.

They look just about good enough to eat (please don’t!).

peppermint lip balm for a DIY christmas gift

Peppermint Lip Balm

This peppermint lip balm is one of my easiest DIY Christmas gifts, coming together with just 3 ingredients.

This minty balm makes the perfect stocking stuffer or thoughtful teacher gift.

Chai bath melts in a small tin

Chai Bath Melts Christmas Gift

These chai bath melts smell like you’ve bottled the holiday season, made with the sweet scents of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. 

Using the intricate beauty of star anise, these gorgeous bath melts take just 15 minutes to make!

coconut milk bath DIY christmas gift in a glass jar

Coconut Milk Bath

When picking out DIY teacher Christmas gifts, relaxing options like this coconut milk bath are top-tier. After a long term, teachers deserve nothing more than to relax in a coconut milk bath, gently softening and soothing the skin.

red and white whipped body scrub recipe

Whipped Candy Cane Body Scrub

This whipped candy cane body scrub foams, exfoliates, and cleanses – what else could you ask for? It’s easy to make, and the texture is nothing short of dreamy, like thick whipped cream!

DIY foot scrub with a wood spoon for scooping

DIY Foot Scrub Recipe

Your feet deserve a little TLC too! This quick peppermint foot scrub combines sugar, coconut oil, and peppermint essential oil for a cooling effect. 

a floral bath soak on a wooden scoop

Milk & Honey Floral Bath Soak

Gifting a little bit of relaxation through the holidays is always welcome. And this milk and honey floral bath DIY guarantees a stress-relieving soak.

This recipe contains healing ingredients like mood-enhancing jasmine petals, healing calendula, and moisturizing goat’s milk. 

DIY vanilla lip balm in a purple EOS balm style container

Homemade Vanilla Lip Balm

These DIY vanilla lip balms provide intense moisture with added shea butter, beeswax, and avocado oil. Plus, their cute round containers make for adorable stocking stuffers!

white peppermint shower steamers in a mason jar

DIY Shower Steamers

Shower steamers are a great gift to help encourage someone to take some time for self-care. They are simple to make and smell amazing – you’ll want to make a batch for yourself as well.

Pssst…. you may be surprised just how easy DIY spa gifts are to make. With just a handful of supplies, the DIYs are nearly endless! I’ve linked some must-have products here for you:

Creative DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

I’m always hunting for new ways to spread a bit of holiday cheer!

These homemade Christmas gifts feature creative ways to show your loved ones that you care, from DIY hand warmers to custom handmade journals!

color blocked utensils

Color Blocking Craft Idea – Painting Utensils in 10 Minutes

Of all the DIY Christmas gift ideas, these painted utensils are some of my favorites!

This DIY is such an easy way to jazz up a pair of wooden spoons or trendy charcuterie boards. It’s cheerful, colorful, and totally functional. 

upcycled books turned journal for easy DIY Christmas gift ideas

Upcycling Old Books Into Custom DIY Journals

Take your old books and transform them into something new by giving them new life as DIY journals. This thoughtful gift is perfect for your most cherished loved ones, like your partner, parents, or best friend. 

diy wine charms Christmas gift

How to Make Wine Charms

Wine charms are a cute and easy hostess gift to bring to any party this holiday season. So grab a pair of needle nose pliers and get to work!

easy serving tray tutorial

DIY Wooden Serving Tray

This DIY serving tray makes a fabulous beginner project because it requires minimal materials and takes just minutes to make. 

Plus, anyone who receives this stunning tray will be shocked to hear that it’s homemade!

framed baby photos and foot prints

Framed Family Photos

This adorable DIY Christmas gift idea is quick and easy to make, and any mom or grandma will cherish it.

homemade tablet holder bean bag

Tablet Bean Bag

Do you know someone who loves to unwind with a bit of tablet time before bed? Up their comfort with a DIY bean bag tablet holder. It’s a great project for beginner sewers.

multicolored fabric coasters spread out on a table

Easy Fabric Coasters

​For more easy sewing, try out these sweet fabric coasters. ​You can customize them with the perfect color palette and patterns for your recipients. 

Whip up a set of four fabric coasters in just 20 minutes flat!

colorful handmade fire starters for DIY Christmas gifts

Handmade Fire Starters

Who knew fire starters could be so chic? This tutorial for handmade fire starters is fun and inexpensive to execute. AKA – my favorite type of DIY Christmas gift!

Give a burlap satchel filled with these artfully decorated firestarters along with a bundle of long matches for a thoughtful gift idea. 

Christmas hand warmers made with plaid fabric

Christmas Hand Warmers

Nobody likes to be cold. Give the gift of warmth with these DIY hand warmers! Go classic with buffalo plaid, or choose any pattern you prefer. 

A cold-climate staple, simply pop these warmers in your boots and mittens to stay toasty through the winter days.

DIY terracotta wind chime with 3 pots

Terracotta Wind Chime

Calling all garden lovers, nature-seekers, and forest-bathers – this is your official reminder to add this wind chime to your Christmas list!

This DIY makes a beautiful gift to anyone who catches themselves gazing longingly out their window. 

DIY wax melts for Christmas

DIY Christmas Wax Melts

These holiday wax melts smell nothing short of heavenly, combining peppermint, spearmint, and cinnamon.

This project is great for gifting to multiple people, making 12 wax melts in a single batch. Simply pop a couple of festive melts in a mason jar, and they’re ready to gift!

pink fabric storage roll for makeup brushes or tools, tied with ribbon

DIY Tool Storage Roll

Sew a tool roll this Christmas for anyone in your life. They’re wonderful for organizing paintbrushes, makeup brushes, screwdrivers, wrenches, and more!

Just knowing that this is a handmade gift will make it super special.

handmade flannel infinity scarf with sherpa lining

Flannel & Sherpa Scarf

Stay toasty warm with this sherpa-lined scarf. It’s one of those DIY gift ideas that you’ll want to make extra for yourself. 

The inside is SO soft, providing an insane cozy factor every time. 

coasters made with resin and fried flowers

Resin Floral Coasters

I love the delicate beauty of these resin coasters, harnessing the power of nature through pressed flowers and flecks of gold. 

While resin crafts may look intimidating, I guarantee that anyone could make a beautiful set of these coasters.

embroidered corner bookmark DIY Christmas gifts

Embroidered Bookmark

Book lovers will be enamored by this hand-embroidered felt bookmark; it’s thoughtful, sentimental, and practical. 

For an even sweeter gift, give this bookmark along with one of your all-time favorite books!

simple magnetic fridge note pad

Magnetic Post-it Note Holder

I love how this DIY is magnetic, so you can display it on your fridge for note-taking on a whim. Customize this project with colorful post-its and beautiful scrapbooking materials for a personalized gift. 

red, cream and gold painted mason jars filled with faux florals

Painted Mason Jars

These festively painted mason jars are such a cute farmhouse craft idea. So cute, in fact, that they’re totally giftable! 

For a bit more beauty, pop a bundle of fresh or dried flowers in the jar. 

monogrammed felt drawer fresheners

Monogrammed Drawer Fresheners

Sustainable projects that reuse materials are some of my very favorites.

These monogrammed drawer fresheners are actually made from a thrifted wool sweater. They’re then stuffed with dry herbs for a natural air freshener solution.

The monogrammed touch makes this gift extra dear. 

DIY floating candle idea for gifting

DIY Floating Candles

Decorating for the holidays is practically the sixth love language – play into it with these cheerful floating candles!

dried orange and rosemary sprigs in a simmer pot gift set

Simmer Pot Gifts

DIY Christmas gifts for coworkers are always more tricky, but I think I’ve found the solution with these DIY simmer pots.

They’re chic and special, and give off a holiday scent that anyone would love. 

men and women's toiletry bag DIY for gifting

DIY Makeup or Toiletry Bag

Fill these DIY toiletry bags with your favorite beauty essentials for an easy yet creative gift idea.

wood burned cheese board with cheese and fruit on top

Wood Burned Charcuterie Board

The start to any gorgeous charcuterie spread is the board!

Gift a homemade charcuterie board using this easy tutorial. It has a major wow factor that will make its recipient feel incredibly special. 

DIY potpourri gifts for Christmas

DIY Christmas Potpourri Gifts

This DIY Christmas potpourri is perfectly giftable and made with dried oranges, cranberries, and cloves. Add a cinnamon stick for a spicy finishing touch!

etched glass vase with pink and white roses inside

Etched Glass Vase

I bet you never thought that you could etch your own glass vase. But with this easy tutorial, anything is possible! A bit of etching cream on thrifted glass makes for a gorgeous handmade gift.

snow globe candle DIY idea for Christmas

Snowglobe Candles

These snowglobe candles combine two winter classics along with the sweet scent of frosted vanilla sugar cookies. 

Custom labels are a must with this gift!

three nail polish marbled mugs

Marbled DIY Mugs

Coffee mugs are a go-to Christmas gift because they’re equal parts beautiful and functional. These marbled mugs add one more draw – they’re handmade!

painted wood beads necklace

Easy Wood Bead Necklace

This easy wood bead necklace is elegant and understated, made with jewel-toned hues and splashes of metallic gold.

potholder baking set

Potholder Baking Set

This custom potholder is the perfect gift for baking lovers! Simply stencil a cute motif over the pot holder, then fill it with a bunch of baking goodies.

fabric covered photo album

Fabric-Covered Photo Album

The gift of shared memories is a powerful offering. 

Try this easy sewing project for a fabric-covered photo album, then fill it with cherished photos of you and your loved one. They’re going to love it!

Christmas candle jar with lit tea light inside

Easy Christmas Candle

Did you know how easy it is to make gorgeous candle displays? I sure didn’t before I tried!

This Christmas candle is made with fresh cranberries, sprigs of pine, and essential oil for a festive celebration of light. 

custom wine bag that says "liquid therapy"

Wine Gift Bag

A bottle of wine is a go-to gift for many. Make yours a bit more personal with a custom-stenciled gift bag.

how to make easy fabric wristlets

Fabric Wristlets DIY

These wristlet straps are super versatile. Customize them with fun patterns, beaded accents, pearl additions, and more.

Edible DIY Christmas Gifts

In my humble opinion, edible confections make some of the best DIY Christmas gift ideas! They’re perfect for friends, co-workers, hostesses, and more.

Discover delicious homemade gift ideas with everything from classic chocolate chip cookies to artisanal mulled cider.

peppermint vodka recipe for DIY Christmas gifts

How To Make Peppermint Vodka

Easy DIY peppermint vodka is a fun gift to make this season for white elephant parties or as a Christmas gift for coworkers or friends. This version is so simple!

With this gift, pass along a few recipes to make with peppermint vodka, like a peppermint martini.

peppermint and Oreo bark holiday treat

Peppermint Oreo Bark

Peppermint bark is a holiday staple. Gift this delicious recipe, made with layers of white chocolate, Oreos, and crushed peppermint (is anyone else drooling?).

mason jar hot chocolate DIY Christmas gift ideas

Mason Jar Hot Chocolate

You truly can’t go wrong with these hot cocoa mixes; they’re made extra rich with milk chocolate chips. Bonus – they have obligatory mini marshmallows!

gingerbread caramel corn in a mason jar tied with twine

Gingerbread Caramel Corn

This scrumptious gingerbread caramel corn recipe combines the cozy flavors of gingerbread spices with a rich, buttery caramel coating.

Savor this delightfully sweet and crisp treat throughout the holiday season, and share your homemade gingerbread caramel corn as a simple yet delightful edible gift with family and friends.

brownie mix in a jar with recipe for an easy DIY Christmas gift

Brownie Mix in a Jar

Need more DIY Christmas gifts for coworkers? I present brownies in a jar! This gift idea includes some ingredients + instructions for making warm, melty brownies at home.

I love giving mixes over completed baked goods because it’s a 2-in-1 present – a holiday treat and the experience of making them!

snowman white hot chocolate gift in a jar

White Hot Chocolate Gift

You can make your own white hot chocolate with just five ingredients in a couple of minutes. Talk about easy! Top your mix with mini marshmallows and give a jar to anyone you want to make you smile. 

homemade oat brittle close up

Homemade Oat Brittle

Oat brittle is amongst my favorite hostess gifts because it’s sweet, snackable, and always a crowd-pleaser. 

Bonus This recipe is also nut-free and perfect for anyone with an allergy to tree nuts. 

bright green Grinch themed truffle recipe

Grinch Truffles

The recipients of these Grinch truffles are darn lucky. Each bite is rich and delicious, made with cream cheese, golden cookies, and melting chocolate.

DIY Christmas gift ideas - Friendship Soup in a Jar

Friendship Soup in a Jar

Cue the tears – this friendship soup in a jar is too sweet.

This edible DIY is very straightforward. Simply fill a jar with dry soup ingredients and finish it with a hand-written instruction tag. 

For a special touch, plan a date where you will make this “friendship soup” together!

chocolate covered figs in a cellophane treat bag

Chocolate Covered Figs

These chocolate-covered figs are easy to make and delicious. They’re budget-friendly too!

Christmas granola spilling out onto a platter

Christmas Oat Granola

Christmas granola is so healthy yet easy to make to conjure up your own festive gingerbread spice, orange, cranberries, crunchy pecans, seeds, and toasted oats.

It makes the best DIY Christmas gifts for anyone on your list. 

DIY Christmas jam recipe

Christmas Jam DIY Gifts

This Christmas jam recipe is made with mixed fruits, cardamom pods, cinnamon, and star anise. It’s sweet and spicy, tasting far more complex than store-bought jam.

Finish your jars with cuts of twine for lovely, rustic gifts.

salted caramel walnut recipe

Salted Caramel Walnuts

These salted caramel walnuts are sweet, nutritious, and positively addictive! They come together in just 15 minutes for a quick and yummy gift idea.

Rosemary salt for classy DIY Christmas gift ideas

Rosemary Salt

This DIY finishing salt is infused with garden-grown rosemary, tasting absolutely scrumptious on potatoes, toast, olive oil, and more!

Red pepper jelly in cute mason jars with snowflake tag

Red Pepper Jelly

Red pepper jelly is truly the unsung hero of the snack board, adding a sweet bite to crackers, cheese blocks, and pickled veggies. 

Gift a jar for a creative edible gift.

DIY Christmas gift ideas - stack of homemade cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chocolate chip cookies are fairytale-delicious with rich chocolate chips and an enviable chewy texture. 

This recipe is also allergy-friendly, fitting the dietary restrictions of anyone on your gift list.

mulled cider in a tall bottle tied with red ribbon

Mulled Cider

Mulled cider is one of my favorite holiday treats! Give this yummy syrup made with fresh oranges, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. It works well in hard cider, mulled wine, and more!

homemade vanilla extract gift

Vanilla Extract

Pure vanilla extract is EXPENSIVE, so many of us choose to bake with some good old-fashioned artificial vanilla. 

With that said, nothing beats the flavor of pure vanilla. And you can make your own on a budget using just vodka and vanilla bean pods.

Tie a festive ribbon around a bottle and give this easy, luxurious gift. 

white chocolate liqueur in shot glasses

White Chocolate Liqueur

This white chocolate liqueur is creamy and sweet, tasting fabulous in cocktails, hot chocolate, or over ice. 

jar of whiskey infused maple syrup tied with ribbon and spoon

Whiskey Infused Maple Syrup

This whiskey-infused maple syrup is such a great holiday gift idea because it could be given to just about anyone, from co-workers to teachers, to friends and family. 

As a bonus, this recipe even comes with free printable labels. 

DIY Christmas gifts - homemade Irish cream

Homemade Irish Cream

Decadently sweet, this homemade Irish cream can be enjoyed in coffee or on the rocks. Infused with Jameson whiskey, gift this DIY recipe to anyone needing a sweet holiday pick-me-up.

apple cider gift set

Apple Cider Gift Set

Your house will fill with the spicy aromas of apple cider as you’re making this DIY gift, lifting holiday spirits throughout!

layered cookie mix in a jar

Cookie Mix in a Jar

This custom cookie mix is one of my favorite DIY Christmas gifts, made with simple baking ingredients you likely already have at home.

Beyond the basics, you can jazz up this recipe with tasty add-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and M&Ms.

Gifts For Kids

These homemade Christmas gift ideas wouldn’t be complete without a few options for the little ones in your life!

Making homemade gifts for your kiddos is so special because you’re creating something you can’t buy in store; a gift made with love and customized to their very special selves. 

fun snowman, reindeer and Santa Christmas poppers

Fun Christmas Poppers

Fill these adorable Christmas poppers with little toys, Christmas candies, funny jokes, and other exciting goodies. 

Kids love the mystery aspect, popping them open to reveal what’s inside. 

DIY lego travel case Christmas gift for kids

DIY Lego Travel Case Gift

Gifts that kids love and make their parent’s lives easier are total wins in my book!

This DIY Lego travel case is perfect for car rides and flights, containing a Lego board and pouch filled with Lego pieces in a handy binder. 

Kids can build and learn through play, all while on the go!

festive and colorful snack mix

Magic Reindeer Food Snack Mix

This magic reindeer food is festive, colorful, and super snackable. In other words, it’s the perfect gift for sweet tooths, big and small.

DIY hidden dinosaur soap gifts for kids

Hidden Dinosaur Soaps

Dino lovers are going to freak out for this fun stocking stuffer idea. The more they use the soap, the quicker they will reveal the secret dinosaur hidden at the center!

DIY Christmas tree crayons close up

DIY Christmas Tree Crayons

These festive Christmas crayons take less than 20 minutes and $5 to make. Gift these colorful tree crayons as party favors, stocking stuffers, or a small gift to show that you care.

easy reading pillow sewing project for homemade gifting

Reading Pillow

This easy-to-sew reading pillow is one of my favorite DIY Christmas gifts for its custom patterns and cute book pouch. 

Slide one of your favorite board books into the pouch for an extra personal touch.

essential oil diffuser bracelets for adults and kids

Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelets

These beaded bracelets are made with lava stone which soaks up the scent of any essential oil you choose.

personalized photo stand with movie, tv show and musical images

Teen Personalized Phone Stand

Teenagers are some of the hardest people to shop for because they’re so particular about what they like. 

These personalized phone stands are a great solution, customized with their favorite TV shows, movies, and other pop-culture references.

DIY reindeer lollipop holders

DIY Reindeer Lollipop Holders

These reindeer lollipop holders make inexpensive party favors that will delight kids and adults alike!

They’re great as student Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers, or holiday party favors.

custom Guess Who games using canva templates

Personalized Guess Who Game

Create your own custom Guess Who Board with these free Canva templates! It’s the perfect gift for kids or even adults.

Use family members, TV characters, or the cast from the recipient’s favorite movie. 

Bonus: DIY Gift for Pets!

Your favorite furry friends deserve DIY Christmas gifts too!

pet gift basket ideas for Christmas

DIY Dog Toy & Pet Holiday Basket

I made this puppy gift basket with my dogs in mind, filled with their favorite natural treats, squeak toys, and a handmade tug toy made from tea towels!

Make the furry friends in your life feel extra special this holiday season with a gift basket of their very own. You can easily customize this basket for cats, rabbits, hamsters, and more. 

If you want something that takes less than five minutes, I recommend:

When I was curating this list, I vowed to only include DIY gifts that people actually want and will use! 

Here are a few that will come in extra handy this holiday season:

3-Ingredient DIY Peppermint Lip Balm
DIY Wine Charms
Easy Bean Bag Tablet Holder 
Christmas Hand Warmers

Christmas gifts on a budget are always in high demand! While none of the gifts on this list are exorbitantly expensive, some are truly low-budget-approved.

Some of my favorite cheap DIY Christmas gifts include:

So, there you have it – the best DIY Christmas gifts out there! Happy making, friends!

Collage of homemade christmas gift ideas
Photo of Tania Griffis, owner of Run to Radiance
Website | + posts

Tania Griffis is an accomplished writer, blogger, and interior designer with a Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. She started her popular blog, Run to Radiance, in 2011, demonstrating her design expertise through the personal remodeling of six houses to millions of readers across the globe.

Tania also owns The Creative Wheelhouse, a respected ghostwriting agency for bloggers, further showcasing her talent for creating engaging and informative content.

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