You just can't beat handmade presents.
Sure, they may take just a little time, energy, and effort, but that's what make homemade gifts so special. While you can shop for gifts for everyone on your list, DIY Christmas gifts are extra meaningful—not to mention usually easier on the budget. That's why we've assembled the best DIY gift ideas you can make for your family and friends, from useful homemade gifts to yummy from-scratch food gifts to festive presents that double as DIY Christmas decorations they'll cherish for years to come. Custom Box Diamond Painting
Need a gift for Grandpa? How about a DIY photo ornament made with pictures of the kids? We also have the tastiest gift-worthy Christmas treats perfect for everyone from teachers to hostesses, and plenty of projects that result in an ideal gift for her (that snazzy bubble bath gift box) or him (how 'bout those hilarious hand-stitched hankies??).
And what's really awesome about all of these ideas, there is something for every skill level. From hardcore DIYers to those who don't own a single tool (what's the difference in hot glue and Elmer's?). If you are game for something slightly complicated, check out the cross-stitched red truck—complete with a Christmas tree—for the fella in your life. Or, if you prefer to take it a bit easier, try putting together the slippers stuffed with pampering products, like lip balm and nail polish, for your bestie. Or do both. Because the truth is that they are going to love what you make for them no matter what it is!
For the sewer in your group, this pin cushion will be right at home on their craft room.
To make: Trace the inside of the cookie cutter on a piece of cardboard and cut out. Trace the cutout on the back of a piece of fabric and cut out, leaving an extra 1-inch of fabric around the outline. Hot glue poly-fil to the cardboard. Top with the fabric and wrap the excess fabric around to the back of cardboard and glue in place. Slide the cardboard into the cutter and hot glue in place.
Commemorate a vacation, hiking excursion, rowing adventure, or road trip with a loved one for a sentimental and easy DIY Christmas gift they won't soon forget.
To make: Begin with a vintage or new map. Outline the route traversed with ribbon or twine. Use hot-glue to hold the ribbon or twine in place on the map. Frame in a pre-made frame.
This wreath makes the perfect gift for the friend who loves to decorate every inch of their house for the holiday. To make: Arrange a mix of cutters in a circular shape. Once they’re placed as desired, secure to one another using a two-part epoxy (such as J-B Weld). Add a bow (ours is jute ribbon), and hang.
One of these DIY Christmas tree-shaped air fresheners will keep a car, closet, or office smelling fresh. Added bonus—they are made with essential oils, so no nasty chemicals involved.
To make: Trace the shape of a wooden Christmas tree ornament on a scrap of fabric twice. Cut out and glue to the front and back of the ornament. Once dry, soak the fabric with an essential oil of your choice (we used cedar). Thread twine through the ornament loop for hanging.
You made and wrapped the gift. Now it's time to add a playful touch to the package! To make: Wrap a cookie cutter with baker’s twine (if your twine is thin, wrap two strands at a time) and securing it to the package with extra twine
If you're a cross-stitch hobbyist, you can complete this easy Christmas wreath pattern in no time. (If you're a beginner, here's how-to cross-stitch.) Bonus: The embroidery hoop itself can serve as a rustic frame—just trim the extra fabric.
See all of Country Living's free cross-stitch patterns.
Friend and family will love setting a festive baking scene with a DIY cookie cutter mobile.
To make: Wrap two embroidery hoops (we used 9- and 10-inch) with gold ribbon. Tie two lengths of twine across each hoop so they cross in the middle. Cut a piece of craft wire about 8 1/2 inches long; bend the ends into hook shapes. Connect the two hoops by hooking the wire to the twine where it meets in the middle. Hang cutters from hoops using twine, adjusting as needed to hang evenly.
Everyone loves an ornament packed tree so a sparkly DIY ornament is a gift that can't go wrong.
To make: Hot-glue tinsel and mini Christmas notions in solid backed aluminum cutters. Tie or hot glue a length of ribbon to the back for hanging.
Gift a holiday garland that the recipient can use year after year to add charm to their house.
To make: Use short loops of baker’s twine to hang cookie cutters along a single long ribbon. Display on a mantel, shelf, cupboard, or even a headboard.
Hit the flea market to search for a vintage enamelware tray. Its magnetic properties make it a perfect way to celebrate the cherished memories you share with a family member or best friend.
To make: Choose some fun magnets to attach photos and other mementos, such as old ticket stubs. Include Command Strips with your gift or attach double-sided Velcro to the back so your recipient can hang it on the wall.
Gift an assortment of candy using cookie cutters to stylishly separate each sweet. Line a box with parchment paper, place cookie cutter, then fill with candy.
Fill a vintage Bundt pan with ornaments for a shiny and bright holiday display.
To make: Line a Bundt pan with Styrofoam, cutting to fit and attaching with hot-glue. Secure ornaments to the Styrofoam using hot-glue. Finish with a large bow.
A 9-by-9 ornament box and two sets of ornaments are all it takes to make the sweetest gift for the little ones in your life.
Add bling to a mantel or holiday table by cover candlestick with vintage Shiny Brites.
To make: Hot-glue ornaments in assorted sizes to silver or glass candlesticks.
Choose from three flavors—fruit and nut, lemon, or chocolate (we recommend making them all!)—and package up the perfect cookie box for all your friends and neighbors.
That classic peppermint patty taste but with snowy white chocolate. The recipients of this sweet treats will gobble them up in no time.
The perfect gift for the friend who loves to cook. Hang on the stove hood or in the kitchen window, there cooking mold bells will help ring in the cheer.
To make: Stack mini molds and Bundt pans to form bell shapes; affix together using epoxy. Hot-glue small ornaments to the bottom to create the clappers. Glue ribbon loops and a bow to the top for hanging. Add a swag of greenery, if desired.
Flavored with ginger and star anise friends and loved one will be snacking on this marmalade into the new year.
The perfect gift for those that love salt and sweet.
Spicy and sweet this homemade hard candy put forwards one of the seasons most iconic flavor—cinnamon Get the recipe. SHOP CANDY THERMOMETERS
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