15 DIY Christmas Gift Ideas to Get You through the Season

There comes a time when you finally have to decide what to get everyone for Christmas. If you’re at a loss for ideas, or are tired of the crazy holiday shopping, try a few of these easy DIY Christmas gift ideas for the loved ones in your life.

1. Fold origami money

Don’t know what to give your loved ones for the holidays? Give the gift which allows them to get something they want or need—money. What better way to get them exactly what they want then by handing them money in the shape of an elephant or other creative shape?

2. Make dessert in a jar

Get the ingredients to your favorite recipe and place them in a jar. Attach a card to the jar with the directions of how to prepare the mix and give it to the person who would love it the most.

3. Knit or crochet a scarf

If you’re into knitting or crocheting, try making a few scarves or blankets. Whoever wears the scarf will appreciate the time you put into making it. Plus, it will keep them warm this winter.

4. Shake up a gift card snow globe

It can be nice to receive a gift card to your favorite place. So if you’re considering giving gift cards, try dressing up the packaging by placing the card in a homemade snow globe.

5. Mix up a homemade spice rub

Do you have a cook in your family or group of friends? Try making your own spice rub for them. When you give it to them you might even be able to fire up the grill and try it out.

6. Create a variety of trail mixes

There are so many trail mixes you can make for all of the different people in your life. In addition, you’ll have a great time mixing different ingredients together and making a variety of trail mix concoctions.

7. Design sharpie mugs

There is no better way to customize a gift for someone than to design a coffee mug for them. Grab a ceramic mug from the dollar store, find a sharpie, and start designing. If you want you could even add some hot cocoa or coffee to the gift.

8. Dress up your root beer

Grab a six pack of your favorite root beer and dress the bottles up as reindeer. Bring them with you to the gift exchange, or just to give them to a group of your friends.

9. Pack a gift basket

Oftentimes during the holidays stores will sell pre-packaged gift baskets. This year, instead of spending your money on a basket that isn’t exactly what you want, buy the items separately and arrange them in a basket yourself.

10. Write a recipe book

Gather up all your favorite recipes, even ones from your co-workers or friends, and put them into a homemade recipe book. You can make it all from scratch or you can use an old binder and dress it up.

11. Make heat packs

These easy to make heat packs have many variations. If you’re good with a sewing machine you can use many different types of fabric to make the heat pack look nice. If you’re not a seamstress then you can just as easily make a couple heat packs from an old pair of socks.

12. Carve a secret book safe

Grab one of your friend’s favorite books from a secondhand store and turn the book into a secret safe for them to store valuables. A book safe will keep their items safe and when they’re bored they can read the first few pages and the last few pages.

13. Build candy sleighs

Almost everyone loves getting candy for Christmas. One way to dress up giving candy is by building a candy sleigh. Minimal supplies are needed and you’ll have tons of fun making them.

14. Craft a few coasters

Does someone you know love scrabble, words in general, or coasters? Make them this easy scrabble coaster. If the scrabble theme doesn’t fit anyone you know you can always make a photo coaster or try one of the other DIY Christmas gift ideas.

15. Personalize wine bottle labels

Sometimes when you’re invited to a holiday party and you’re not sure what to bring you find a reasonably priced bottle of wine. If this is your go-to then try to personalize the bottle by creating your own label.

Sometimes when attempting to make homemade gifts they don’t always turn out the way they’re supposed to.

If this happens to you, don’t be afraid to give the gift anyway or try making it again. If every attempt is not quite what you’re looking for, try using any of these 25 holiday budgeting tips to find the perfect replacement gift within your budget.

What DIY Christmas gift ideas are you trying out this year?