Homemade gifts are the best!
Not only are they budget-friendly, but they’re also meaningful and unique, showing your loved ones just how much thought and care you put into their gift.
Here are some creative gifts to make with your kids.
Homemade Gift Ideas
1. Handmade Ornaments
Making ornaments together is a great way to start a collection of handmade holiday treasures!
You can create salt dough ornaments with just flour, salt, and water, and use cookie cutters to make festive shapes. Once baked, let your kids paint and decorate them.
Another fun option is clear ornament balls that can be filled with glitter, small beads, or tiny messages. These ornaments will not only look beautiful on your tree, but will also make special gifts for family and friends.
2. DIY Hot Chocolate Kits
Nothing says cozy like a cup of hot chocolate!
To make a hot chocolate mix, layer hot cocoa powder, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips in a mason jar or festive mug. Add a candy cane or cinnamon stick for stirring, then tie a ribbon around the top along with a cute gift tag.
This is a perfect gift for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who could use a little warmth this winter.
3. Photo Magnets or Frames
Gather some of your favorite family photos and make custom magnets or picture frames.
For magnets, you can print small versions of the photos and glue them onto flat glass gems, adding a magnet to the back.
For frames, use simple wooden frames and let your kids paint, glitter, or add small decorations to make each frame unique. These are thoughtful, practical gifts for any space.
4. Homemade Baked Goods with a Twist
Baking cookies or holiday treats is a classic homemade gift, but you can add some flair by including a decorated recipe card with each gift. Choose family-favorite recipes, or simple cookie mixes. Then add them to a basket with a hand-painted wooden spoon, cookie cutters, or festive kitchen towels.
5. Personalized Scented Candles
Homemade candles are surprisingly easy to make and can be personalized with different scents and holders.
Pick up some candle wax, wicks, and essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or vanilla. Melt the wax, add a few drops of oil, and pour it into a small mason jar or tin with the wick centered. Older kids can help measure and mix the oils, and you can decorate each candle jar with ribbon, holiday stickers, or a simple gift tag.
6. Memory Jars
For a gift that’s sentimental, create a memory jar filled with notes about your favorite moments shared with the person who will be receiving it.
Grab a mason jar and fill it with small slips of paper, each with a note of appreciation, a memory, or a reason why you’re grateful for them. Decorate the jar with a label or ribbon, and watch your loved one’s face light up.
7. Hand-Painted Mugs
Plain ceramic mugs can be turned into works of art with a little bit of paint and creativity.
Use ceramic markers or paint pens to draw designs or write special messages. Let your kids add their own creative touches, then bake the mugs in the oven according to the paint instructions to make the designs permanent.
Pair each mug with a hot cocoa kit, coffee beans, or tea bags for a cozy and complete gift.
8. Custom Wrapping Paper with Handprints, Footprints, or Artwork
Make wrapping gifts part of the fun by creating custom wrapping paper with your child. Use a roll of plain brown paper, and let your kids decorate it. Here are a few ideas:
- Handprints and Footprints: Use non-toxic, washable paint, and let your kids dip their hands or feet in the paint to make prints on the paper. They can create reindeer handprints, snowflake footprints, or even little “mistletoe” toe prints!
- Coloring and Drawing: Hand your child crayons, markers, or colored pencils, and let them color or draw festive images on the paper. You could also provide holiday-themed stencils for them to use.
- Stamping with Household Items: For a fun twist, use everyday items to stamp shapes onto the paper. For example, you can dip cookie cutters in paint to stamp holiday shapes, or use small pieces of sponge for snowflake patterns. This adds a unique touch that’s easy to do and lots of fun for kids.
9. Lavender or Oatmeal Bath Soak Jars
Homemade bath soaks make for a relaxing gift! Fill small mason jars with a blend of Epsom salts, baking soda, and a few drops of essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus. You can also add dried lavender buds or oatmeal for extra soothing effects. Then decorate each jar with a label and a sprig of fresh rosemary or lavender for a spa-like touch.
10. DIY Snow Globe Jars
Create magical snow globe jars by placing mini holiday figurines inside mason jars. Use waterproof glue to attach a small figure to the inside of the jar lid. This could be a mini tree, reindeer, or snowman. Once the glue is dry, fill the jar with water, a dash of glycerin (to make the glitter fall more slowly), and some fine glitter. Screw on the lid, and you’ve got a beautiful homemade snow globe!
These homemade gift ideas will not only make your loved ones feel special, but they also add a personal touch that no store-bought gift can match. Plus, involving your kids in the creation process adds an extra layer of love and creativity.
What are some of your favorite homemade gifts to give? Let us know in the comments below!
