The holiday season is a time for giving, and there’s no better way to show your love than with a handmade gift. No matter which winter celebration you’re crafting for, creating something by hand adds a personal touch your loved ones will appreciate.
Here are 20 handmade holiday gift ideas that will spread joy and warmth to your loved ones this season:
1. Customized Candles
Hand-pouring candles is a simple yet thoughtful way to create personalized gifts. Choose wax (like soy or beeswax) and customize with essential oils for scents that reflect the recipient’s preferences, such as lavender for relaxation or cinnamon for a festive vibe. To add a decorative touch, you can mix in dried flowers, herbs, or even biodegradable glitter. Use unique containers like vintage teacups or mason jars to elevate the look. For an extra-special touch, create custom labels with the recipient's name or a meaningful message.
2. Knit or Crochet Scarf
A hand-knit or crocheted scarf is both practical and heartfelt. Choose yarn in the recipient’s favorite colors, and consider adding stripes, cables, or other patterns to make it unique. For those who knit or crochet regularly, a matching hat or gloves make a great addition as well.
3. DIY Photo Book
Create a custom photo book that serves as a keepsake for years to come. Start by gathering photos of shared memories and organizing them into a visually appealing layout. Include captions that explain the significance of each photo and its meaning to you. Adding mementos like ticket stubs, pressed flowers, or handwritten notes are a great finishing touch.
4. Personalized Jewelry
Crafting jewelry is a truly personal gift that’s fun to create as well! Use beads, charms, and wire to create bracelets, necklaces, or earrings that suit the recipient’s style. Incorporate meaningful elements like their birthstone, initials, or a charm that symbolizes something important to them, like a hobby or favorite animal. Clay is another great medium to work with, as it allows you to create custom pendants or earrings in unique shapes and designs.
5. Herb Garden Kit
What’s the perfect gift for the home chef or aspiring gardener? An herb garden kit. Start by decorating small pots with paint, mosaic tiles, or stencils in festive or personalized designs. Include seeds or small herb plants like basil, rosemary, or thyme, and add plant markers that can be hand-painted or carved from wood. For a finishing touch, include a mini instruction booklet on how to care for the herbs, and package everything together in a basket or box.
6. Decorated Picture Frame
Turn a plain picture frame into a beautiful keepsake by decorating it with paint, embellishments, or even pressed flowers. Use a color scheme or motif that matches the recipient’s home decor or personality. You can also add hand-lettered quotes or messages around the frame for a personal touch. To make the gift even more special, place a meaningful photo inside— whether it’s from a shared memory, a family photo, or a favorite scenic view.
7. Baked Goods in a Jar
Layering the dry ingredients for baked goods in a jar is a fun, delicious, and easy-to-assemble gift. Choose a recipe for cookies, brownies, or holiday bread, and neatly layer the ingredients (like flour, sugar, and chocolate chips) in a clear mason jar. Decorate the jar with ribbons, a festive fabric topper, and a custom label with baking instructions. You can even personalize the recipe to suit the recipient’s preferences, like adding nuts, spices, or themed candies.
8. Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
A jar of homemade hot chocolate mix is a cozy and thoughtful gift for anyone who loves warm drinks. To assemble, layer cocoa powder, sugar, powdered milk, and mini marshmallows in a Mason jar. You can also add extra treats like crushed candy canes, cinnamon, or chocolate shavings for a gourmet twist. Personalize the jar with a tag that includes serving instructions, and decorate it with holiday ribbons or a mini ornament.
9. Handmade Planter Pots
Decorate plain ceramic pots with paint or mosaic tiles to create a unique planter. Choose designs or colors that reflect the recipient’s tastes— whether that’s bright florals, modern shapes, or patterns. Add a small plant or succulent for an easy-care gift that keeps on giving. For an added touch, include a small tag with care instructions or even a personalized message tucked into the soil.
10. Personalized Recipe Book
Create a family heirloom by compiling a recipe book filled with your favorite recipes. You can write or type them out, add illustrations or photos, and even include notes about where the recipe came from or why it’s special to you or your loved one. Consider organizing the book by meal type, season, or family member’s favorites. For a professional touch, bind the pages together with a leather or fabric cover, or you can print and assemble it online for a polished look.
11. Personalized Stationery
Design and print your own stationery to reflect the recipient’s personality. You can create custom patterns, monograms, or even hand-drawn illustrations. Stationery makes a lovely gift for those who enjoy sending letters or notes. Package the stationery with matching envelopes, or even a custom stamp for an extra personal touch.
12. Holiday Spice Blend
Create a custom holiday spice blend that adds flavor to any recipe. Combine spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, and package them in small glass jars. You can create themed blends, such as “Holiday Baking Blend” or “Mulled Cider Spice.” To make the gift even more special, attach a recipe card that includes instructions for using the spice blend in dishes like cookies, pies, or drinks.
13. Handmade Tree Ornaments
Craft your own ornaments out of clay, felt, or wood, and decorate them with holiday-themed designs. Clay ornaments can be shaped into stars, hearts, or snowflakes and painted in festive colors. Felt ornaments can be sewn together and decorated with embroidery, beads, or sequins. Personalize the ornaments by adding the recipient’s name or the year, and package them in a decorative box that can be used for storage.
14. Personalized Wine Glasses
Create custom wine glasses by decorating plain glasses with glass paint or etching cream. You can add holiday motifs like snowflakes, holly, or reindeer, or personalize them with names, initials, or fun phrases. These make great gifts for holiday parties or as part of a wine-themed gift set. Package the glasses in a festive gift box with a bottle of wine or homemade wine charms for an added touch.
15. Holiday Puzzle
Make a holiday-themed puzzle by cutting wood or cardboard into puzzle pieces and painting a festive scene, such as a snow-covered village or winter landscape. You can also personalize it with family names or a holiday message. This makes for a fun and interactive gift that can be enjoyed during holiday gatherings or quiet winter evenings.
16. DIY Gingerbread House Kit
Assemble your own gingerbread house kit for a fun and interactive holiday gift. Bake gingerbread pieces in advance, and include all the components needed to build the house, such as royal icing, candy decorations, gumdrops, and even small chocolate bars or pretzels for roofing. Package the pieces in a box complete with instructions and tips for assembly. For an added touch, include a small card with a holiday message or a pre-made gingerbread figure that can be placed in front of the house.
17. Holiday-Themed Aprons
Sew or decorate aprons with holiday-inspired patterns, making them perfect for someone who loves to cook or bake. Choose holiday-themed fabrics, such as those with snowflakes, reindeer, or Christmas trees, and add details like pockets or adjustable straps for a practical yet stylish design.
18. Personalized Wrapping Paper
Create your own wrapping paper by using stamps, block printing, or hand-drawn illustrations. Start with craft paper as a base and choose designs like snowflakes, stars, or holly leaves. You can personalize the paper further by adding the recipient’s name or a custom holiday greeting. For a playful twist, use metallic or glittery paints to make the wrapping paper sparkle. Roll the wrapping paper and tie it with a ribbon to present as a creative gift for anyone who enjoys the wrapping process.
19. Beeswax Food Wraps
Craft eco-friendly, reusable beeswax food wraps as a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap. Start with cotton fabric in your favorite print and coat it with melted beeswax to create the wraps. These can be used to cover food, wrap sandwiches, or protect leftovers— all while being eco-friendly. For an added touch, package the wraps with a handwritten note explaining their use and care instructions.
20. Decorative Coasters
Create custom coasters using cork, resin, or wood slices for a practical and stylish holiday gift. Decorate the coasters with hand-painted designs, engravings, or decoupage. You can also personalize the coasters by adding the recipient’s initials or a meaningful phrase.
Not interested in crafting this year? Check out our Vermont made gift guide or Sustainable Gift Ideas for more.
