15 DIY Christmas Gifts for Every Budget

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Ah, Christmas! Twinkling lights, warm cocoa and the scramble to get gifts that dig a hole in your wallet. Let’s be honest: For sure, it’s easy to get swept up in the holiday shopping chaos, but there’s just something so special about giving the gift you made yourself. Handmade gifts prove you care. They also ensure you don’t have to suffer through over crowded malls or hours of scrolling through online stores. What’s more, who doesn’t love personalising the festivity time?

Whether you’re a beginner or a complete DIY enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t stress if you’re watching your pennies or feel flush—the ideas covered below work for every budget. Get your crafting supplies, or a quick trip to the dollar store, and let’s get into the creative spirit as you become the gift giving hero of the year!

Homemade Hot Cocoa Jars

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Nothing is cozier than a winter night cup of hot cocoa. Layer cocoa powder, powdered milk, sugar and a sprinkle of mini marshmallows in a mason jar. Add a festive ribbon and a little handwritten tag with instructions. It’s thoughtful, sweet and perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Also, it’s a fun project for kids to help with, so they can feel like little elves.

Personalized Photo Calendars

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Make a calendar with precious family photos, or silly inside jokes with your friends. You can print it online or DIY it with card stock and some printed photos. It’s a gift that will be enjoyed all year long. If you highlight special dates such as birthdays or anniversaries then all the better!

Knitted Scarves or Hats

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Scarves and hats are a classic holiday gift (if you’ve got knitting skills, or are willing to learn). With a little practice and some evenings spent in front of your favorite holiday movies, you can make cozy, handmade accessories that people will actually use. Use chunky yarn, it’s forgiving for beginners and knits up quickly.

Scented Candle Creations

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They’re easy to make and a great classy, aromatic gift. Just wax, wicks, and some jars or tins are all you need. Or add your favorite essential oils or spices; cinnamon or vanilla can give you that great holiday vibe. Craft when you have the time and light one up at your own place— you will feel like a DIY pro.

Hand-Decorated Mugs

Close-Up Shot of Two Ceramic Mugs on Wooden Surface
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Using plain white mugs and oil based Sharpie markers, you can make your own custom designs. You can doodle, write quotes, or even draw personal cartoons. Bake them in the oven to set the design, and voilà, a practical, creative, and budget friendly gift.

DIY Bath Bombs

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Self care enthusiasts will love homemade bath bombs. Press the mixture of baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salts with essential oils into molds. They are fun to make and, even more fun to use. Pro tip: To add to the luxury, you can add dried flower petals or glitter.

Customized Recipe Books

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Compile family recipes or your friend’s favorite dishes into a personalized recipe book. A binder or scrapbook feels so charming and handmade. Anyone wanting to expand their cooking repertoire or who are foodies will love this gift.

Wooden Coasters

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Wooden coasters are a practical and stylish gift, if you’re handy with tools. You sand down slices of wood, seal them with varnish and then paint or burn a design on them. They’re surprisingly easy to make and a rustic touch that any decor can use.

No-Sew Fleece Blankets

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As fleece blankets go, this one is a crowd pleaser, and you don’t even need a sewing machine to make it. You just layer two pieces of fleece fabric, cut fringes along the edges and tie them together. In the end, you’ll have a warm and cozy blanket for those movie nights.

Handmade Jewelry

Beaded Bracelet With A Handwritten Letter
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DIY jewelry is always a thoughtful gift — from beaded bracelets to delicate necklaces. Pieces can be customized to fit the style of who you are giving it to. A study by Statista found that most Americans would prefer a meaningful and personalized gift over an expensive store bought gift. What says meaningful than a handmade jewelry?

Painted Plant Pots

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A potted plant makes a great gift and will bring some greenery into your loved ones’ homes – as long as you paint the pot. Use acrylic paints and create patterns or quotes or even cute little faces. And if you add a small simple plant that needs little care, it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Homemade Spice Blends

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If you have foodies in your circle, make custom spice blends, like taco seasoning, pumpkin pie spice or BBQ rub. Wrap them in small jars with hand written labels. Every time they make something yummy, they’ll think of you.

Infused Olive Oil

Olive Oil
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It’s easy to make infused oils and they feel so fancy. Add rosemary, garlic or chili peppers to a bottle of olive oil and let it steep. The perfect gift for home cooks and food lovers alike and it looks great on a kitchen counter.

DIY Picture Frames

Couple Arranging Picture Frames
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Paint, glitter, or use shells or pressed flowers to decorate plain picture frames. Add a photo that has meaning for you both. This is just a small gesture, but it’s a big emotional thing.

Upcycled Sweater Mittens

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Got an old sweater? You can turn it into cozy mittens with just a pair of scissors and some basic sewing. These are warm, eco-friendly gifts, perfect for a little nostalgia. For a bit more nostalgia, don’t forget to include a note of where the sweater was bought.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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