60 Thoughtful & Easy DIY Christmas Gifts for Family
Discover 60 budget-friendly DIY Christmas gifts for family! From upcycled keepsakes to cozy home decor and personalized pebble art, find the perfect homemade gift ideas.
Christmas is the perfect opportunity to put all of our crafting skills and creativity to use to create thoughtful gifts for loves ones. From sentimental art to high-end upcycled gifts, explore over 60 DIY Christmas gift ideas you can make for family and loved ones this year.
Creating Joy through Gift-Giving
I absolutely love making gifts for family and friends for the holidays. A few years ago I gave my parents and inlaws these adorable little family portraits using painted rocks. The best part is that they still cherish these handmade gifts years later.
Making DIY Christmas gifts has so many benefits: you get to enjoy the creating process and make something trully personalized for the recipient.
Making gifts can also save you money and the homemade Christmas gift ideas below are elegant and thoughtful, much better than mass-produces store bought items!
DIY Christmas Gifts for Everyone on your List!
Because we have such a big list of great gifts to make, we’ve organized them by topics. Feel free to click on the table to contents to take you directly to the category of gifts you’d like to create.
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Which type of Christmas gift would you like to make?
Keepsake & Family Portrait Art (Sentimental Gifts for Grandparents & Parents)
Our go-to gift for family members who have everything are anything photo or keepsake related. School pictures of the kids in a cute frame, a plush photo blanket (not a DIY but they absolutely loved it!), or anything with their handprints always make the best gifts for grandparents!
1
Glass Jar Photo Terrarium
Create a magical snowy terrrarium with a photo featuring the family or kids inside a large glass jar. It's something the recipient will be happy to display year-after-year.
Check out this project
2
DIY Photo Coasters with Resin
Turn canning lids into practical coasters featuring your family family photos. Covered with a coat of resin, the photos will look beautiful even with heavy use. Alternatively add some magnets to the back to place on the fridge instead.
Check out this project
3
Painted Penquin Family Portrait Ornament
I made these ornaments from my sister-in-laws a few years ago and a larger version for my mother-in-law where they were surrounded by all of their grandchildren as penguins. She keeps it on display year-round!
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4
Making Keepsake Memory Ornaments with Clothing
This time of year can be difficult when loved ones have passed and these thoughtful ornaments, made with a bit of clothing can keep their memory near each Christmas.
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5
Adorable Family Tree Craft with Painted Owl Rocks
Similar to the penguin version above, you can make a little family tree with owls using this tutorial. We also offer this craft as a kit which you can gift as well.
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6
How to Laser Engrave Handwritten Recipes on Cutting Boards with xTool P2
Getting a laser engraving machine has been such a great addition to our crafting workshop. You can make an endless number of gifts (these personalized ornaments are one of our best-sellers). A custom laser-engraved cutting board is such a thoughtful handmade gift to give a loved one.
Check out this project
7
Personalized Gift for Grandpa with the Cricut Maker
Anything with the kids' handprints is always a hit with parents and grandparents. I traced out and digitized each of the kids' hands for this throw pillow gift I made for our dad one Christmas.
Check out this project
8
Simple Framed Art for Dad
This simple DIY gift idea showes dad that you were thinking about him and that he holds a special place in your family. Kids can also help with this one by selecting the stones to use for the border.
Check out this project
9
DIY Family Shaker Ornament with xTool P2
I made this personalized ornament as a gift for a neighbour using our xTool P2. It includes little stockings for each member of their family along with some glitter and gems. These are also fanstastic custom gifts to make and sell.
Check out this project
Festive Ornaments & Holiday Decor Gifts
Making gifts that can be displayed during the holiday season is a DIY favorite around here! You can make a thoughtful gift that is budget-friendly, unique, and will be appreciated year-after-year.
10
Rustic DIY Clothespin Angel Art
When mounted on a distressed wood panel it's hard to guess that this beautiful rustic angel comes from modest wood clothespins!
Check out this project
11
Christmas Ornament Painted Rocks
These rocks painted as retro-inspired ornaments may be too heavy to hang on a tree but look adorable arranged in a bowl on the table. It's the perfect stocking stuffer or gift topper for a hostess.
Check out this project
12
DIY Decorative Planter Pick and more Gingerbread Crafts!
Think outside the usual giftbox and make some sweet gingerbread inspired planter picks for outdoor decorating. Pair it with a planter filled with greenery for the ultimate handmade gift idea.
Check out this project
13
DIY Dollar Tree Christmas Decoration
You can often find decorative charger plates at the thrift or dollar store. I love to transform them into beautiful works of art with a simple festive paper napkin and some faux greenery embellishments. They make fantastic gifts for a hostess or a loved one (I made this one for our mom).
Check out this project
14
Smashed Can Christmas Craft
A smashed can Christmas craft is a fun way to decorate for the holidays without spending much and they make adorable handmade gifts as well!
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15
Dollar Store Christmas Sign Craft
Make with an inexpensive wood panel or canvas from the dollar store, this festive art to simple to craft and makes the perfect little gift to batch create for teachers, neighbors and co-workers.
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16
Christmas Busted Canvas Craft with Dollar Tree
Similar to the wood panel art above, a busted canvas looks impressive but is easy to make with just a few easy to find materials. It looks fancy but is a great project for beginners or a girl's craft night.
Check out this project
17
DIY Soap Dispenser for Christmas
Turn some empty glass mason jars into festive soap dispensers for the holidays. Pair with a favorite liquid soap to give as a unique handmade gift.
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DIY Christmas Gifts for Gardeners & Nature Lovers
18
Elegant Tabletop Christmas Trees
These decorative trees look so elegant while being inexpensive to make using Eastern white pine cones. You can keep them all natural or spray them with white or silver spray paint for a frosted look.
Check out this project
19
Dried Flower Shadow Box Art
A shadow box filled with preserved florals from your garden makes a creative and thoughtful gift. I made this piece with dried zinnia's and then handlettered a pretty saying with a white paint pen on to the glass (or use your Cricut machine to cut it out of vinyl).
Check out this project
20
Personalized Garden Tools: How to Engrave Garden Tools with xTool
Check out this project21
DIY Decorative Hazelnut Ball Ornaments
These pretty orbs make lovely and unique decorative sculptures that are giftable as well.
Check out this project
22
Pretty Pressed Flower Mason Jar Luminaries
If you have some pressed flowers from your yard, decoupage them on to the sides of glass jars to make beautiful luminaries.
Check out this project
23
Sweet Seashell Trinket Dishes with Mod Podge
These are such a simple and cute gift for teens to make for their siblings and friends. They'll just need some shells (check the thrift store!), Mod Podge and decorative paper napkins. Would they make cute ornaments as well?
Check out this project
24
A Fabulous Framed Wooden Flowers Craft
Sola wood flowers are a great natural alternative to plastic faux florals. Use them to create a beautiful piece of art with an inexpensive or upcycled frame. You can also add a drop of essential oil for a fragrant touch.
Check out this project
25
DIY Seaglass Art
Instead of storing those seaglass pieces away somewhere, you can easily create DIY art that feels personal and beautifully handmade.
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26
How to Make Pine Cone Succulents
Painting pine cones is a simple craft with so many uses. Learn how to make pine cone succulents with just a bit of paint and upcycled picture frame.
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27
How to Paint Sunflower Rocks
A set of painted rocks to use as napkin weights is a cute and unexpected gift idea. You could even pair them in a basket with some handmade linen napkins. The sky's the limit with the type of rock painting design you can create (we have over 60 painted rock ideas here).
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28
Cozy Pebble Art
Turn pebbles collected on a trip or vacation together into adorable pebble art that's both decorative and thoughtful.
Check out this project
High-End Upcycled Gifts
Don’t overlook the thrift store when it comes to handcrafting Christmas gifts. You can find beautiful surfaces to upcycle into boutique-worthy high-end gifts. You can see our full run down of favorite thrift store finds to upcycle here, but cutlery boxes, metal platters and unique canisters are some of our favorites!
29
DIY Upcycled Holiday Serving Tray
Turn a dated wooden tray into beautiful decor with some festive fabric and paint. This makes a great gift on it's own or fill with other handmade items to create a beautiful basket of goodies.
Check out this project
30
Elegant Dimensional Wall Art
If you have a large frame you can use it to create some contemporary nature art with stones. It's such an unexpected and elegant gift idea that doubles well as a housewarming gift for a new home-owners first Christmas.
Check out this project
31
DIY Upcycled Cutlery Box Turned Keepsake Box
Wooden silverware boxes are plentiful at the thrift store. Once you take out the inside liners they make fantastic keepsake boxes especially when decoupaged with a pretty paper like we did with this box.
Check out this project
32
Beautiful Hand Painted Jewelry Box Idea
We found this unfiinished wooden box at the second hand store and have seen them at the craft store as well. With a bit of paint we transformed it into a one-of-a-kind jewelry box that would make a wonderful gift.
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33
Upcycled Silver Tray with Decoupage
Metal platters from the thrift store are one of our favorite items to upcycle and transform into sophisticated, boutique-style gifts. The look like you've spent a ton of money even if you haven't. Pair it with a plate stand so that the receiver can easily display it on their shelf or mantle!
Check out this project
34
How to Decoupage on Metal Surfaces
Upcycling a thrifted item such as this metal pitcher with a bit of decoupage paper and then filling it with some dried or faux florals makes an elegant and unique DIY gift for a friend or coworker.
Check out this project
Gifts for Kids and Grandkids
35
Make your Own Crafty Rock Painting Kit!
Check out this project36
Personalized DIY Nightlight with xTool P2
Using the xTool P2 laser cutter and engraver, create a unique and personalized acrylic shade for a DIY nightlight.
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37
Personalized Gamer Mug with Cricut Infusible Ink
Check out this project38
Shimmering Personalized Mermaid Wall Decor
Check out this project39
How to Make a Scrunchie 3 Different Ways
Check out this project40
Easy to Sew Kids Indoor Tent
Check out this projectSelf-Care Handmade Gift Ideas
Help your loved ones de-stress and practice a little self-care with these budget-friendly DIY gifts that will help them achieve a spa retreat at home!
41
Small Batch, Handmade Candles
Skip the store-bought candle and gift these handcrafted versions instead with soy wax, essential oils and our own Christmas cookie inspired recipes!
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42
DIY Christmas Hot Chocolate Labels with Munbyn
A mason jar filled with hot chocolate, marshmallows and embellished with ribbon and a cute label makes a nice gift for a neighbour or teacher.
Check out this project
43
Cherry Blossom Painted Mugs
Hand painted mugs for a coffee or tea lover is such a thoughtful handmade gift. Place them in a basket with some coffee, tea and cookies for a sweet gift.
Check out this project
44
Skin Nourishing Handmade Soaps
Homemade soaps take a bit of effort but let you control exactly what's in them. Add some dried florals from your garden to these small-batch creations.
Check out this project
45
DIY Heat Pad
There nothing like a soft heating pad to treat aches and pains. Learn how to sew your own to give as Christmas gifts (or just treat yourself!).
Check out this project
46
Easy Handmade Scented Soy Candles
Turn those empty small jars into sweet candle gifts with a bit of soy wax and some essential oils.
Check out this project
Handmade Cozy Textiles & Sewing Gifts
Sewing feels like a lost art these days so any gifts made from sewing are extra special, timeless, and sure to be held on to for years to come.
✂️ If you are new to sewing, or would like to build some confidence with these skills, check out our Sewing with Success for Beginners course!
47
Keepsake Holiday Tree Pillow
Clothing from a loved one adds extra meaning to this decorative throw pillow gift, however you can use any lightweight fabric for this pretty craft idea.
Check out this project
48
Upcycle Sweaters to Make Throw Pillow Covers
Upcycle some old sweaters and sew cozy throw pillows as a unique gift to help your recipient relax and enjoy their leisure time.
Check out this project
49
Scrap Fabric Chicken Craft
This scrap fabric chicken craft is a fun way to turn mismatched fabric scraps into something cheerful and fun.
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50
Memory Quilts to Honor a Loved One
A memory quilt made with clothing from a loved one is an incredibly thoughtful gift idea for family members.
Check out this project
51
No-Slip Handmade Kitchen Towel
These kitchen towels are beautiful and practical. Sew a batch to have on hand as gifts for the hard-to-shop-for people on your list!
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52
Free Easy Crochet Coaster Pattern for Beginners
Crochet up a set of coasters adn place them in a basket along with a mug and some tea for a lovely gifts idea. These make great stocking stuffers as well!
Check out this project
53
Free Makeup Bag Sewing Pattern with Tutorial
The free makeup bag sewing pattern with tutorial breaks everything down step-by-step, with clear instructions and tips.
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54
Made for Dad: A Simple DIY Men’s Travel Bag He’ll Actually Use
It can be challenging finding gifts to make for men but this DIY toiletry case fits the bill!
Check out this project
55
www.salvagesisterandmister.com
DIY Farmhouse Buffalo Plaid Coasters
What a second! Buffalo’s aren’t plaid! These farmhouse buffalo plaid coasters are an easy DIY project that you can make for your home or to give as a gift.
Check out this project
56
Sew an Apron
Whether it's for the kitchen, garden or craft room an apron helps to protect clothing and looks professional! Gifting a hand-sewn apron is a fantastic, practical gift for anyone on your list.
Check out this project
57
Easy Lavender Sachets
Lavender sachets are a quick and simple sewing project and these make great stocking stuffers or gift toppers.
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58
DIY Memorial Pillow for a Shirt
Sharing the tutorial for how to make a memorial pillow from a shirt.
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59
Tea Towel Tote Bag
Make a pretty farmhouse style tote bag with the included free sewing pattern.
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60
How to Sew an Infinity Scarf
Another easy sewing project an infinity scarf is a great one-size-fits all handmade gift you can make on a budget!
Check out this project
Wrapping up Your Homemade Christmas Gifts
Now that you’ve crafted some beautiful gifts don’t forget the gift wrap and trimmings! We have over 35 upcycled gift wrapping ideas, free printable Christmas gift tags, and printable Christmas cards.
🎄Related: Explore all of our seasonal ideas in our Christmas crafts archive.
More Christmas Giving Ideas
We hope you enjoyed this list of gifts you can make for loved ones this holiday season. In case we haven’t already convinced, making gifts is a great way to get in some crafting time, potentially save money, and most importantly delight the receiver with something you make specifically for them.
We have a number of additional gift guides you might find helpful:
- our 2026 Holiday Shopping Gift Guide;
- high-end handmade gifts for dad;
- 50 best DIY gifts for mom;
- 30+ stocking stuffers for kids.
Happy gifting friend!
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