In this post I’ll be sharing 10 handmade gift ideas that your loved ones will actually love to receive this holiday season.
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The holiday season is quickly approaching, and there’s no doubt that your gift and shopping lists have already started to fill out. Today I am sharing 10 handmade gift ideas for those who enjoy crafting unique, personal, homemade items for the ones they love.
Most of these holiday gift ideas require just a few easy supplies and a bit of imagination. Set aside some time and enjoy the creativity and love that goes into making beautifully unique gifts. After all, a heartfelt gift can be more precious than any store-bought item. Want to take it up a notch? Schedule some quality time to make these gifts together (maybe a cute little intimate girls’ night in?) and create lasting memories while crafting. There’s truly no better way to show your friends and family just how much you care this holiday season.
10 Handmade Gift Ideas Your Loved Ones Will Love
1. Candles (in upcycled vessels)
It’s no shock that candles are #1 on my list. Who doesn’t love a handmade gift that is both beautiful and practical? Plus, you can never really have too many candles.
A few years back, the DIY tea cup candle exploded on the Pinterest scene. I most definitely made a few and recall really loving the entire process from start to finish. There was something about hunting for the perfect little tea cup, mixing different fragrance oils, and don’t even get me started on the wax pour… soooooo satisfying.
Nowadays, the most recent candle making craze seems to revolve around upcycled glass vessels: ornate jars, decorative vases, and even butter dishes! Not limited to the dainty tea cups of the past, this updated version is much more versatile and pairs really well with many other home decor aesthetics.
The key is to source your vessels from thrift shops for an extra unique one-of-a-kind candle. You can buy all of the candlemaking materials on Amazon: including the wax, wicks, and even fragrance oils. This beginner friendly video shares the complete DIY candlemaking process so you can easily follow along.
Gifting Idea: pair your homemade candle with a wick trimmer, and for an extra special touch, include a set of personalized matchbooks from a small business on Etsy.
2. Embroidered Felt Initials
This next project is small in size but has a big impact. If you’re crafty with a needle a thread, try your hand at some embroidered initials using felt, metallic embroidery floss, seed beads, and sequins. Because of the smaller scale of this gift, you can splurge a bit on higher quality specialty materials (maybe opt for real crystal beads or gold plated keychain hardware) so that the end result is truly a piece that will last and be hopefully cherished for years to come.
Depending on your skill level, you can look up different stitch types to create patterns with colored embroidery threads and beads. Or keep it monochromatic by using one solid color throughout. The creative possibilities are endless! Sidenote: a few years ago, I made these embroidered felt ornaments and found the stitching process really relaxing and much easier than it looks. So, if you’re a beginner, don’t let that stop you from trying!
I know I’d personally shed a tear or two if I received something so intricately detailed and made by hand. The amount of precision and time alone is such an impressive feat.
You can add a small tab near the top to turn them into keychains, wallet or purse clips, or even Christmas tree ornaments. If you plan to make several initials, consider creating an assembly line of cutting, stitching, beading, etc. so that your workflow is more streamlined.
Gifting Idea: pair these with a small handmade drawstring pouch made with a coordinating printed fabric, and a little kraft envelope filled with extra beads for good measure.
3. Collage Memory Frame
Perfect for the sentimental type, this collage style frame is not only on the easier side to make but also leaves room for so many areas of personalization. Find a double glass picture frame (this hanging one is perfect too!) as the base of the project, then simply add layered objects in a collage type format. You can anchor the design with a photo or two, then add things like handwritten notes, concert or movie tickets, receipts from special memories, mini calendars, and fortune cookie papers just to name a few! To secure all of the layered elements, I suggest using this double sided tape roller for scrapbooking to avoid messy glue or too much texture.
If you find yourself wanting to include larger 3D elements, consider using a shadow box instead. However, I’d keep it on the smaller side just to make it more intentional, only adding items that have true sentimental value. For the final decorative touch and a bit of organic texture, add pressed flowers or dried herbs.
Gifting Idea: take it one step further and include a Spotify playlist icon that your recipient can scan with their phone. This acts similar to a QR code and will open the playlist on their Spotify app. Make sure to fill the playlist with songs that remind you of special times throughout your relationship or friendship. Cue the happy tears!
4. Custom Charm Jewelry
Everyone has at least one jewelry-loving maximalist friend in their circle! It’s me, hi!
For the stylish gal who loves to go bold with accessories, why not create a completely customized charm necklace or bracelet? Start with a base chain that has wider links. Then hand select each charm to create the most perfectly curated and personalized piece of jewelry. Consider adding things like their favorite foods, hobbies, an inside joke, angel numbers, birthstones, etc. – the more varied the charms, the better it will look.
Putting this piece together only requires a few simple jewelry making tools (this kit comes with everything you’ll need) and you can even support small shops by sourcing the charms on Etsy or Ebay. Use terms like vintage/unique/quirky charms in the search bar and you’re guaranteed to find a ton of really fun options to choose from, like this vintage good luck heart and this pave crystal snake. Then add the charms to the chain using jump rings, and finish the necklace or bracelet with a closure of choice. Again, Etsy has tons of really unique closure findings too, like these self closing oval clasps and these pave crystal lobser clasps so there’s no shortage of options when it comes to creating a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I personally know quite a few people who would absolutely love and cherish a piece like this in their jewelry collection. To adapt this for a more minimal and timeless aesthetic, you could pair it back a bit by reducing the number of charms, maybe just 3-5, and keep them on the smaller size, along with a dainty chain.
Gifting Idea: to avoid making this look too “crafty” for lack of a better term, make sure you are sourcing higher quality materials, like gold plated chains, and charms with lots of intricate and unique design details – again, vintage is always a great option!
5. Infused Olive Oil
This next gift idea is perfect for those who don’t want more stuff. Maybe you have someone in your life who leads a minimalist lifestyle, or simply isn’t a huge fan of receiving items that will collect in their home as “clutter.” This is the perfect opportunity to think outside the box and create a consumable gift. While homemade baked goods are always a solid idea (more on this down below) I think a set of infused olive oil jars make such a unique and thoughtful gift that can be enjoyed time and time again and used with multiple different recipes.
I actually got this idea from a close friend who has been making and gifting these flavored olive oils for a while, and I think it’s the ideal any-occasion gift idea for those who enjoy cooking.
There are endless flavor variations, but you can essentially create these with different items you may already have in your kitchen. Consider ingredients like garlic, roasted peppers, sundried tomatoes, lemon, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. The infusing methods will vary depending on which ingredients you are using, so I recommend doing a quick Google search (or browsing Pinterest) to find a recipe with accurate instructions. (Here’s a Tuscan infused recipe I’m personally going to be trying this year)
To complete the holiday gift, you can go the extra mile with a handwritten label, and decorate the jars with some ribbon or twine to add a more festive touch.
Gifting Idea: pair the olive oil jars with a loaf of fresh bread (either homemade or from a local bakery) a small cutting board and a dip plate for a complete bread dipping oil experience. I’m already drooling.
6. Framed Family Recipes
There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about a handwritten recipe. If you can get your hands on either an original or a copy of a family tradition recipe, this simple DIY can have such a profound impact. A really sentimental and unique gift that is sure to come as a pleasant surprise to those who enjoy and appreciate the art of cooking.
Don’t have a well-loved family recipe that’s been passed down for generations? Why not start one now? Take note of a recipe you have tweaked to perfection (you know the one that has received its fair share of positive feedback) that someone on your holiday gift list may already know and love. Write it down using a high quality ink pen on some heavy cardstock or textured watercolor paper. Add your own personal touches and notes like extra tips and tricks, serving suggestions, or side dish ideas. Keep it as authentic as possible with your own flair so that the recipient feels a more personal connection to the recipe itself. Maybe even include a sweet dedication or funny anecdote from a memorable meal shared together. Then simply frame it in a double glass frame, or a larger frame with a wide mat for a more traditional aesthetic.
Gifting Idea: Once your recipe is written out, you can scan it and order a custom printed tea towel or apron from a small Etsy shop to complete a matching set of kitchen accessories.
7. Customized Games
For the fun activity lovers on your list… I’ve got you covered with 3 customized gifts that will definitely stand out during future game nights.
First, we have a deck of personalized playing cards. Take a classic deck of playing cards, and select your favorite photos to personalize. This gives you the chance to really dive deep into past memories and pull photos that tell a story or remind you of great times. You can print the images on high quality photo paper in the correct sizing, and then use Mod Podge to adhere them to the cards. If you want the deck to be playable, be sure to paste the photos on the front sides of the cards, only covering the center part where the suits would be displayed. Otherwise, you can add the photos to the backs of the cards, and have it be more of a decorative deck instead.
Next up, the always fun and exciting game of Jenga. With its simple set of wooden block pieces, this game essentially doubles up as a bunch of small “blank canvases” to work with. You can get super creative and paint each block with a different color or pattern. Give the game a “truth or dare” twist and come up with either a truth or dare to write on each of the blocks (maybe leave a few blank for the recipient to write their own). Or make it a more wholesome family-friendly game with thought provoking questions or prompts that will open up new discussions and conversations throughout the gameplay. When you pull a piece out, you must read and reply to the questions, dares, or prompts on the block before placing it atop the growing tower.
Lastly, check out this tutorial for a completely made-from-scratch DIY game inspired by “Guess Who” – a super creative way to include images of friends and family and use inside jokes and other fun memories to ask questions throughout the game while trying to guess the correct person. This definitely takes the game up a few notches and makes it so much more personal and engaging. Plus, the list of “clues” will only continue to grow over time as more memories and stories continue to accumulate.
Gifting Idea: Include a set of handwritten playing instructions with the customized games for an extra personal touch. You can also include a scannable Spotify playlist icon leading to a music playlist that you’d suggest pairing with the game. An extra thoughtful touch that is sure to be appreciated!
8. All Things Clay
Similar to the DIY candle idea from the start of this post, it seems that air dry clay has been making a huge comeback. I have seen so many creative DIY projects floating around TikTok and Pinterest lately, many of which also double as functional decor pieces, which I totally love! From super simple catchall dishes to more intricately carved objects, there is a clay project for virtually any skill level.
I have to pause for a quick shoutout to this DIY wavy clay trinket dish project from a few years ago – which to this day is still one of my most popular posts. I used a rubber letter stamp to personalize the dish, and although they were made with polymer clay, I think air dry clay would also work for this.
Aside from the aesthetic wavy clay catchall dishes, I think an incense holder would make an amazing gift for someone who appreciates all things metaphysical. You can include a pack of assorted incense sticks, sage bundles, and palo santo for a complete DIY spacial energy cleansing kit. You can even make the clay incense holder extra unique by embedding crystals or dried lavender before letting it fully dry.
If you know someone who always has fresh flowers placed somewhere in their home, consider a DIY clay flower frog. These are super useful for creating eye catching and unique floral arrangements and can also be customized to fit inside a thrifted vase or vessel – the perfect pairing for this handmade gift. Beautiful, unique, and useful for a triple win!
Last but not least, and my personal favorite, is the air dry clay fridge magnets. I have seen so many incredibly realistic looking food themed ones that look so cute and quirky on a fridge. Simply use a drop of superglue to adhere a magnet (these are small yet mighty!) to the back of your finished clay pieces. To personalize these for a friend, consider making their favorite foods, most often used emojis, or other objects that remind you of them. I’d create a small themed set, maybe 5-8 different objects, and pair them with a small magnetic notepad and pen set in a matching theme or color palette for cohesion.
The best part about air dry clay is that it’s super accessible, relatively inexpensive, and can be painted with acrylic paint. For a protective coat and glossy finish, you can seal your projects with a clay sealer varnish or Mod Podge. Just keep in mind, air dry clay projects are not suited for food or drinks.
9. Bookmarks
Another small yet mighty project that falls under the “useful” category. There are so many incredibly creative DIY bookmark ideas all over Pinterest, that I honestly had a hard time narrowing this one down. You can go as minimal or ornate as you’d like depending on your recipient’s overall vibe or aesthetic.
I think the idea of using a vintage or thrifted book spine is so unique and unexpected. You could use a metal grommet tool and create a small opening at the top to loop a ribbon through. This tutorial also shares a stunning faux stained glass window design that would look gorgeous paired with a more ornate metallic tassel. And for an earthy organic approach, you could simply use a combination of kraft cardstock paper and pressed flowers or greenery arranged in a collage style layout. Add a thoughtful touch by including some positive affirmations or a few meaningful quotes from their favorite books.
The book lover on your list will surely appreciate the extra time and effort that went into an item they will be reaching for often during their reading sessions.
Gifting Idea: Pair your handmade bookmarks with a book you think they’d love to read (ask if they have a current TBR list) or a reading journal and set of aesthetic book highlighters. If you have time, consider ordering a personalized journal or pen set – again, Etsy has tons of great options to browse through!
10. Stovetop Potpourri (for simmer pots)
This last DIY handmade gift idea is another easy and effective one that lands in the “no stuff” zone. While it’s not exactly consumable, it’s still a gift that can be used up and almost acts as an experience in and of itself – similar to a candle, but even more appealing to those who prefer adding scents to their home using only natural ingredients.
If you’re unfamiliar with stovetop potpourri, it’s essentially a grouping of ingredients, herbs, spices, and extracts that you combine together with water and bring to a low simmer in a pot, uncovered on the stove – adding more water as needed throughout the day. Aside from filling the space with a warm and cozy aroma, a simmer pot can also help humidify the air making it ideal for the colder fall and winter seasons.
Typically, you can make a simmer pot with almost anything you have on hand, including any scraps or peels from cut up citrus or other fresh ingredients. There’s really no right or wrong way to go about it. However, you can choose to be more intentional about the entire experience and select specific ingredients with meaningful properties for a more ritualistic experience. For a complete list of ingredients and their meanings, check out this blog post by the ladies over at Blonde2Brunette!
For gifting, you will need to put together dried ingredients so that everything is shelf-stable and can be packaged up nicely in a jar or container for future use. I highly recommend including a handwritten list of ingredients (and their meanings) along with some short instructions for how to make the simmer pot. Be sure to add special touches to the jars or containers like ribbon, twine, fabric, and perhaps a slice of dehydrated citrus as an embellishment. Check out this post where I made dehydrated citrus slices.
Gifting Idea: Pair this homemade stovetop potpourri with a clear glass pot so that they can really enjoy the full display of colors and textures while the simmer is underway.
This holiday season, put your time and creativity to work to show the people in your life just how much you care with one of these handmade gift ideas. Not only will your loved ones appreciate the personal touch, but you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that there is no gift like the one you made by hand.
Looking for more inspo!? Check out my Pinterest Board for more beautiful and unique handmade gift ideas… updated daily!
This post was all about handmade gift ideas for the holidays. If you like this content, check out these posts below!
– DIY Christmas Tree Ornaments
– Custom Jewelry 101 – A Beginners Guide to Jewelry Making
– DIY Wavy Clay Trinket Dish
For more holiday gift ideas, click here to see all GIFT GUIDES.
Xx- Laura
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