DIY holiday gifts from the kids that are cooler than macaroni necklaces (no offense to macaroni necklaces)
DIY holiday gifts from the kids are among our favorites to track down. Whether they’re making gifts for their siblings, cousins, classmates, or parents and grandparents, we think there are so many neat ideas here. Who knows, one may end up being your favorite treasured keepsake gift of all time.
For our most recent gift ideas, please visit our 2020 holiday gift guide entirely focused on small business
All gifts have been editorially determined by our staff, there is no compensation in exchange for picks. CMP is an rstyle and Amazon affiliate. Discount codes expired 12/31/16.
DIY Watercolor Mug Kit
While there are tutorials on the web to get this done by gathering all the parts yourself, there’s something cool about this kit that has it all ready to go for you. It even makes a nifty gift in itself if you’re shopping for a bunch of kids together.
$15.27, The With Love Shop Shop
DIY Glittery Pom Pom Photo Ornament
Glitter. Pom poms. Photo of themselves. What could wouldn’t jump at that?
Tutorial, She Knows
DIY Candy Cane Popcorn Treat Boxes
Two of our favorite things together: Candy canes + popcorn. Yum!
Tutorial, Julep
DIY Brush Wreath Christmas Cards
This is a great DIY holiday gift idea from kids too small to work with a lot of detail. Great for preschoolers and toddlers with some help, though our older kids would be into it too.
Tutorial, Crafty Morning
DIY Handprint Keychain
Change up the colors and the design on the handprint, and this could be perfect for Christmas, Hanukkah, or just general holiday wishes for anyone in the family.
Tutorial, Grey House Harbor
Related: 20 fantastic ideas for DIY gifts, cards, and printables for dads from the kids
DIY Gingerbread House Kit
What a fun DIY gift idea to get you baking together with your kids, and a perfect gift for teachers, coaches and neighbors.
Tutorial, the 36th Avenue
DIY Stitched Paper Ornaments
Like old fashioned lacing cards, only for the tree. Cute!
Tutorial, Bloesem Blog
DIY Potpourri Simmer Pouches
Nice DIY gift idea from the kids for grandparents, teachers, or any adult who could use a little break. Maybe from the kids?
Tutorial, Domino
Christmas Finger Puppets Sewing Patterns
Grab these patterns and some felt and thread and spend a day with your older kids making finger puppets for friends, siblings, cousins. You could even have them stage a holiday finger puppet show and film it to send to far-off relatives. They’d love it!
$4.99, Precious Patterns
For more cool ideas forDIY holiday gifts that won’t end up in the back of the closet visit our 2015 guide!
DIY Yarn Star Ornaments
We love how colorful and festive these are! But you could also go minimalist with two-color stars all in coordinating shades. Ombre perhaps?
Tutorial, Domino
Snowman Soup Hot Chocolate Gift Pack
Yes, it’s really just a pack of hot chocolate and some trimmings but what an adorably clever way to package it up! Find the free printable on her site to help you put this together.
DIY and Printable Xmas Pack, Oh My Creative
DIY Personalized Initial Ornaments
Really cool DIY holiday gift from kids with a steadier hand — who you trust with a Sharpie!
Tutorial, Julep Blog
DIY Washi Tape Menorah Card
Love this DIY Hannukah card that could even be framed for family. Kids love playing with washi tape, and hey, no glitter to clean up!
Tutorial, Creekside Learning
Printable Paper Nativity Playset to Color in
This is such a cute DIY for kids to give to their own friends — they can print and cut out the pieces and package them up for their friends to color. Or, color all the pieces themselves.
Printable, Made by Joel
DIY Candy Cane Cookies
For an alternative to gingerbread men without a lot of fuss, check out these cute candy cane cookies that kids will love to twist together, before handing out to friends and teachers.
Recipe, Betty Crocker
DIY Q-Tip Tree Cards
Another clever holiday craft that could be turned into art or a traditional Christmas card. You could even photograph it, to print onto a photo gift like coasters, custom photo chocolates, or pillows — it’s just that cute!
Tutorial, Make and Takes
DIY Chocolate Dipped Christmas Pretzel Rods
So fun and easy! If you’re going for Christmas, use red and green sprinkles, or swap in blue and white for Hanukkah. Either way, this is one DIY holiday gift from the kids we wouldn’t mind getting at all.