20+ cool DIY gifts you can make for an easy homemade holiday

We love DIY holiday gifts so much — both giving and receiving. Especially when the kids help. So we’ve combed the web for some of the coolest ideas for handmade holiday gifts you can make without a Masters degree in Hot Glue Gun.

Some require fun crafting kits, others are free with stuff you may have around the house.

Not that we ever turn down a holiday trip to the craft store…

All picks have been editorially determined by our staff. There has been no compensation for inclusion in this guide.

This guide contains affiliate links and some purchases help support our own small business at no additional costs to you..

All discount codes expired 2018

For more up-to-date discounts and gift ideas, please visit our 2019 holiday gift guide or 2020 small business holiday gift guide

DIY Polaroid-Style Photo Ornament

We loooove Erica’s simple video to help you make these adorable DIY ornaments!

Tutorial, Darby Smart

Candy Cane Cupcakes

This kit comes with everything you need to make two dozen cupcakes topped with peppermint frosting. Mmmm…..

$30/kit, Red Velvet NYC

DIY Sharpie Love Mug

Find 4 different ideas on her site (we love this vinyl letter Sharpie mug idea!), complete with excellent materials lists.
It’s easy to also personalize it with a name or monogram.

Tutorial: Jennifer Maker

Woven Beaded Bracelets

This kit contains everything you need to make three stunning bracelets.

$68, Purl Soho

DIY Sparkle Unicorn Ornaments

Doesn’t every tree need more unicorn?

Tutorial: Hello Wonderful

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

DIY Santa Slime in a Jar

Okay, so the 10 year old just saw this image, exclaimed WANT, and now we are going to make it for all her friends.

Tutorial: Best Ideas for Kids

Rejuvenating Desktop Diffusion Salts

Just 10 minutes to make these Frankincense and Bergamot scented salts that will give anyone an instant aromatherapy break.

Tutorial: Aura Cacia

Homemade Peanut Butter Fudge Dreidels

“…I made it out of pretzels, chocolate, peanut butter, and a whole lot of sugar…”

Tutorial: Oh Nuts!

DIY Marbled Star Ornaments

Leave it to Martha to suggest a DIY gift idea so simple and classic that you can actually pull off.
[photo: John Armitage]

Tutorial: Martha Stewart

Baby Alpaca Fingerless Mittens

If you’re a knitter, this kit makes such a stylish, thoughtful gift. (If you’re not, maybe start with something a little more basic, ha.)

$47.75, Wool and the Gang

DIY Washi Tape Menorah Cards

Thoughtful Hanukkah gift from the kids for observant friends. And no glitter to clean up!

Tutorial: Creekside Learning

Handmade Rosemary-Balsam Fir Sachets

Lavender is classic for sachets, but this one is just so seasonally perfect.

Sewing Tutorial: Martha Stewart
Recipe Tutorial: Aura Cacia

DIY Gold-Dipped Succulent Planters

Lovely way to brighten a windowsill even when it’s snowy and grey outside.

Tutorial: Homey Oh My

DIY Holiday Wrapped Candles

This downloadable kit includes printables to make more than a dozen affordable holiday gifts more gifty.
They’re all fantastic, but really love these candles!

$6 kit, Caravan Shoppe

Gingerbread Biscotti

Cool Mom Eats is always our go-to source for homemade food gifts, like these incredible chocolate-drizzled gingerbread biscotti. Yum!

Tutorial: My Ginger Garlic Kitchen

Be sure to visit our 2020 Small Business Holiday Gift Guide
which helps support dozens of indie shops, makers and artists with the best gifts for everyone on your list.

See our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide here

And don't miss our guide to 50+ of the coolest gifts for kids under $50.