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.
CMP is an rstyle and Amazon affiliate and clicking through some links will help support our own small business.
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
Related: Wonderful DIY holiday gift ideas that the kids can make
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
Related: 9 easy, delicious homemade food gifts for people who love to eat (i.e. everyone)
DIY Painted Chalkboard Ornaments
Modern and classic all at once! Made with plastic ball ornaments, they're even safe for little ones to decorate.
Tutorial: Michael's
Gourmet DIY Hot Chocolate Mixes
One of our perennial DIY holiday gift suggestions, this one is equal parts easy and delicious.
Tutorial: Gringlicious
DIY Finger Knit Necklaces
When kids have a zillion friends or cousins, this is a fun way to make something special for everyone without spending weeks.
Tutorial: Hello Wonderful
DIY Glitter Handprint Ornament
How do you not get weepy just looking at kids' handprint gifts?
Psst: The grandparents will love this one.
$14.98 kit, Hearthsong
Simple Christmas Tree and Wreath Cookies
She had us at simple! (Too cute, right?)
Tutorial: The Decorated Cookie
Homemade Cookies in a Jar
A classic DIY holiday gift made more special with this printable label as part of a holiday gift set.
Downloadable tag $6 in set with other items, Caravan Shoppe
Cookie Recipe: Very Best Baking
DIY Button Hair Clips
So easy and cute! Get creative with festive holiday themes, metallics or snowflakes.
Tutorial: Martha Stewart
DIY Embellished Holiday Candle
This semi-homemade gift is perfect for teachers, neighbors, and your kids' friends' parents.
She even offers a set of printable holiday gift tags including the one shows here.
Tutorial: Skip to my Lou
Gingerbread Chex Party Mix
Guilty pleasure, what can we say.
Recipe: Chex
Don't forget to visit our other gift guide categories for even more ideas!
And be sure to enter our $500 Etsy gift card giveaway to help support more indie makers and artists this holiday!
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