The holiday season is a time of giving, and there’s no better way to show your love than with a handmade gift. No matter what winter celebration you’re planning, creating something by hand adds a personal touch that your loved ones will appreciate.
Here are 20 handmade holiday gift ideas that will spread joy and warmth to your loved ones this season:
1. Custom candles
Hand-poured candles are a simple yet thoughtful way to create personalized gifts. Choose a wax (such as soy wax or beeswax) and customize it with essential oils for scents that reflect the recipient’s preferences, such as lavender for relaxation or cinnamon for a festive vibe. To add a decorative touch, you can mix in dried flowers, herbs, or even biodegradable glitter. Use unique containers like vintage teacups or mason jars to elevate the look. For an extra special touch, create personalized stickers with the recipient’s name or a meaningful message.
2. Knit or crochet scarf
A hand-knitted or crocheted scarf is practical and honest. Choose yarn in the recipient’s favorite colors, and consider adding stripes, cables, or other patterns to make it unique. For those who knit or crochet regularly, a matching hat or gloves make a great addition too.
3. DIY photo book
Create a personalized photo book to serve as a keepsake for years to come. Start by collecting photos of shared memories and organizing them into an attractive design. Include captions explaining the importance and meaning of each image to you. Adding memorabilia like ticket stubs, pressed flowers, or handwritten notes is a great finishing touch.
4. Personal jewelry
Jewelry making is a truly personal gift and it’s also fun to make! Use beads, charms, and wire to create bracelets, necklaces, or earrings that suit the recipient’s style. Incorporate meaningful items like a birthstone, their initials, or a charm that symbolizes something important to them, like a hobby or favorite animal. Clay is another great medium to work with, allowing you to create custom necklaces or earrings in unique shapes and designs.
5. Herb garden kit
What’s the perfect gift for an aspiring home chef or gardener? Herb garden kit. Start by decorating small pots with paint, mosaic tiles, or stencils with festive or personalized designs. Add seeds or small herbaceous plants such as basil, rosemary or thyme, and add plant tags that can be hand-painted or carved from wood. For a finishing touch, include a small instruction booklet on how to care for the herbs, and group everything together in a basket or box.
6. The photo frame is decorated
Transform an ordinary picture frame into a beautiful keepsake by decorating it with paint, embellishments, or even pressed flowers. Use a color scheme or theme that matches the decor of the recipient’s home or personality. You can also add quotes or handwritten messages around the frame for a personal touch. To make the gift even more special, place a meaningful photo inside, whether it’s from a shared memory, a family photo, or a favorite scenic view.
7. Baked goods in a jar
Putting dry ingredients for baked goods in a bowl is a fun, delicious gift that’s easy to put together. Choose a recipe for cookies, cakes, or holiday baking, then layer ingredients (such as flour, sugar, and chocolate chips) in a clear glass bowl. Decorate the jar with ribbons, a festive fabric lid, and a personalized label with baking instructions. You can also customize the recipe to suit the recipient’s preferences, such as adding nuts, spices or a themed candy.
8. Homemade hot chocolate mix
A jar of homemade hot chocolate mix is a comforting and thoughtful gift for anyone who loves a warm beverage. To assemble, layer cocoa powder, sugar, powdered milk, and mini marshmallows in a mason jar. You can also add extra candy like crushed candy canes, cinnamon, or chocolate shavings for a delicious twist. Personalize the jar with a label that includes serving instructions, and decorate with holiday ribbons or a small ornament.
9. Handmade planter pots
Decorate plain ceramic pots with paint or mosaic tiles to create a one-of-a-kind planter. Choose designs or colors that reflect the recipient’s tastes, whether that’s bright florals or modern shapes or patterns. Add a small plant or succulent for an easy-care gift that keeps on giving. For an extra touch, include a small card with care instructions or even a personal message tucked into the soil.
10. Personal recipe book
Create a family heirloom by putting together a recipe book filled with your favorite recipes. You can write or type it, add illustrations or photos, and even include notes about where the recipe came from or why it’s special to you or a loved one. Consider organizing the book by meal type, season, or family members’ preferences. For a professional touch, bind the pages together with a leather or fabric cover, or you can print them out and assemble them online for a polished look.
11. Personal stationery
Design and print your own stationery to reflect the recipient’s personality. You can create custom patterns, monograms, or even hand-drawn illustrations. Stationery makes a great gift for those who enjoy sending letters or notes. Pack your stationery with matching envelopes, or even a custom stamp for an extra personal touch.
12. Holiday spice mix
Create a custom holiday spice blend that adds flavor to any recipe. Combine spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, and fill them in small glass jars. You can create themed blends, such as “holiday baking mix” or “cider seasoning.” To make the gift even more special, include a recipe card that includes instructions for using the spice blend in dishes such as cakes, pies, or drinks.
13. Handmade tree ornaments
Make your own ornaments out of clay, felt, or wood and decorate them with holiday-inspired designs. Clay ornaments can be shaped into stars, hearts or snowflakes and painted in festive colors. Felt motifs can be sewn together and decorated with embroidery, beads or sequins. Personalize the ornaments by adding the recipient’s name or year, then package them in a decorative box that can be used for storage.
14. Personalized wine glasses
Create personalized wine glasses by decorating plain glasses with glaze or embossing cream. You can add holiday decorations like snowflakes, holly, or reindeer, or personalize them with names, initials, or fun phrases. They make great holiday party favors or as part of a wine themed gift set. Package the glasses in a festive gift box with a bottle of wine or a homemade wine trinket for an extra touch.
15. Holiday mystery
Make a holiday-themed puzzle by cutting wood or cardboard into puzzle pieces and drawing a festive scene, such as a snow-covered village or a winter landscape. You can also personalize it with family names or a holiday message. This makes a fun and interactive gift that can be enjoyed during holiday gatherings or quiet winter evenings.
16. DIY gingerbread kit
Assemble your own gingerbread house kit for a fun and interactive holiday gift. Bake the gingerbread pieces in advance, and include all the ingredients needed to build the house, such as royal icing, candy decorations, gum drops, and even mini chocolate bars or pretzels for the roofs. Package the pieces in a box complete with assembly instructions and tips. For an extra touch, include a small card with a holiday message or a pre-made gingerbread cookie that can be placed in front of the house.
17. Holiday-themed aprons
Sew or decorate aprons with holiday-inspired patterns, perfect for someone who loves to cook or bake. Choose holiday-themed fabrics, such as those with snowflakes, reindeer or Christmas trees, and add details like pockets or adjustable straps for a practical and stylish design.
18. Personal wrapping paper
Create your own wrapping paper using stamps, block printing, or hand-drawn illustrations. Start by using craft paper as a base and choose designs such as snowflakes, stars, or leaves. You can personalize the sheet further by adding the recipient’s name or a custom holiday greeting. For a fun touch, use metallic or glitter paints to make the wrapping paper sparkle. Roll up the wrapping paper and tie with ribbon to make a creative gift for anyone who enjoys the wrapping process.
19. Food wraps with beeswax
Create eco-friendly, reusable beeswax food wraps as a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap. Start with a cotton fabric in your favorite print and then cover it with melted beeswax to create the wraps. They can be used to cover food, wrap sandwiches, or protect leftovers – all while being environmentally friendly. For an extra touch, line the covers with a handwritten note explaining use and care instructions.
20. Decorative coasters
Create custom coasters using sliced cork, resin or wood for a practical and stylish holiday gift. Decorate the cups with hand-painted designs, engravings, or decoupage. You can also personalize the coasters by adding the recipient’s initials or a meaningful phrase.
Not interested in drafting this year? Check out our Made in Vermont gift guide or sustainable gift ideas for more.
