Are you on the hunt for some amazing handmade Christmas gift ideas? Here are over 30 of the most thoughtful DIY Christmas gift ideas for friends, family, and coworkers!
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Christmas is only a couple of short months away! I honestly cannot believe it. I feel like this year has gone by so insanely fast. I know I say that every year, but it honestly feels that way. Since the happiest time of the year is quickly making its way toward us, it’s time to start brainstorming gift ideas for our loved ones.
I normally just buy sweaters or a gift card for everyone and call it a day. But I want to be a bit more thoughtful this year and make DIY Christmas gifts for everyone. DIY-ing gifts is a great way to save some money as well. You can also buy more expensive things to gift if you have the budget for it, but you definitely don’t need to.
If you are searching for some thoughtful DIY gift ideas for your loved ones, do not fret because I’ve got you covered. This post will show you 38 insanely creative and festive DIY Christmas gift ideas for friends, family, and coworkers.
From awesome candy cane sled gift ideas to gifts in a mug and an ice cream sundae box, there is something here for every type of person.
DIY CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS
1. reindeer hot cocoa bags
We’re starting off strong with these super cute reindeer hot cocoa bags. They are super easy to recreate and are great for friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers.
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2. Fuzzy slippers gift
I don’t know about you, but I love fuzzy slippers, especially during the winter. You can gift your loved one a nice pair of fuzzy slippers to keep their feet warm, along with some other gifts.
Include hand soap, a candle, chocolates, and lip balm.
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3. mug gift basket
If your loved one loves collecting cute mugs for their coffee or tea, then this is the gift for them. You’ll want to first buy a super cute and festive Christmas mug.
Now just place a few beauty products in here, along with fuzzy socks and some chocolates.
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4. Glove gift idea
The most magical time of the year also happens to be the coldest time of the year. Make sure all of your friends and family stay nice and cozy by gifting them this super cute glove gift idea.
Place a few other gifts inside the glove as well. A few to include are hand lotion because the cold is going to dry out their hands, some chocolates, and lip balm.
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5. Cookie kit
I am seriously obsessed with this idea. Who doesn’t love cookies, especially during the most festive time of the year?
If you’ve got a baker friend or family member, you should definitely create a cookie kit for them. It’s thoughtful and also budget-friendly.
Just buy a bag of cookie mix, cookie cutters, oven mitts, and a mixing spoon.
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6. Goodie bag
A goodie bag is the perfect gift for the little ones. You can also make extras and gift them to your kids’ classmates as well.
All you need is a clear plastic bag and a few different kinds of sweets. Include bite-sized Kit Kats, Hershey’s Kisses, and Snickers.
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7. whisk you a merry christmas
Ok, first of all, how insanely cute is this? I love the play on the word wish. It’s simple, easy, and will give everyone a good laugh; what more could you want?
First, buy a couple of whisks from Walmart or wherever you want. Next, fill a small plastic bag with some peppermint candies. Now just place the goodie bag inside the whisk.
This may take a little bit of time, but with some careful maneuvering, you’ll get it, lol!
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8. Mason jar treats
For this gift idea, you will need to DIY the mason jars.
Instead of doing it by yourself, you can get the kids involved and spend some quality time DIY-ing these adorable Santa and Snowman mason jars.
Now all that’s left is to fill the jars with some delicious Hershey’s kisses. Fill the Santa mason jar with red kisses and the Snowman with silver.
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9. Snowman hot cocoa
Who doesn’t love hot cocoa, especially in the winter? I, for one, am obsessed with it. It’s literally my favorite drink during fall and winter.
There is just something so comforting about sippin’ on a cup of steaming hot cocoa and watching Gilmore Girls for the 10th time.
Buy two round jars and fill them with some hot cocoa powder and mini marshmallows. Add a little ribbon around the middle to make it even cuter.
Include a bottle of cream liqueur and put everything in a clear plastic bag with a bow on top.
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10. elf and santa candy pot
This is just too adorable not to recreate. This is the perfect gift idea for the kids. You just need a few simple supplies to recreate this Elf and Santa candy pot.
You’ll need flower pots, paint, a paintbrush, ribbon, red felt, bells, hot glue, and belt embellishments.
You can get most of these supplies from the Dollar Store, so you won’t be breaking the bank while making this. Take a look at the full tutorial here.
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11. Dollar store gift basket
Looking for a gift idea that doesn’t break the bank? No problem! Just head over to your local Dollar Store and get everything you need for under 30$.
Grab an oven mitt, a mixing bowl, a couple of kitchen supplies like measuring cups and a whisk, and also get a tub of frosting.
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12. snowman chocolate bars
Ok, how cute is this? I absolutely love chocolate bars, but they taste even better when wrapped like an adorable snowman.
You’ll just need white wrapping paper, black and orange Sharpie markers, mini pom poms, and glitter pipe cleaners.
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13. Candy cane sleigh
If you are looking for Christmas gifts for your coworker, then these are perfect. They don’t cost a lot of money and are super easy to make.
You literally just need a chocolate bar, some candy canes, and a bow. These adorable candy cane sleighs are sure to be the talk of the office.
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14. open when…
Make gift-giving much more fun with this idea. This DIY gift idea is perfect for all budgets. You can go to the Dollar Store to get everything, or you can also splurge a little.
Now wrap all the presents with brown wrapping paper and write down when the recipient can open the gifts.
For example, you can write “open when you need a really good excuse” or “open when you’re under the weather”.
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15. Ice cream sundae box
Sundays are for sundaes! I love that phrase, lol! This is the perfect gift box for the ice cream lover in your life. Grab a box or a gift basket and gather all of the sundae ingredients.
Include toppings, ice cream (obviously), sprinkles, fudge, caramel, waffle cones, and little sundae cups. Don’t forget the ice cream scoop.
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16. gingerbread man cookie pan gift
You obviously have to bake cookies during the jolly holiday. Make baking much more fun with this super cute gingerbread man-shaped cookie pan. Isn’t it just adorable?
This is the perfect gift for the baker in your life. Also include their favorite cookie mix, along with cream cheese frosting and some sprinkles.
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17. Snowman tealights
The holidays are the perfect time to get crafty. If you are looking for a gift idea that doesn’t break the bank, this one’s for you.
All you need are ribbons, tealights, and a couple of cubes of black and orange wax. Use a hot glue gun to attach each of the tealights on top of each other.
Now create the snowman design with the orange and black melted wax. Let it cool, then wrap it with a clear plastic bag. Tie a ribbon on top to complete the look.
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18. Snowman marshmallows
I LOVE marshmallows. I mean, who doesn’t, right? The fluffy and sweet goodness is a crowd favorite. Honestly, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t like the sweet treats.
These snowman marshmallow sticks are going to be a huge hit. This is the perfect gift for co-workers. It’s easy to make, cheap, and tastes amazing.
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19. donut and coffee mug
I don’t care what anyone says, donuts and coffee are an amazing duo. I especially love it for breakfast.
For this gift idea, you’ll need to buy some mugs, powdered donuts, and a small bag of coffee.
Make the donuts like a snowman by using black and orange Sharpie markers to draw on top of the clear plastic. Place everything in the mug after you’re done for the perfect little gift.
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20. Santa buckets
Looking for the perfect DIY Christmas gift idea for your little elves? Stop your search because this one’s for you. First things first, you will need to buy a couple of red buckets.
Add Santa’s belt using black and gold construction paper. Now fill the buckets with their favorite things. Include some candies, bedtime books, games, puzzles, etc.
Wrap everything with clear plastic and place a Santa hat on top to finish it off.
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21. Scent-sational teacher gift
Thank your teachers for all that they do with this amazing gift basket. Just include things like hand soap, hand sanitizer, a cute figurine, and some holiday treats.
This will definitely brighten up their day, and the best part is, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for it.
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22. Snow globe treats jar
Can we just talk about how cute this is? I don’t know how people are so creative; I can barely make a bow, lol! You’ll need a jar and snow globe supplies for this gift idea.
You can search for tutorials on YouTube on how to make the snow globe lid. Fill the jar with some festive sweets and glue on a cute Christmas picture or ribbon on the front to complete the look.
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23. Simple gift basket
Gift giving doesn’t have to be so complicated or expensive. You can literally get all the supplies you need from your local Dollar Store.
Buy some gift baskets, of course, along with a mini candle, chocolates, candy canes, and festive shredded filler paper. This is a super cute and easy gift idea for literally anyone on your list.
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24. fuzzy socks
Everybody needs a cute pair of fuzzy socks, especially during the winter. Buy some for your friends, family, and coworkers.
Make it a little more personal by adding a cute bow and Rudolph on the front. You can also write them a little note.
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25. Gift card bouquet
Do you have that one person in your life that is just impossible to shop for? For me, it’s my dad. There is nothing he doesn’t own, and when I ask him what he wants, he says “nothing”.
Honestly, why do men insist on making things so difficult?
Anyway, instead of just buying a random gift and calling it a day, you can make them a gift card bouquet so they can buy themselves whatever they want.
If they like coffee, include a couple of Starbucks or Dunkin gift cards, along with gift cards for places they normally shop at like Target, Aritzia, and HomeGoods.
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26. easy gift idea
You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a gift. This gift idea costs less than 10$, which is amazing! Especially if your budget is tight.
Get some butterscotch candy and hand sanitizer and wrap everything with a clear plastic bag. Tie the top with red or green ribbons to complete the look.
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27. Altoid tin gift idea
If you are someone who loves to get crafty and loves DIY projects, you are really going to enjoy making this gift. You will need an Altoid tin and some festive paper to make the background.
Once you’re done decorating the tin, just fill it with some small gifts. A few to include are hand sanitizer, chapstick, and nail polish.
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28. gift in a bug
Try out something a little different this year. Instead of giving gift baskets, give gifts in a mug. I feel like this is so cute and also doesn’t cost that much. You’ll need a festive mug to put everything in.
For the actual gifts, you can include a pair of fuzzy socks to keep their feet warm, peppermint spoons (they go amazingly well with hot cocoa), and a bag of their favorite coffee.
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29. Christmas morning mimosa
It’s Christmas, babe! Live a little and enjoy a glass (or a few glasses) of mimosa and start your day off right!
Make your loved ones a little mimosa kit with a bottle of orange juice and some champagne. This is also a great gift idea for your neighbors and coworkers.
Just place the bottles in a cute gift bag with some filler paper for the finishing touch.
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30. coca-cola sleigh
This is such a fun gift idea! This is great for your friend who loves Coke. Or you can also replace the Coke bottles with another drink they like.
Make it festive by making the bottles look like reindeer with pipe cleaners, mini googly eyes, and mini pom poms.
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31. christmas breakfast
What better way to start your Christmas morning than by eating a delicious breakfast? Curate a breakfast gift basket for your loved one to make on Christmas morning.
You don’t need to be extra with this. Just include pancake mix and a bottle of maple syrup. Add ribbons and holly berries to make the gift extra festive.
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32. boozy hot chocolate
This gift is obviously only for adults. Hot chocolate is loved by everyone, so you cannot go wrong with this. All you need is hot cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and marshmallows.
Put everything in a jar and close the lid. Now for the fun part. Use festive ribbon to tie a mini bottle of liquor to the side of the jar.
They can mix that into their drink after preparing the hot chocolate. Put on a comforting movie and enjoy your cup of cheer.
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33. money gift idea
Do you have a friend or family member that is just impossible to shop for? Well, don’t stress!
Instead of spending hours in store searching for the perfect gift, just give them some holiday cash so they can buy whatever they want.
This takes the stress away from you, and they can buy what they actually want.
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34. kitchen essentials
Thank your friends and family for their helping hands with this simple gift. Get a small red basket and place some shredded filler paper there.
Now, all you need is a nice-smelling hand soap, a mini candle, and some kitchen towels. This gift is simple, but they are going to love it. After all, who doesn’t love a nice-smelling soap?
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35. Wrapping paper gift
Are you kidding me? If someone gifted me this, I would love them forever! I always wait till the last minute to get wrapping paper, and by then all the cute ones are already sold out.
If your loved ones are anything like me, they are going to appreciate the hell out of this gift. Buy a few rolls of wrapping paper and bows to put on top of presents.
Put everything in a festive gift bag and give it to your loved one. They will shower you with hugs and kisses for sure, haha!
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36. Christmas cookie sugar scrub
I know you can buy sugar scrubs in stores, but what’s the fun in that? Plus, this is a great way to show your friend or family how much you care.
You’re going out of your way to DIY something you think they would enjoy. This Christmas sugar scrub is actually quite easy to make and smells incredible. Take a look at the tutorial here.
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37. Charcuterie board and kitchen essentials
I absolutely love this idea! Buy a festive charcuterie board from HomeGoods or Amazon. Then include hand soap, kitchen utensils, and kitchen towels.
Secure everything on the charcuterie board with festive ribbon. When you’re not using the charcuterie board, you can display it in your kitchen with other decorations.
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38. Clear glass ornament gift
Last but definitely not least, we have this amazing DIY clear glass ornament gift. This is a very simple and cheap gift idea that is perfect for everyone.
All you need to do is fill the ornament with some tasty treats. Include chocolates, butterscotch candies, and peppermint candies as well.
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