Christmas is a time for giving, which often means we feel the pressure when it comes to spending. Whether it is presents, decorating your home, or buying all the festive food, the joy of Christmas can be taken over by feelings of stress. But gifts don’t have to cost a fortune to be thoughtful, memorable, and cherished. By choosing homemade Christmas gifts, you can offer friends and family something unique and meaningful without spending a fortune. Plus, they can often be made from materials you already have at home, helping to reducing waste and keep your holiday green.
In this post, I’ll share 25 homemade gift ideas that are inexpensive, easy to make, and sure to delight your friends and family.
1. DIY Spice or Herb Jars
Homemade spice or herb jars are simple, thoughtful, and incredibly versatile. You can mix a range of different spices together, or use dry herbs from your garden, to give a gift for a specific culinary purpose. For example, a cinnamon-sugar blend is perfect for baking, while a chilli and paprika mix works well for adding a spicy kick to any savoury dish. Dried rosemary, thyme, or basil can be bundled together to make a small herb gift bouquet.
Package them in small glass jars or recycled jam jars, and add a handwritten label. As a thoughtful extra, you could include a mini recipe card suggesting how to use the spice mix. Tie the jar with twine, a small charm, or a sprig of dried herb to make a gift that is practical, affordable, and adds a homemade touch to any kitchen.
2. Homemade Cereal or Energy Bars
Granola or energy bars make a tasty gift, especially for friends who enjoy outdoor activities or need a quick, healthy snack. Mix oats, honey, seeds, nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips, press into a baking tray, and cut into bars.
For extra festive flair, experiment with themed versions, like “Christmas spice” with cinnamon and dried cranberries, or a chocolate-orange blend. Wrap them in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon. These are super easy to make, and are ideal for a quick, last-minute gift.
3. DIY Candles
Homemade candles are charming, inexpensive, and perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere during the holidays. Use soy wax, leftover candle pieces, or beeswax to create small candles in jars, tins, or even teacups.
Candle wicks are cheap to buy and readily available online. Check out some options here.
Add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance, such as cinnamon, orange, pine, or peppermint. Decorate the jars with twine, dried herbs, or small charms to make them extra Christmassy. Homemade candles are practical gifts that bring warmth and comfort, while still feeling personal.
4. Bath Salts or Bath Soaks
If you know someone would loves a little pampering, bath salts are an excellent choice for any spa lover. To make them, mix Epsom salts with dried flowers, citrus peel, or a few drops of essential oils. You could use lavender for calming effects, peppermint for refreshment, or cinnamon for a cosy holiday scent.
Package in small glass jars, add a ribbon, and include a label with instructions. You can even create different blends for different moods, such as a “relaxing” jar and a “reviving” jar. Homemade bath salts are inexpensive, easy to make in batches, and perfect for friends and family who appreciate self-care.
5. Homemade Jam or Chutney
Homemade jams, jellies, or chutneys are perfect gifts that feel luxurious but are inexpensive to make. Use seasonal fruit such as apples, berries, or plums, or even vegetables like tomatoes for chutney.
Package in small jars with handwritten labels and tie with ribbon or twine. Consider flavour combinations like raspberry-vanilla jam, apple-cinnamon preserves, or tomato-chili chutney. Or why not try our own homemade chutney or crab apple jam recipe to make ahead of Christmas? Homemade jams and chutneys make lovely additions to a festive gift basket. Plus, using fruit in season can reduce costs and waste.
6. Decorative Mason/Kilner Jars
Using mason or Kilner jars is a versatile way to create homemade gifts. Layer dry ingredients for hot chocolate, cookie mix, or oatmeal, and add a tag with instructions. For example, hot chocolate jars could include cocoa, sugar, and mini marshmallows, while cookie mix jars could include flour, sugar, and chocolate chips.
Decorate the jars with festive ribbon or twine. These gifts are inexpensive, practical, visually appealing, and can be customised for anyone on your list.
7. DIY Ornaments or Decorations
Handmade ornaments are both festive and meaningful. Use natural materials like pinecones, cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, or clay to create a range of decorative items. Paint or glitter them for added flair, and tie with twine or ribbon.
These gifts are inexpensive, creative, and allow you to give something truly unique. You can even personalise them by adding initials, the recipient’s favorite colors, or small charms. Making ornaments can also be a fun activity to do with the kids or as a festive weekend craft project.
8. Homemade Soap Bars
Homemade soap bars are surprisingly simple to make using melt-and-pour soap bases. Add dried herbs, oats, or essential oils for texture and fragrance. Cut into small bars and wrap in parchment or reusable fabric. Tie with twine and add a label for a finished, professional look.
These gifts are luxurious yet affordable, and they allow for creativity in scent, color, and decoration. Homemade soap shows thoughtfulness and care, and it’s a gift that will actually be used, rather than stored on a shelf.
9. Hand-Knitted or Crocheted Items
If you enjoy knitting or crocheting, handmade items like scarves, hats, or pot holders make thoughtful homemade Christmas gifts. Even simple patterns can result in cosy, personal presents. If you’re not an expert knitter, finger knitting is a great way to create loose stitches to help you make that scarf in no time! (my personal favourite!).
Choose wool in colors that suit the recipient, or make a matching set for multiple family members. The effort, time, and skill involved in creating handmade clothing items make them especially meaningful, and they’re far cheaper than buying from a store.
10. DIY Seed Packets or Mini Herb Kits
Seed packets or mini herb kits are ideal for friends who enjoy gardening or nature. Package seeds in small envelopes with planting instructions, or assemble mini herb kits in jars with soil and seeds.
Include a handwritten note about how to care for the plants. This gift encourages the recipient to grow their own food or flowers, making it personal, sustainable, and long-lasting. It’s a simple idea that can be done for just a few pounds per gift.
11. Personalised Recipe Books
Have you ever cooked a meal for friends or family members outside your household? Or maybe you have grown kids that loved certain dishes you made when they lived at home. One cool gift idea is to create a personalised recipe book where you can compile your, or their, favourite recipes into a small booklet or card set. Themes could include include family recipes, seasonal dishes, or budget-friendly meal ideas (perfect for students living away from home). Handwrite or print them neatly, and tie with a ribbon.
You can also add notes about why each recipe is special or tips for substituting ingredients. This gift is thoughtful, practical, and shows the recipient you’ve spent time creating something meaningful that’s just for them.
12. Infused Oils or Vinegars
Flavoured oils and vinegars are inexpensive, simple, and useful gifts that can be used for a range of cooking or therapeutic purposes. For example, you might infuse olive oil with garlic, chili, or herbs, or make flavored vinegar with raspberries, thyme, or citrus peel. For therapeutic oils, plants such as lavender work well infused with a carrier oil, like almond.
Package in small bottles and include a label or a simple recipe for use. Infused oils and vinegars add a gourmet touch to meals while remaining very budget-friendly, and they can be made in bulk for multiple gifts.
13. Homemade Sweets
Chocolate truffles, fudge, peppermint bark, or caramels are inexpensive, fun to make, and always appreciated. Package them in small jars, boxes, or cellophane bags with ribbons and a note.
You can also create themed sweets, like chocolate-orange truffles for Christmas or spiced caramel fudge. Homemade sweets are perfect for neighbors, colleagues, or friends who love a festive treat.
14. DIY Fabric Gifts
Even simple fabric gifts are thoughtful and inexpensive. Make reusable fabric gift bags to replace wrapping paper or drawstring bags for snacks, toiletries, or small items. Cheap, plain tea towels also look great with hand-painted designs.
These gifts are practical, eco-friendly, and can be personalised with colours or designs that suit the recipient.
15. Memory or Photo Gifts
Personalised gifts like a framed photo, a homemade scrapbook, or a calendar featuring family, friends, or nature photos are inexpensive homemade Christmas gift that are deeply meaningful. You could also choose art prints that you know the recipient would love.
To make it even more special, include notes about memories or write little messages on each page. These gifts often have more emotional value than shop-bought items and show that you’ve put thought and care into every detail.
16. Homemade Lip Balm
Homemade lip balm is practical, cheap, and easy to make. Use beeswax, coconut oil, and a few drops of essential oils. Package in small tins or tubes, and decorate with a handwritten label.
You can create different flavours or scents, like peppermint, vanilla, or honey. Lip balm is a gift that’s easy to make in batches and ideal for friends, family, or coworkers.
17. Flavoured Honey or Syrups
Infused honey or fruit syrups are inexpensive and luxurious. Mix honey with cinnamon, vanilla, or ginger, or make a simple fruit syrup using berries or citrus.
Package in small bottles with a ribbon and label. Include a note suggesting ways to use it — for tea, toast, pancakes, or desserts. It’s an elegant, thoughtful gift that doesn’t cost much to make.
18. DIY Potpourri
Potpourri adds a festive scent to any home. Combine dried flowers, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and a few drops of essential oil. Package in small jars, muslin bags, or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon.
This gift is inexpensive, creative, and perfect for anyone who enjoys a cosy, fragrant home. You can even customise scents for different recipients.
19. Painted Plant Pots
Decorate small pots with paint, decoupage, or simple designs. Add a small plant or herb to create a thoughtful, personalised gift. If you have young kids, a plant pot decorated with their artwork makes a great gift for grand-parents, and is sure to put a smile on their faces.
These gifts are inexpensive, creative and perfect for gardeners or anyone who enjoys adding a touch of greenery to their home.
20. Handmade Bookmarks
Bookmarks are simple, inexpensive, and perfect for readers. Make them using cardstock, pressed flowers, watercolor designs, or hand-lettering. Laminate for durability or add ribbon for decoration.
They’re ideal for friends, colleagues, or family members who love to read, and you can easily customise them for each recipient.
21. DIY Coasters
Create coasters using cork, wooden slices, or plain tiles. Decorate them with paint, decoupage, or pressed leaves and seal with a waterproof finish.
Coasters are practical, easy to customise, and inexpensive to make. You can create themed sets — like winter patterns, floral designs, or abstract art — to suit the recipient’s style. They’re perfect homemade Christmas gifts for friends or family who love small, thoughtful home touches.
22. Homemade Tea Blends
Blend dried herbs, flowers, and spices to create unique teas. Popular options include chamomile and lavender for relaxation, mint and green tea for freshness, or a festive mix of cinnamon and dried apple.
Package in small jars, tins, or resealable bags, and add a label with brewing instructions. Homemade tea is a gift that’s affordable, personal, and perfect for winter days.
23. Simple Wall Art
Create small pieces of art using watercolors, hand-lettering, pressed leaves, or other natural elements. Mount them on cardstock or frame them inexpensively.
You could make a set of seasonal prints, inspirational quotes, or botanical designs. Personalised wall art is inexpensive to make but feels thoughtful, unique, and high-quality. It’s a gift that can brighten a home and be treasured for years.
24. DIY Hot Cocoa Bombs or Chocolate Truffles
Make festive hot cocoa bombs or simple chocolate truffles at home. Use melted chocolate to form small spheres and fill them with cocoa powder, marshmallows, or mini candies. For truffles, mix chocolate with cream, roll into balls, and dust with cocoa or sprinkles.
Package in small boxes or jars with a ribbon. These gifts are fun, indulgent, and surprisingly inexpensive. They’re perfect for friends, family, or neighbors, and add a playful, homemade touch to holiday treats.
25. Personalised Adventure Journal
Creating an adventure journal is a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors. Using a plain notebook, you can create sections for planning hikes, logging trips, noting wildlife sightings, and sketching nature scenes. Include a printed map, or leave space for the recipient to draw their own, and decorate the pages with stickers, pressed leaves, or hand-drawn touches.
To make it extra special, add a motivational note on the first page, like “Adventure Awaits!”, and include a pencil or small guide to local flora and fauna. This gift encourages creativity, mindfulness, and outdoor exploration, and becomes increasingly meaningful as the recipient fills it with memories from their adventures. For a ready-made journal, check out our books page.
The Takeaway on Homemade Christmas Gifts
Choosing homemade gifts can really make a difference to the cost of Christmas, but by trying some of these ideas it gives you options for gifting that won’t break the bank.
Christmas can be an expensive time of year, so if you are feeling the pinch, why not give some of these homemade festive gifts a try? Not only will you have something thoughtful to give to family and friends, but you’ll save money and have fun in the process.