Handmade Christmas Gifts

The Christmas season is officially here! The turkey has been gobbled up, the news reports of frenzied Black Friday shopping have passed, and lights are twinkling in trees. For many of us, this also means festivities, spending time with family, and of course buying Christmas gifts.

Making Christmas Gifts at Home

 It is such a joy to give gifts to those we love and care for. But as I get older and our family grows, both from our own children and from new family members being added, all that Christmas gift-buying cost can really add up.

The other issue is that sometimes we get caught up buying just because. Some Christmas gifts don’t necessarily have any kind of special meaning or usefulness. And as a gardener and baker, there are lots of things that I can hand make at home and give as gifts to friends and family.

I’ve been a handmade Christmas gift maker for quite a long time. The gifts I now make are much improved from the little gifts I used to come up with when I was a kid.

I distinctly remember one Christmas I sewed a patch onto a piece of fabric and gave that to my dad as a gift. Of course he said he loved it, but let’s just say it wasn’t my best work. And I’m pretty sure the patch was his to begin with, so I gave him his own patch back. Classic.

Easy Homemade Christmas Gifts

So what are some homemade gift ideas you can make that people WILL love? Whether you are handy with a paintbrush or can simply read instructions and mix, I have some great ideas for you. 

These handmade Christmas gifts are things any gardener, baker, or budding cook will love. And while making handmade Christmas gifts does save money in some cases, it’s more about creating unique gifts for those you love.

Some of these projects are easy enough for children, so they can share them with teachers and friends! Click on the image to be taken to the instructions for each handmade Christmas gift. 

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas

1. Striped Painted Pot– Use any terra cotta pot you have on hand to create this beautiful gold-striped pot. You can also change the colors to suit your needs. If your recipient loves a certain sports team, use that team’s colors.  
2. DIY Galvanized Bucket Planter– For someone who wants to get into gardening, but may not have lots of space or time, this planter is perfect. The trendy galvanized bucket looks great on any porch or patio, and it can be used for years. There’s even a great video tutorial to help you out!               
3. Cinnamon Hot Cocoa Mix– My girly gardener made Mason jars full of this mix to sell for a fundraiser this year. Many of her customers commented that they would be using the mix for Christmas gifts. This hot cocoa mix is delicious and super easy to whip up. Add some ribbon to a jar along with a tag and you’ve got a delicious homemade gift! (Click the image for the recipe and FREE printable gift tags!)
4. Homemade Extracts– We use vanilla extract pretty quickly around here. You can make homemade extracts easily and you’ll know exactly what’s in them. That’s a wonderful thing for both you and your recipient. This basic recipe can be used for multiple types of extracts, and there’s even a video tutorial to help you out! (These FREE printable garden-inspired gift tags are from Lilies and Life, aren’t they beautiful?)
5. Dried Fresh Herbs– If you’re a gardener who grows herbs in the summer and fall, then dried herbs are a fabulous homemade Christmas gift. Herbs are easy to dry, and most people use them in cooking. Buy pretty herb jars online, or use small Mason jars and you’ve got a useful and delicious gift! 
6. Fresh Lemon Curd– A delicious host or hostess gift, lemon curd is both tangy and sweet! A jar of this seasonal treat is perfect on toast, scones, or muffins and is super easy to make. In fact, it just takes minutes in the microwave! Lemon curd will last for several weeks in the fridge, so make up a few batches and give the gift of good taste. 

7. Garlic and Herb Salt– A fantastic way to use up extra herbs is to create this delicious herb and garlic salt. Easy to make and delicious on just about everything, this salt is a wonderful gift to give to others. And you can make it in just minutes at home! 

Wrapping Homemade Christmas Gifts

For many of the food and homemade Christmas gifts that require wrapping, I like to keep simple supplies on hand. Here are my favorites:

• Curling ribbon for the tops of jars.
• Simple kraft paper bags with handles
• Colorful tissue paper
• Paper Tags (See free printable ones from Lilies and Life!)
• Mason Jars (for storing food gifts)

So get creative this Christmas season, and consider homemade gifts for those you love. I know they’ve been some of my favorite gifts over the years. I’d love to know of some handmade Christmas gifts you’ve given or received. Comment below and let me know. Have a great week!