I’m a huge fan of handmade gifts. In this society where time is money and it’s too easy to click “buy now” and have something sent without ever touching it, handmade gifts are the language of love.
I also love not stressing out during the holiday season. Which means getting an early start on projects. (My mother-in-law, who finishes her Christmas shopping in August would argue that it’s already too late.) I’m a born procrastinator, but this year I’m trying to stress less and enjoy the holidays more, which means getting organized now.
To that end, I’ve put together 39 of my favorite handmade gift ideas to share with you. (Spoiler alert to my immediate friends and family: don’t read this next part or you might not be surprised when you open your gift this year.)
I hope this gives you some ideas on how to take care of your gift list and get a head start on the holidays!
Ultimate Handmade Gift Guide
Nothing says you care like a handmade gift. Here's the ultimate list of my favorite handmade gift ideas for this holiday season.
Etched Glass Luminarias
These sophisticated luminarias make a great table centerpiece, and can be made with thrift store glass pieces to keep costs low.
Potato Stamp Tea Towels
These tea towels are not only adorable, but useful too. Maybe the perfect handmade gift!
Easy Concrete Ornaments You Can DIY in a Weekend
Ornaments always make a meaningful Christmas gift, and these are a fun project to make with kids.
Easy Pink Himalayan Salt Scrub
This easy salt scrub looks so pretty and comes with a free printable label for the mason jar!
Easy Live Edge Charcuterie Boards
I would not have known you could make such a thing, but what a fun housewarming gift this would be! Adam has a great tutorial on how to make your own.
Making Bath Salts with Herbs and Essential Oils
These look so pretty in their mason jars and would make a really nice teacher appreciation gift.
Beginner's Guide to Making Your Own Custom Candles
This lavender candle looks like it would smell wonderful, and how impressed will your friends be when you tell them you made it yourself!
Pressed Flower Glass Coasters Simple Tutorial
I just love these coasters! They combine flowers and function for the perfect combination in a gift.
Easy Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub
This coconut oil sugar scrub is so easy, and you probably already have the ingredients right in your kitchen!
Kintsugi How-To: Easy Tile Coasters
These coasters are elegant with their touch of gold, and look like they would be lots of fun to make.
DIY Peg Game with Brass Casings
This is one that my husband would really appreciate. I love the deceptive simplicity of the design.
DIY Magnetic Cement Planters
I'm a big fan of all things miniature, and these little planters really caught my eye. I think I need some for my fridge!
Small Succulent teacher gifts
Succulents are about the only plants I can keep alive, so I appreciate when someone gives them to me as a gift.
DIY Coastal Tealight Candle Holders
I love how simple and elegant these tealight holders look when grouped together on a table.
How To Make Easy Essential Oil Teacher Gifts
Essential oils are a great way to bless someone, and these gift ideas are totally do-able!
Homemade Pepper Jelly Recipe
Food gifts are always at the top of my list, and this pepper jelly looks festive and delicious!
DIY Christmas Scent Reed Diffuser
This diffuser is such a pretty and festive way to decorate and de-stress at the same time.
Easy DIY Oatmeal Soap
These soap bars looks good enough to eat, but I wouldn't recommend it. What a lovely gift idea!
How To Make The Best Essential Oil Shower Melts
Winter is the season for shower melts, so these would make the perfect self-care gift.
Retro Wooden Speaker for Phone
How cute is this little phone speaker? I know a couple of teenagers that would love this gift!
DIY Wood Wine Gift Tags Tutorial
Don't even get me started on how many people I could mark off my gift list with these cute wine tags!
DIY Christmas Wine Bottle Bags
Speaking of wine, this little penguin wine bottle bag is just too cute for words.
DIY Cookie Cutters
I would never have thought about making my own cookie cutters, but what a fun way to personalize a gift!
EASY Mason Jar Thank You Gift Idea
I appreciate my kids' teachers every day, but the holiday season is a great time to show it with these mason jar gifts.
A Star Appreciation Gift Idea For Someone Special
Beaded ornaments are a huge trend right now, and this little thank you star would make someone's day.
DIY Buckwheat Heated Neck Wrap
This is one that I'm thinking of making for myself. We have a heatable neck wrap, and one is not enough in my family on cold winter days. Plus this one is extra pretty!
Easily Create DIY Farmhouse Coasters
What a great hostess gift these coasters would be. I love the bold black and white design.
How To Make A Festive Lemon Wreath For Any Occasion
Doesn't this wreath look so fresh and welcoming? Christmas would be a perfect time to give this as a gift.
Stamped Books DIY [Tutorial using Chalk Paint]
Books are one of my favorite ways to decorate a home, and these are extra special.
DIY All Natural Lavender Soap - Easy to Make
I love the smell of lavender, so I'm putting this soap on my own personal wishlist!
How to Make an Easy Fabric and Wood Cross
This cross is a creative combo of fabric and wood that I think just about anyone could do, and it would make a meaningful gift.
Personalized Christmas Gift Basket
This gift requires a cricut or silhouette machine, but if you have one and are looking for a good way to use it for the holidays, here you go.
Christmas Cookie Mason Jar Candles
Yum. The only problem is I might want to try eating these adorable candles.
Make Your Own Brown Sugar Scrub with Coconut Oil
Winter usually means dry skin, so sugar scrubs are a popular gift idea.
DIY Wine Bar, Stylish Storage for Bottles and Glasses
This gift might be more of an involved DIY project, but it sure would be a showstopper for someone on your wishlist.
Easy DIY Drawstring Bag Sewing Project
This cute bag is a functional and pretty gift that anyone could love.
Easy Candle Making For Beginners
I think the real gift here is learning to make your own candles, but maybe you keep that to yourself and give away all the candles you make. Win-win!
Wood Slice Christmas Ornament Snowflakes
These last two links are great because they're handmade, but you don't have to make them! These adorable wood slice ornaments are available on Etsy.
Angela Kraeske
Sunday 10th of November 2019
Hi Meredith! This is an amazing list of handmade gifts and there are several that I can't wait to make. Thanks for including my lavender candle tutorial in the group. Also, I'm so glad we got to meet face to face at the mediavine conference. You're as sweet and adorable in person as you are on your blog.
Meredith
Monday 11th of November 2019
Thanks Angie, I felt the same way meeting you! I wish we could have hung out more - maybe next time! ;)