14 Homemade Gifts to Give This Season

14 Homemade Gifts to Give This Season

By: Katie Kerrigan

When it comes to gift giving, everyone has that one person who is impossible to buy for. Whether they already have everything or are notoriously hard to please, finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list is no easy task. Unique and thoughtful gifts can also be impossible to find in the chaos of holiday shopping. 

For anyone exhausted by the annual dread of Christmas shopping, say no more. This year, why not give a homemade gift? They are personal, unique, and provide the perfect sentimental and nostalgic value that sometimes just cannot be found in stores. 

1. Photo Album 

Photo albums are deeply personal and guaranteed to touch the heart of whoever you give one to. Not only are they a beautiful way to organize your memories together, they can also include much more than photos. Handwritten letters, restaurant napkins, stickers, drawings, or anything else special to you can be added to the pages. 

2. Picture Frame 

Just about any craft store sells blank picture frames these days. Pick up one, or a few, and let your creativity shine. These can be easily painted, but you can also glue on fabric, photos, or even buttons for an extra unique style. 

3. DIY Bulletin Board

Bulletin boards are a great organizational tool for any room in the house. All this project requires is a plain sheet of cork board, glue, and any fabric of your choosing. There is a lot of room for creativity here and you can even make matching, personalized push-pins to go with it. 

4. Wall Art 

Wall art can be done in lots of different ways. You can draw or paint something special and have it framed or create a digital design of your choosing. Try matching the colors to furniture or decor so your piece fits in well with things they already own. 

5. Homemade Ornament

For the person in your life who absolutely loves decorating the house for the holidays, a homemade ornament is a special way to give a personal gift. Every year when they set up their tree, they will have your ornament and the sentimental value that comes with it. 

6. Personalized Fridge Magnets

You can pick up supplies for this at any craft store. Try gluing buttons, bottle caps, or beads to magnets to make unique decorations. You can also use photos or paint them. 

7. A Mug

For the avid coffee drinker in your life, a homemade mug will make an extra thoughtful gift. Look into local ceramics classes and see if there are any opportunities to make something before the holidays. Who knows, you might find a new hobby as well. 

8. Food

This one seems obvious, but can still be a unique and special gesture. If someone in your life has a sweet tooth, homemade cookies or festive hot chocolate mix are a great way to show you care. You can also make a meal using one of their favorite recipes. 

9. Candles

Candle kits are not only easy to find, they can also be a fun activity to do with someone. Make your own candles using scent combinations you think someone would like. The candles will smell amazing and remind them of you. 

10. Scarf, Mittens, Hat, Socks, etc. 

With the cold weather settling in, no one can have too many scarves, mittens, or hats. For those who love to knit or crochet, a homemade scarf or hat can be both sentimental and chic. 

11. Jewelry

A simple friendship bracelet can go a long way. Custom-design a bracelet or necklace with that special someone’s name or favorite colors to let them know you are thinking of them. They will have a cute accessory and think of you whenever they wear it. 

12. Go Thrifting 

Instead of heading to the sale racks this winter, try going thrifting instead. Pick out some clothes you think someone would love, and personalize them. You can embroider their initials on the sleeves or use iron-on patches to customize a new jacket for them. This is a thoughtful way to add to their personal style and it is also great for the environment. 

13. DIY Foot Scrub

These are really easy to make with typical household ingredients. Try mixing sugar with honey and olive oil for the perfect foot scrub. It will exfoliate to get rid of dead skin and help keep the skin soft and smooth. 

14. Custom Gift Basket

For those who are not the craftiest, a custom gift basket is a great way to create a thoughtful gift without needing to break out the paint. These can include snacks, gift cards, books, body lotion, lip balm, sheet masks, etc. A few small gifts arranged in a thoughtful manner can go a long way. 

Homemade gifts are about embracing your creative side and making something unique for the special people in your life. They definitely do not have to be perfect. At the end of the day, showing your loved ones you care is what the holidays are all about. 

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