7 Thoughtful DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

Crafting your own Christmas gifts is an affordable and creative way to show someone that you care. There is something so special about receiving a handmade present that was made with love. Whether you enjoy baking, crafting, or creating unique decorations, these thoughtful DIY Christmas gift ideas are perfect for anyone on your list. Discover 7 incredible projects that are budget-friendly and full of holiday cheer. 

1. DIY Christmas Toffee

Baked goods are a go-to DIY Christmas presents  because everyone loves to receive something sweet on Christmas! This DIY Christmas toffee recipe is sure to be a hit with friends and family.  

For a beautiful gift presentation, place the finished toffee in a festive Christmas tin or box with a thoughtful card. Your can also add the toffee to a larger food gift basket with other homemade goodies like cookies, cake pops, or kettle corn. It's a wonderful hostess gift or a treat for neighbors. 

Ingredients

• 1 Cup chopped pecans 
• 1 Cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 Cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 Cup milk chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Prep a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and line it with a piece of parchment paper.
2. Spread the chopped pecans in a single layer on the parchment paper. 
3. In a 3-quart pot, combine the butter, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
4. Once boiling, continue to stir slowly until a candy thermometer reads between 290 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract. 
6. Evenly pour the hot toffee mixture over. the pecans. Let it sit for a few minutes.
7. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil for about 5 minutes to melt the chocolate.
8. Remove the foil and use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate into a smooth, even layer.
9. Let the toffee cool in the fridge for about 2 hours until firm.
10. Once cooled, remove the toffee from the dish and break it into small pieces.

2. DIY Soy Peppermint Candle

Handmade candles for gifts are always a great choice, especially when you're unsure what to give someone. Make it even more meaningful by creating one yourself! This soy peppermint candle is one of our favorite DIY Christmas gift ideas because it's easy to make and smells refreshing and festive. It makes a great stocking stuffer, too. 

Feel free to decorate the jar with your favorite Christmas ribbon or other festive accents. You can even glue on small stars or other shapes to make it a truly personalized gift. 

Supplies

• 1 1/2 Cups soy candle wax 
• 15-20 Drops peppermint essential oil
• 1 Half-pint jar 
• 1 Candle wick
• Christmas ribbon (optional)

Instructions

1. Use a hot glue gun to secure the candle wick to the center of the jar's bottom. 
2. Melt the soy wax according to the package directions. 
3. Once the wax is fully melted, carefully stir in the peppermint essential oil. 
4. Carefully pour the scented wax into the jar. Keep the wick centered by wrapping the top around a pencil resting across the jar's opening. 
5. Let the candle harden overnight.
6. Once firm, unwrap the pencil and trim the wick. 
7. Decorate with ribbon, if desired.

3. DIY Mint Body Scrub

DIY spa gift ideas are perfect for anyone who deserves some peace and relaxation. This Mint Body Scrub is a simple project that smell wonderfully refreshing and looks cheerful for Christmas. 

This scrub makes an excellent stocking stuffer or a fun addition to a spa-themed gift basket. Fill the rest of the basket with other bath items like bath bombs, lotion, and body spray for a complete at-home spa night. 

Supplies

• 3 Wide-mouth half pint jars 
• 1 1/2 Cups sugar
• 1/2 Cup coconut oil
• 1 Tablespoon peppermint extract
• 1 Drop green food coloring

Instructions

1. Heat the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl for 15-25 seconds, or until just softened. 
2. Gradually mix in the sugar, followed by the peppermint extract and green food coloring.
3. Stir until everything is fully combined. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more sugar until you reach your desired consistency. 
4. Spoon the scrub into the jars and accent them with festive Christmas ribbons. 

4. DIY Snow Globe Christmas Ornament

DIY Christmas ornaments are thoughtful holiday gifts because they can be cherished for years to come. This DIY Snow Globe Ornament is an easy craft that is perfect for making with kids or grandkids. 

Make sure you find a mini Christmas tree that is the same height as your plastic ball ornament so it stands upright. You can also use white glitter instead of faux snow for an extra touch of magic. 

Supplies

• 1 Clear plastic ball ornament
• Faux snow or white glitter
• 1 Mini Christmas tree (same height as the ornament)
• Miniature gift boxes or other small Christmas accents
• Ribbon for hanging

Instructions

1. Carefully remove the top of the ornament and pour in faux snow until it is about 1/3 full. 
2. Add your mini gifts or other tiny Christmas decorations. 
3. Gently place the mini Christmas tree inside the ornament. 
4. Secure the top back on the ornament and tie a beautiful ribbon through the loop for hanging.

5. DIY Wine Cork Wreath

If you have a wine lover in your life, this DIY Wine Cork Wreath is the perfect handmade Christmas present! This holiday craft takes some time, but the end result is well worth the effort and creates a unique piece of home decor. 

This wreath is great to give alongside other wine-related gifts. Put together a gift basket with a bottle of wine, an electric bottle opener, a set of new wine glasses, and this handmade wreath.

Supplies 

• Foam wreath form
• A large collection of wine corks
• Small pinecones and faux greenery
• Christmas ribbon
• Hot glue gun
• Twine or ribbon for hanging

Instructions

1. Using a hot glue gun, carefully glue wine corks around the foam wreath. Arrange them in different directions to create texture, ensuring the foam is completely covered.
2. After the corks have dried, glue on your other accents like pinecones, greenery, and festive bows.
3. Finally, create a loop with twine or ribbon at the top for easy hanging.

6. DIY Lavender Soap Bars

These DIY Lavender Soap Bars are another great addition to a spa-themed gift basket.  Handmade soaps make lovely and affordable Christmas gift ideas for people who enjoy beautiful scents. 

Place these lavender soaps into a gift basket with other lavender-scented items like lotions, body scrubs, or candles. You can wrap the individual bars in clear bags tied with ribbons for a beautifully presented gift. 

Supplies

• 1 lb Goats milk soap base 
• Lavender essential oil
• Purple soap colorant
• Rectangle soap molds

Instructions

1. Cut soap base into cubes. Microwave in 30-seconds intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
2. Add a few drops of lavender oil and purple colorant, stirring to combine.
3. Pour the mixture evenly into the soap molds. This recipe makes about 3 bars.
4. Let the soap harden for at least 1 hour before removing the bars from the molds. 

7. DIY Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

DIY food gifts for  Christmas are always a welcome idea, and they work especially well as a host or hostess gift. These  Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies are the perfect mix of delicious and festive!

Put the finished cookies into a Christmas gift box, tin or giving plate and tie a decorative ribbon around it. This is an easy recipe to make in batches, so you can give them to everyone on your list. 

Supplies

• 3 Large egg whites
• 2 Cups powdered sugar
• 3 1/4 Cups almond meal or hazelnut meal
• 2 Teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/8 Teaspoon salt
• 3-inch Star cookie cutter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Stir in the powdered sugar until fully mixed. 
3. Set aside 2 tablespoons of this mixture to use later as a glaze.
4. To the same bowl, add the nut meal, cinnamon, and salt. Beat together until a dough forms.
5. Sprinkle powdered sugar onto a flat surface and roll the dough to about 1/3 inch thickness.
6. Cut out the cookies with the star cutter and place them on a lined cookie sheet.
7. Brush a thin layer of the reserved egg white glaze onto each cookie. 
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Let them cool completely before placing them in a gift box.

Looking for more Christmas gifts to give alongside these festive projects? Check out the LTD Commodities selection of gifts for all budgets, plus Christmas decoration inspiration and much more!