DIY Christmas Gifts With Household Items

Looking for homemade Christmas gift ideas? There are plenty of ways to make your own unique DIY Christmas gifts with household items.

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by making your own homemade Christmas decorations? Not only are DIY gifts more personal but it can also be much cheaper than buying store-bought items.

With a little bit of imagination, everyday household items can be transformed into festive Christmas decor or one-of-a-kind gifts. There are plenty of homemade Christmas gift ideas that are both thoughtful and practical.

Plus, it’s a great way to recycle household items that you might otherwise throw away. So get creative and have fun with these homemade Christmas decor ideas made from household items.

DIY Christmas Gifts VS Store Bought

The trees are being decorated, the lights are being strung up, and holiday cheer is in the air. With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to start thinking about which gifts to give our loved ones.

Store-bought gifts are always an option, but if you’re wanting to add a personal touch this year why not try making your own gifts instead! Not only will this save you money, but it’ll also show how much thought and effort went into each gift.

There’s nothing quite like homemade Christmas gifts to show how much you care. Homemade Christmas gifts are always appreciated because they are so personal and they show that you took the time to make something extra special.

Tips For Creating DIY Christmas Gifts With Household Items

You love the idea of giving homemade gifts, but you’re not quite sure where to start.

We know that making your own gifts can sometimes seem daunting, but we promise it’s worth it. So if you’re feeling stuck or short on time or money, read on for some easy, DIY Christmas gift tips:

What are their hobbies, interests, or favorite things? This can help give you some direction and narrow down your options. Also consider their childhood favourites, birth month, and past adventures.

To keep costs down try to use items that you already have on hand. If you need to go and purchase anything to round the gift out head to the dollar store to save a little money.

There are still plenty of easy and quick DIY gift ideas that won’t take up too much of your time. Just remember to keep it simple and stick with what you know. Below you will find a ton of ideas that will fit the bill.

It’s those little special details that make the gift so make sure that you are paying attention to them. Little touches like embellishments, personal messages, or personalized detailing will elevate the look. So don’t over look them.

One of the best things about giving homemade gifts is that they are completely customizable. When you make something yourself, you can choose the materials, colors, and design based on what you know they like. So give some thought about the recipient’s favourite colours, preferred style, and tastes then work from there.

So don’t be afraid to get a little crafty this holiday season. With these homemade Christmas decor ideas made from household items, your home will look merry and bright in no time!

DIY Christmas Gifts With Household Items

Homemade Christmas gifts are a great way to show how much you care without spending a lot of money. And what could be more thoughtful than a homemade gift that is both useful and decorative?

Here are some easy DIY gift ideas that can be made from items around the house:

For The Foodies In Your Life

For the foodies on your list, there are plenty of options for homemade edible gifts. Put together a little gift basket with the recipient’s favorite items. With a little creativity and effort, you can easily whip up some homemade Christmas gifts from the kitchen that your loved ones will be sure to appreciate. So put on your apron and let’s get started!

  • Jams or jellies: fill glass jars with your favorite seasonal fruits and homemade preserves. Add a festive label and ribbon, and you’re good to go!
  • Homemade breads or pastries: nothing says “I love you” like freshly baked bread or cookies. You can even get creative and shape them into holiday-themed shapes like snowflakes or reindeer. These chocolate chip cookies are simply divine and you can freeze the dough which means you can make them ahead of time.
  • Infused oils or vinegar: these make for great additions to any kitchen, and they’re easy to make! Simply infuse your favorite olive oil or vinegar with herbs, spices, or fruit peels. Then, bottle it up and add a decorative label.
  • Homemade granola or spice mixes are always appreciated, and they are super simple to make. For the granola we mix together whole nuts, sweetened coconut, dried fruit, and honey and then slowly toast it in the oven. Yummy!
  • Salsas or chutneys are always popular and they can be used in so many ways in the kitchen. Make your favourite recipe, can it, then label and decorate. This is one of my favourite salsa recipes. The consistency and taste are perfection.

All of these can be given as individual gifts or toss them all in a basket, add a few of your family favourite recipes, some cookies cutters, and a few chocolates and you have a gift that any foodie would love to receive.

Sew It Don’t Say It

With a little bit of effort, you can create homemade Christmas gifts from fabrics that are truly unique and will be cherished for years to come. So grab that sewing machine and let your creativity flow… or not. Some of these ideas only require a bit of fabric glue.

  • Home decor gifts make some new holiday pillow covers, tea towels, or ornaments using cloth found around the home or in your craft stash.
  • Take it to the kitchen and create a one of a kind table runner, oven mitts or tea towels by either sewing your own from scratch or by simply adding cloth embellishments to already existing materials. Use fabrics you already have around the house.
  • Use leftover or scrap materials to make a small throw quilt, an advent calendar, or ornaments. Or make personalized stockings, cooking aprons, tree skirts… the list goes on and on.
  • Fabric wall decor is an excellent gift idea. You can make it a winter, Christmas, or everyday theme. All you need is a drop cloth and some black paint or fabric dye.
  • Create one of a kind, reusable gift wrap using fabric, wool, or felt. You can use these to make unique gift bags or gift wrap.

Go Ornamental

There are many household items that can be repurposed into thoughtful and unique Christmas gifts.

  • Old light bulbs can be transformed into chic ornaments with a little spray paint and some glitter. Add these to wreaths or hang as ornaments from the Christmas tree.
  • Old jewellery can be used to embellish ornaments, stockings, or home made throw pillow covers. You can use your own, unused items or pick up some from the thrift store for next to nothing.
  • Create recycled ornaments with items found in your recycling bin and scrap pile. This really keeps the cost down and the planet will thank you.

Spa Time

Homemade Christmas decorations are always appreciated but indulgent gifts for bathroom are especially delightful.

  • Soap: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of homemade soap that is luxurious and moisturizing. Simply melt some glycerin soap in the microwave, stir in your favorite fragrance oil, and pour into silicone molds. Let the soap cool and harden, then pop them out of the molds and wrap them up in pretty paper.
  • Bath salts: Fill a jar with Epsom salt, add a few drops of essential oil, and decorate with a sprig of fresh herbs or a piece of ribbon. These homemade bath salts make a great Christmas gift that is both relaxing and rejuvenating.
  • Potpourri: Fill a jar with dried lavender buds, rose petals, or any other fragrant herbs or flowers. Add a few drops of essential oil for extra scent, then seal the lid tightly and decorate with a pretty bow. This homemade potpourri makes a great Christmas gift that will make any home smell wonderful.

Chocolate Fix

Perfect for the chocolate lovers. Each of these simple, kitchen gifts tastes amazing and will definitely be truly appreciated.

  • Hot chocolate mixes are always a popular choice. Plus they are easy to make. All you need is a bit of hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, and a jar.
  • Chocolate bombs are the bomb. Enough said. These sweet little chocolate delights are the perfect solution.
  • Chocolate spoons are the perfect addition to any gift. Use a disposable spoon, melted chocolate, and some crushed peppermint.
  • Homemade chocolate truffles taste delicious and are super easy to make. All you’ll need is some chocolate, cream, and cocoa powder.
  • Personalize chocolate bars are a super easy gift. You’ll need a few chocolate bars, some printing paper and double sided tape.
  • Chocolate charcuterie can be easily made using a wooden, dollar store cutting board and a mix of chocolate goodies and pasteries. Wrap it in cellophane, add some ribbon and you are done!
  • Gourmet chocolate ice cream sauce can be made using cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract (or you could use mint extract), butter and a bit of cream.

Dec Out The Decor

These are just a few ideas for homemade Christmas gifts that are sure to please everyone on your list. So get creative and have fun!

  • Make a set of Christmas coasters out of old scraps of fabric or tile.
  • A simple vase of fresh greenery will add a festive touch to any home and is sure to fit into the recipients decor. Don’t have an extra vase? No problem. Simply grab an inexpensive one from Dollar Tree or upcycle an extra large tin can with burlap, fabric, or decorative paper.
  • Christmas wreaths make beautiful gifts and can easily be made using an old scarf or scraps of material. Add some simple seasonal embellishments and you have a perfect yet inexpensive gift that you’ll be proud to give.

PRO TIP: To help keep the greenery fresh pop it into a water bath and let it soak up the moisture before you arrange it. You can also use an anti-transpirant spray to keep it lasting longer.

Get Lit

Everyone loves a good candle and a homemade one created especially for the gift getter just elevates a sure thing.

  • Empty coffee cans or mason jars can be repurposed into beautiful candles. Simply fill the container with melted wax, add a wick, and let it cool. You can even add essential oils or fragrance oils to the wax for a custom scent.
  • Feeling really ambitious? You could even try your hand at making homemade candles. Use items around the home as the holder. Simply collect some used candles and melt them down. then add your favorite essential oils to create a unique fragrance. Pour the wax into a vessel and add a wick. Tie a bow around the jar and you’re done!
    Consider using: old tea cups, Mason jars, plant pots, tin cans, or old jam jars.
  • China cups, Christmas mugs, and tea sets make wonderful vessels for creating unique DIY candles.

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Make It Mason

The perfect gift for those that love things rustic. Super cheap and chipper.

  • Fill them with homemade candy, mini ornaments, hot chocolate mix, mini treats, or even cranberry-scented potpourri. Embellish the top with a personalized sticker, burlap, or holiday themed cloth. Add some ribbon or twine, and a tag with the directions.
  • Paint and embellish and then use these to display candles, holiday greenery or seasonal flowers.
  • Make homemade snow globes. Hot glue desired figurines and embellishments to the inside lid of the jar. Add distilled water, a dash of glycerine, and some glitter. Screw the lid back on, flip it over, and Voila! A homemade, personalized snow globe.

Go Green

These all make perfect gifts for the person in your life who has a green thumb. Each idea is simple and inexpensive to make.

  • Herb butters are super simple to make and taste extra yummy in the Christmas turkey. Simply mix softened butter with mixed dry herbs, wrap in wax paper, roll into a log, and then harden in the fridge. Slice the butter up into patties and wrap for a touch of holiday gourmet.
  • Plant cuttings make awesome and personal gifts. Just stick a cutting into water and let it root. Then plant it in a nice container and give it to a person you like. You will need to plan ahead for this one.
  • Dry, pressed flowers can be made into wall decor, coasters, book covers, and so much more.
  • Scented sachets are perfect as little stocking stuffers. Fill small sacks with dried lavender, rose pedals, potpourri, dried herbs, essential oils, or cedar chips.
  • Succulent terrarium can be easily made using small class containers, a bit of cactus soil, and some succulent clippings.
musical notes on white paper

Paper It

Paper is something we all have around the house and they can also be used to make unique Christmas gifts that are as beautiful as they are sentimental.

  • Photos are always a welcome gift. Make a scrapbook or arrange a photo album. Use pictures to create tree ornaments, calendars, or simply frame them.
  • Sheet music or song lyrics make excellent tree ornaments, wall decor, or gift wrap. Make it extra sentimental and use a family favourite Christmas carol.
  • Maps are ideal for creating sentimental wall art, ornaments, homemade Christmas crackers, gift tags, or gift wrap.
  • Card stock is perfect as a back lay to frames photos. You can also use it to make ornaments, gift tags, as the backing to recipe cards, and so much more.
  • Print it. Head to Canva and create one of a kind wall art, framed photos, recipe cards, and gift coupons.
  • Wreaths made from recycled paper. Start by cutting strips of paper into about 1 inch wide strips. Then, glue or tape the strips together to form a circular wreath shape. Decorate the wreath with ribbon, paint, or whatever else you like.

Free Printable!

These adorable Christmas gift tags are the perfect finishing touch to all of your holiday gift giving. Comes in 3 different styling options. Simple and fun to use!

Make Mine Alcohol

For the adults in your life let’s get a little boozy, shall we? The following ideas are almost all ideas that you can make using alcohol you likely have on hand.

  • Homemade vanilla is a delightful gift to give and to receive. All you need to do is pop a few vanilla beans into a jar of vodka and then let marinate for about 2 months and you have yourself some homemade vanilla. Don’t have enough time? No biggie. Just give the gift in it’s early stages and let the recipient watch the process.
  • Grab a bottle of wine from your personal wine stash. To make it a bit more personal add tree ornament to it, a pic frame of you guys together, or write a personal message and attach it to the front of the gift bag.
  • Boozy Christmas cakes are traditional and when made right can taste positively delicious.
  • Homemade rimmers are always a fun and unexpected gift. Plus, they are super easy to make. Use ingredients like salt, sugar, citrous zest, or spices.

Jenny’s Finishing Thoughts on DIY Christmas Gifts With Household Items

Making your own gifts can sometimes seem daunting, but it’s worth it. DIY gifts are more personal and thoughtful, and they can also save you money in the long run. So if you’re feeling stuck or short on time, try one of these easy DIY Christmas gift ideas using common household items.

Now that you’ve read our tips, it’s time to get started on your own DIY Christmas gifts! Gather up some common household items and see what you can make. Remember, the most important thing is that your gift comes from the heart.

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