Budget-Friendly DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

The holiday season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about gifts for your loved ones. While store-bought presents can be great, there’s something special about giving a handmade gift that shows you put thought and effort into it.

DIY Christmas gifts are not only thoughtful, but they can also save you money and allow you to personalize each present for the recipient. You might be having a hard time getting inspiration for a thoughtful gift this holiday season, but you won’t have to worry any longer as we’ll be sharing some unique and creative DIY gift ideas that are sure to make your loved ones feel extra special.

 

Homemade DIY Candles

There is something so special about giving a handmade gift, and homemade candles are the perfect example of that. Not only are they easy to make, but they also evoke a sense of warmth and coziness that is perfect for the holiday season.

To start, you’ll need wax, wicks, fragrance oils, and candle jars. Melt the wax, add the fragrance oil, and pour the mixture into the jars with the wicks in place. The end result is a beautiful, personalized gift that your loved ones will cherish.

homedmade diy candles for christmas
Photo Credit: 100 Days Of Real Food

Beaded Wristlet

If you’re looking for a unique and stylish gift, a beaded wristlet is the perfect option. This DIY project involves threading beads onto a piece of wire and creating a loop at the end for the wristlet.

You can use any combination of beads you like, from colorful glass beads to sparkling gemstones. The end result is a beautiful and eye-catching accessory that is perfect for any occasion.

breaded wristlet with leopard beads mama bear charm
Photo Credit: Cara & Co

Potpourri in Mason Jars

Potpourri is a classic holiday gift that never goes out of style. To make your own potpourri, gather dried flowers, herbs, and spices and mix them together in a bowl. Once you have your mixture, spoon it into a mason jar and tie a ribbon around the top. You can customize the scents and colors to suit your loved one’s preferences, placing this gift as one of the most thoughtful within this list.

christmas potpourri jars
Photo Credit: The Homestead Nurse

Handmade Liquid Soap

Liquid soap is a practical and useful gift that your loved ones are sure to appreciate. To make your own, you’ll need liquid castile soap, essential oils, and a foaming soap dispenser. Mix the soap and oils together and pour them into the dispenser. You can customize the scent and color to suit your loved one’s preferences, making this gift both useful and thoughtful.

handmade liquid hand soap with black pump
Photo Credit: Live Simply

Handmade Winter Freshener in a Mason Jar

This DIY project is a great option for anyone who loves to keep their home smelling fresh and clean. To make your own winter freshener, you’ll need baking soda, essential oils, and a mason jar. Mix the baking soda and oils together and spoon the mixture into the jar. You can customize the scent to suit your loved one’s preferences, which makes this gift both practical and thoughtful.

winter air fresheners in mason jars diy gifts
Photo Credit: Shaken Together Life

Cookie Mix in a Mason Jar

Who doesn’t love a good cookie mix? This DIY project involves layering all the dry ingredients for a cookie recipe in a mason jar and attaching the recipe to the jar. The end result is a beautiful and thoughtful gift that anyone with a sweet tooth will love.

cookie mix in a jar
Photo Credit: Celebrating Sweets

Soup Mix in a Mason Jar

A soup mix in a mason jar is a great gift for anyone who loves to cook. Simply layer all the dry ingredients for a soup recipe in a mason jar and attach the recipe to the jar. The end result is a beautiful and thoughtful gift that your loved ones are sure to appreciate.

soup in a jar
Photo Credit: Oh My Creative

DIY Cocktails in a Mason Jar

For the cocktail lover in your life, a DIY cocktail in a mason jar is the perfect gift. Simply find the alcohol with the accompanying mix and pair them together with a mason jar, and you have the sweetest gift! You can customize the mix and alcohol to suit your loved one’s preferences, making this gift both tasty and thoughtful.

mason jar cocktail gifts with coke jack daniels and baileys
Photo Credit: Something Turquoise

DIY Photo Coasters

A set of personalized photo coasters is a thoughtful and practical gift that your loved ones are sure to appreciate. To make your own, print out photos onto transfer paper, transfer the photos onto ceramic tiles, and seal them with a protective coat. The end result is a beautiful and personalized gift that your loved ones will cherish.

black and white photo coaster
Photo Credit: Little House of Four

DIY Sunglasses Case

A DIY sunglasses case is a great gift for anyone who loves to accessorize. To make your own, cut out a piece of fabric, sew it together, and add a snap closure. You can customize the fabric to suit your loved one’s preferences, making this gift both easy to make while also being thoughtful.

sunglasses case blue pink and cream
Photo Credit: Burda Style

Christmas Tea Tree

A Christmas tea tree is a unique and festive gift that anyone can enjoy. To make your own, gather a variety of tea bags and attach them to a foam cone with hot glue. The end result is a beautiful and thoughtful gift that your loved ones are sure to appreciate.

christmas tea trees
Photo Credit: Thirsty for Tea

Pinecone Fire Starters

Pinecone fire starters are a practical and useful gift for anyone with a fireplace or wood stove. To make your own, melt wax in a double boiler, dip pinecones into the wax, and allow them to dry. The end result is a beautiful and practical gift that your loved ones will appreciate.

pinecone fire starters in gift basket
Photo Credit: Something Turquoise

DIY Yarn Pom Pom Bookmark

A DIY yarn pom pom bookmark is a great gift for anyone who loves to read. To make your own, wrap yarn around a cardboard template, tie it in the middle, and trim the ends. The end result is a cute and functional bookmark that your loved ones will appreciate.

pom pom bookmarks in books
Photo Credit: Design Mom

2×4 Wood Christmas Trees

These 2×4 wood Christmas trees are a unique and festive gift that your loved ones are sure to appreciate. They have a modern appeal and can be customized to suit any decor style. As far as woodworking goes, this project is very beginner friendly so don’t shy away from this one even if you have never done woodworking before!

wood christmas trees made with 2x4
Photo Credit: Wood Craft Blueprint

DIY Grinch Bath Salts

These DIY Grinch bath salts are a fun and festive gift that anyone can enjoy. To make your own, mix together Epsom salts, green food coloring, and peppermint essential oil. Spoon the mixture into a mason jar and attach a Grinch-themed label. The end result is a cute and festive gift that your loved ones will appreciate.

grinch green bath salts in mason jar