Homemade Christmas Gifts

Homemade Christmas gifts are my favorite way to celebrate the holidays. I love planning out what everyone should get and crafting it just for them. I really like to personalize my gifts and have learned a few tricks over the years to make homemade gift giving easier for me.

I'm very much a do-it- yourselfer but that doesn't mean you have to be one too. Even if you're not into crafting some of the gifts on this list will be perfect for you to give your friends and loved ones. I also don't make ALL my gifts every year. Sometimes the perfect gift is store bought and still meaningful to that person. It's called balance. So don't freak out thinking you have to make everything.

Before I get into the nitty gritty of Homemade Christmas gift ideas there are some things you should consider. First how much time and money are you willing to invest into your Christmas venture? If your goal is to save money while still giving a gift then figure out your strengths. What hobbies do you already have? What will be easy for you to make. Do you can homemade foods? Do you love to knit? Don't buy all the materials and equipment you might need to make something if you've never done it before. That's just asking to stress you out and take a chunk out of your holiday budget.

Another thing to consider it wheather the person your giving the gift too will enjoy it. There is no point in spending the time and energy making a gift that someone will either not use or not like. For instance giving someone handcrafted earrings wont work if they don't have thier ears pierced. Really make the gift special and tailored to that person.

Homemade Christmas gift ideas

• Jams and Jellies- Did you can jelly or jam this summer? Do you have any extra jars someone would love to find under the tree? I started canning extra jars after I saw homemade jam in a Christmas gift exchange, everyone wanted the jam!
• Flavored cooking oils- Like onion oil, garlic oil or scallion oil. These oils are easy to make up and require only a few ingredients to make and clean jars/bottles to store them in.
• Drink mixes- Hot coco mix or chai tea mix are wonderful gifts to make.
• Baked goods and candies- Everyone loves a cookie plate. Baking someone their favorite holiday treats is a great gift.
• Christmas décor- Wreaths, personalized ornaments, stockings etc. All of theses are great ideas for someone who loves christmas décor. They can be as simple or as complex as you want to make them.
• Knitted or crochet items-Washcloths, hats, or scarves are all great ideas for handmade gifts. I love all the crocheted washcloths I've gotten over the years and I try to nab more if they appear at a gift exchange.
• No-sew fleece- Blankets and pillows made out of fleece are so soft and warm. No-sew methods are great if you don't have a sewing machine and can be finished while watching a movie. They are always a big hit.
• Custom artwork- Paintings, sculptures or other arts. Your loved ones will cherish custom artwork from you. Make it personal and easy to display. They will enjoy it for years to come.

Personalized gifts are about envoking joy...

• Scrapbook page of memories- Make copies of pictures together or a trip you've taken with them and make it into a scrapbook page. Throw in a scrapbook (you can usually find one for $5 on sale) and get them started with a scrapbook album if needed.
• Personalized coloring books- I did this for the kids a few years back and everyone loved it. I saved photos I had (or found them on Facebook) of the kids and their families and used a photo editor to turn them black and white. Then I printed them out into little booklets. They were perfect personalized coloring books that both kids and parents enjoyed.
• Sugar scrubs and massage oils- If you're into Essential oils like I am then making personal sugar scrubs and massage oils is a great way to make homemade gifts. I love gifting sugar scrubs. It's just sugar, essential oils, and carrier oil mixed together and put in a jar. You can personalized the oils and it leaves your skin moisturized and smooth.
• Jewelry- Bracelets, necklaces, earrings. If you're handy with wire and beads or like to weave colorful strings, making jewelry as gifts is perfect for you and your loved ones will be thrilled.
• Sewing projects- If you are handy with a sewing machine you can put your talents to use and make some gifts for Christmas. These sewing projects can be as big or as small as you want them to be. I've made quits for people for Christmas and I've also sewn together small stuffed animals for the kids. It's a great way to use your talents and make something personal to give.

Happy Holidays

Homemade Christmas gifts dont need to be stressful or difficult. Pick an idea or two that resenates with you and that brings a few of your loved ones to mind and do it.