When it comes to giving gifts, there’s nothing quite like the thoughtfulness of something handmade. Whether it’s for your bestie, a coworker, or a family member, DIY holiday gifts are a perfect way to show you care while adding your own creative spin. Plus, making gifts yourself can be way more fun (and budget-friendly) than shopping for something generic.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with fun, easy-to-make ideas that anyone can pull off, plus tips to make each gift uniquely yours. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to spread some holiday cheer!

1. Homemade Candles

Who doesn’t love lighting a cozy candle on a chilly night? Homemade candles are surprisingly easy to make and can be customized with scents, colors, and containers to match the recipient’s style.

What You’ll Need:

  • Soy wax or beeswax
  • Candle wicks
  • Glass jars (recycle mason jars, jam jars, or thrifted teacups!)
  • Essential oils (lavender, cinnamon, vanilla, or holiday blends work great)
  • A double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
  • Optional decorations like ribbons or labels

How to Make Them:

  • Melt your wax in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second increments.
  • Attach the wick to the bottom of the jar using hot glue or wax.
  • Mix in your essential oils (1 oz per pound of wax is a good rule of thumb).
  • Pour the melted wax into the jar, holding the wick upright with a clothespin or skewer.
  • Allow the wax to harden for a few hours before trimming the wick.

Personalization Tip: Add a cute label with the scent name, or tie a festive ribbon around the jar for that extra touch of holiday spirit.

2. DIY Hot Cocoa Kits

For the chocolate lover in your life, nothing says “cozy” like a DIY hot cocoa kit. It’s quick to make, looks adorable, and tastes delicious!

What You’ll Need:

  • Mini glass jars or decorative bags
  • Cocoa powder, sugar, and powdered milk (or store-bought hot cocoa mix)
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white!)
  • Peppermint sticks or candy canes for stirring
  • Ribbon, twine, or tags

How to Make Them:

  • Layer the cocoa powder, sugar, and powdered milk in the jar or bag.
  • Add a layer of chocolate chips and top it off with marshmallows.
  • Pair the jar with a candy cane or peppermint stick tied with ribbon.
  • Include a handwritten note with instructions to mix with hot milk or water.

Use themed jars or tags to match the recipient's vibe. You could go with rustic kraft paper for one friend and glittery ribbon for someone who loves all things glamorous.

3. Custom Photo Frames

Got a great picture of you and your friend? Frame it with a personalized touch! Custom photo frames are sentimental and super easy to decorate.

What You’ll Need:

  • Wooden or plain frames (found at craft stores or thrift shops)
  • Acrylic paint, markers, or spray paint
  • Stickers, stencils, or other embellishments (think seashells, buttons, or faux flowers)
  • Mod Podge or craft glue

How to Make Them:

  • Paint the frame in your chosen color or design. You can stencil patterns, create dots, or keep it solid.
  • Once it’s dry, add embellishments using glue.
  • Place your photo in the frame and wrap it up!
  • If they’re into travel, add little map cutouts. If they love gardening, go for flower decals. You can even write a little note like, “Besties Forever” on the bottom.

4. Infused Cooking Oils

Perfect for the foodie in your life, infused oils are both thoughtful and ridiculously simple to make. Plus, they’re great for elevating everything from pasta to salad dressing!

What You’ll Need:

  • Glass bottles with corks or caps
  • Olive oil or another neutral oil like avocado
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil) or spices (chili flakes, garlic, lemon peel)
  • Funnel

How to Make Them:

  • Clean and dry your bottles thoroughly.
  • Add your chosen herbs or spices to the bottle. Get creative by mixing flavors like rosemary + garlic or chili + lime peel.
  • Pour olive oil into the bottle using a funnel.
  • Seal the bottle tightly and decorate it with a custom label or ribbon.
  • Make a little gift set by pairing a couple of different oils with a baguette or small cutting board.

5. Hand-Painted Mugs

Hand-painted mugs are charming and endlessly customizable, whether your friend’s into minimalist designs or something funky and colorful.

What You’ll Need:

  • Plain ceramic mugs (white works best!)
  • Oil-based paint pens or porcelain paint markers
  • Baking sheet

How to Make Them:

  • Wash and dry the mug to remove any dust or grease.
  • Use paint pens to draw your design. You could go for holiday patterns, funny quotes, or their favorite icons (cats, anyone?).
  • Bake the painted mug on a baking sheet at 350°F for 30 minutes to set the design.
  • Include a packet of tea or ground coffee with the mug, and you’ve just created the coziest winter gift!

6. DIY Bath Bombs

Help your friends unwind during the hectic holiday season with homemade bath bombs. These fizzy treats are spa-worthy and oh-so-pretty.

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • ½ cup citric acid
  • ½ cup Epsom salt
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • Essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile work well)
  • Food coloring
  • Bath bomb molds or silicone molds (holiday shapes are extra cute!)

How to Make Them:

  • Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.
  • Add a few drops of essential oils and food coloring to the mix.
  • Spritz with water (without over-wetting) until the mix holds its shape when squeezed.
  • Pack the mixture tightly into molds and set aside to dry for 24 hours.

This holiday season, skip the crowded malls and get crafting instead. Your friends will love unwrapping these heartfelt creations, and you’ll feel the warm fuzzies knowing you gave a gift that’s truly one of a kind.