The days of homemade Christmas gifts consisting of a paper plate, glitter, and a photo are long gone. With the help of the internet, you can make beautiful, unique, and thoughtful homemade gifts even if you aren't a DIY expert.
The very first year I was married (a long, long time ago) we had no money. None. Not only did I make all our gifts, I made all our decorations for our tiny three foot Christmas tree.
We lived overseas and I didn't have access to many craft supplies. However I had a sewing machine, some fabric, some random craft supplies and a glue gun.
Y'all I didn't even have the INTERNET.
I had to come up with craft ideas without PINTEREST! Somehow I managed to create a few homemade gifts and I'm sure our family's appreciated my effort.
Things are changed since I first starting making gifts. I have a few more craft supplies (I STILL have that same glue gun) and there tons of resources and tutorials available to help you make beautiful gifts.
Several years ago I started "collecting" homemade gift ideas. People from all over the world submitted their creations so we could share them with you.
We've compiled over 250 homemade Christmas gift ideas for everyone on your list. From kids, to men and women, even pets, you'll find something you can make and give.
Many of these handmade gifts don't require any special tools or crafting supplies. Some even use recycled materials which makes them even more affordable.
For the gifts that do require special supplies remember to grab a coupon before shopping at Michael's or JoAnn's for additional savings.
Once you've created your gorgeous Christmas gifts, don't forget to try some of our frugal gift wrap ideas (also eco-friendly). You can use anything from old calendars to grocery bags to create a beautiful present.
Homemade Christmas Gifts
Do you have a handful of children on your Christmas list? These homemade gifts for kids are easy to make, affordable, and children will love them!
I've personally made many of the gifts listed below and it doesn't take a PhD in crafting to put them together.
Just remember if you have a baby or toddler on your list follow standard safety guidelines and before starting the project.
Some of these crafts are so easy to make your older kids can make their own gifts for their younger siblings.
Click on the image to get supplies and instructions on how to make this gift on your own.
Homemade Christmas Gifts for Kids
Many of these homemade gifts for her are so gorgeous you'd never know they were made by hand. From jewelry to soaps to shoes you'll find the perfect gift for the woman on your list.
Many of these gifts for her can also double as teacher gifts.
You'll also find several ideas in this section that are small enough to fit inside a stocking or would be inexpensive to mail across the country.
Homemade Gifts for Her
I don't know about you, but the guys in my family are incredibly hard to shop for. I often end up purchasing gift cards because I have no clue what to get any of the men on my Christmas list.
This collection of handmade gifts for men is the perfect replacement for the Five Guys gift card I typically give the men on my list.
Most of these gifts are super simple to make and extremely affordable.
Homemade Gifts for Men
These handmade gifts for the home are probably my favorite. I've received many of them as gifts and made several myself too.
I love how many creative and unique ideas we found. Years ago homemade gifts were either food or a framed photo, but not today!
Today's gift DIY ideas are classy and many of the projects shared are something I've personally given or received.
One way I've found to save money on these gifts over the years is to have any photos needed for the project printed at Walgreens. Once you log in (free), upload photos directly from your computer and pick your project.
Walgreens will ship your order directly to you, or you can pick up at your local store. Photo prints are as low as 9 cents each!
No matter which DIY gifts I give each year I also create a photo book for the grandparents. They love looking at pictures of the kids from the past year.
Homemade Gifts for the Home
I absolutely adore homemade gifts that I can eat! I also love to give food as a gift. I'm pretty sure food is a love language, right?
When giving food it's all in the packaging. (And it's also about not burning the caramel corn... but I digress). I've shared all my favorite tips for creating an awesome gift basket here. Make sure you read it after you finish baking.
Below you'll find plenty of great ideas for edible gifts, as well as fun kitchen-centric gifts. As someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, you better believe I'll be adding many of these ideas to my Christmas list.
Remember, before giving food as a gift, check for any food allergies or sensitivities.
Homemade Gifts for the Kitchen
What I love about this huge compilation of homemade gifts is that most of them don't have to be given around the holidays.
Sometimes "just because" gifts are a thoughtful way to remind family and friends how much you appreciate them.
