25+ Handmade Gift Ideas (that are simple!)

25+ Handmade Gift Ideas that are simple. The holidays are busy, so homemade gifts should be easy and practical!

The holidays are tough. High expectations. Busy calendars. Tight pocketbooks. Over the years, I’ve found that having a few handmade gift ideas to make is a sweet spot for me in terms of holiday preparation.

25 Handmade Gift Ideas that are simple to make!

…Why? For several reasons… making handmade gifts:

brings me joy (meets those high expectations),
isn’t overly demanding (fits into our busy calendars),
and saves us money (helps ease those tight pocketbooks).

If the handmade gift is simple to make (and all of these are!), I’d venture to guess that I could easily spend as much time shopping for gifts as making something with my own hands.

So, as someone who loves to make, part of my holiday enjoyment is creating for my friends and family. If that’s you, I hope you’ll find some homemade gifts to craft this Christmas season, that fills your creative heart with joy!

As a Maker, part of the Joy of the Holidays is creating handmade gifts for my friends and family.

Wood Handmade Gifts

Not a skilled woodworker? No worries. All of these wood handmade gift ideas are simple and completely beginner-friendly.

DIY Photo Holder (personalized!)

Everyone displays a few photos or art around their home, which makes this set of DIY photo holders a great gift for almost anyone on your list.

Rustic Corbel Bookends

Every avid reader knows that bookends are must-have, make a DIY set for much less than pricey store-bought bookends.

Marshmallow Stick Set (personalized!)

Your outdoorsy friend will love a personalized set of wood marshmallow sticks for their next campfire.

Wood Tray

One can never have too many trays, right? This always-functional item will be especially appreciated since its handmade.

Nature Kit for Kids (personalized!)

Kids will love carrying — and opening — their very own personalized Nature Kit, filled with so many treasures inside.

Recipe Box + Recipe Cards (personalized!)

The budding cook will love tucking all of their new recipes into a personalized wood recipe box.

Wood Place Card Holders

Say “thank you” to the hostess with a set of simple, stylish, wood place card holders.

Wood Sign (personalized!)

For the sentimental type, create a handmade wooden sign featuring their family name.

Leather Homemade Gifts

Leather gifts can be expensive; but did you know you can make your own? With scrap leather and a few basic tools, start creating your own leather goods.

Leather Cord Keeper (personalized!)

Everyone has tons of cords to wrangle these days, so wrap them in something stylish.

Leather Napkin Rings

Say “thanks” to the hosts with a set of simple, modern, leather napkin rings.

Leather Coaster Set (personalized!)

Any wine or cocktail connoisseur will be proud to serve drinks atop a set of personalized leather coasters.

Fabric Handmade Gift Ideas

I am just starting to learn some basic textile skills, such as simple sewing for a Snow White costume (and other DIY Halloween Costumes) or tying beginner macrame knots for an outdoor plant hanger. Someday, I’d love to learn more skills in order to make embroidery, knitting, and crochet gifts, too.

If you’re like me, with little to no sewing skills, that’s okay! These fabric gifts are no-sew… or “sew simple” *wink* that you don’t need to be a seamstress.

Bath Bombs wrapped in Vintage Fabric

Bath and body products are always a gift-giving go-to. Take it up a notch with DIY Bath Bombs wrapped in beautiful vintage linens.

Shibori Cloth Napkins

A set of beautiful fabric napkins are a lovely gift for the hostess, and even better when they are hand-dyed with Indigo.

Botanicals Tote Bag

Who can have too many tote bags? This neutral tote will pretty green botanicals is perfect for the farmer’s market shopper.

Clay Homemade Gifts

Looking for handmade gifts that the kids can help with, too? Oven dry clay is my favorite crafting product that is kid-friendly while still yielding store-quality results.

Special Date Ornament

Mark the date with oven dry clay, whether it’s “Baby’s First Christmas” or “Newlyweds.”

Thumbprint Ring Dish

Grandparents will love this simple gift, literally imprinted with their grandchild’s love!

Stocking Markers (personalized!)

A set of stocking markers is a simple personalized gift for the whole family.

Child's Handprint Ornament

Surprise mom or dad with the imprint of their child’s hand that will become a special ornament to hang each Christmas.

Build a Snowman Kit

Kids will love opening this playful kit; and will be anxious to put it to good use after the first snowfall.

Advent Calendar

Perfect as a family gift, a handmade Advent Calendar is a tradition that can be treasured for many years to come.

Essential Oil Handmade Gift Ideas

Even if you aren’t an essential oil convert, you likely still appreciate the lovely aromas of the oils. Grab a few classics and make a slew of handmade gifts (seriously, a slew, you’ll only need a few drops per project!).

If you don’t have oils on hand, use herbs such as dried lavender to make these bath and body gifts.

Lavender Sugar Scrub

Cold winters make skin thankful for a soothing sugar scrub, perfectly scented with relaxing lavender.

Peppermint Body Scrub

With supplies found in most pantries, you can whip up a sweet-smelling Peppermint Body Scrub in minutes! Plus, print a set of sugar scrub labels to package it beautifully.

Mason Jar Candle

Candles are a timeless gift that suits so many people, and the amberwood scent makes this handmade version oh so cozy and warm.

Bath Bombs

For the bubble bath fan, make a peppermint scented bath bomb wrapped in lovely vintage linens.

Sentimental Homemade Gifts

Finally, who is a sucker for a sentimental gift? Definitely. Me. If you love a thoughtful handmade gift idea, consider one of these sweet projects (but be warned, they might get the tears flowing!).