Inexpensive Homemade Christmas Gifts Everyone Will Love
We know there’s more to Christmas than the gifts, but let’s admit it – they’re pretty important too! It’s a nice opportunity to give our loved ones something special and show them that we’re thinking about them. For a lot of us, though, it’s a big hit financially, especially when you’re a student.
That’s why we’re here to help and give you some inspiration on how to make gift-giving a bit more affordable. Personally, we think there’s nothing better than a handmade gift at Christmas. So, if you fancy getting creative this year, here are some of our favourite homemade Christmas gift ideas…
1. Personalised Mug
London has loads of pottery places to visit, so why not put one of your amazing masterpieces on a mug as a gift? You can even make one at home. All you need is a plain mug, pottery paint, some brushes and vanish. Quick, easy and super cute.
2. Spa Day Gift Box
If arts and crafts aren’t your strong point, this is the idea for you. It’s thoughtful and needs minimum effort. You can also easily personalise the boxes, think chocolate, bath bombs, bath salts, rose petals, champagne, candles, oils – anything you think they’d love!
3. Funny Socks
Who doesn’t love getting socks? Well, why not add some humour to this gift? With the help of an iron, a printer and an iron on paper, you can put any funny joke or quote on the bottom of your friends’ and families’ feet. And if socks aren’t your thing, or if you don’t know your loved one’s shoe sizes, maybe try a T-shirt.
4. Christmas Tea Tree
We all know someone who loves tea. This gift idea is not just cost-effective but also environmentally friendly! Collect a few toilet roll tubes and tea bags (with packaging), and you’re ready to create. Stack the toilet rolls to create the trunk, then stick the tea bags around the trunk to create the tree. If you have a leftover toilet roll tube, you can cut out a star to stick on the top!
5. Pompom Penguin Ornaments
Did anyone else learn to make pompoms in primary school, or was that just me? Well, either way, that’s proof of how easy it is to make them. You can even personalise them, if penguins aren’t your thing, you can make any animal you want. Bonus, they’re really cute to add on to beanies.
Guide: https://www.redtedart.com/pom-pom-penguin-diy-ornaments/
6. Bath Teas
Bath teas make wonderfully thoughtful gifts, especially as you can customise each one to suit the recipient. All you need is Epsom salt, a selection of dried flowers and essential oils, and you can create soothing teas in either reusable organza bags or layered in a glass jar if you have any empties (just make sure to clean thoroughly!).
If you want to create a Christmassy scent, add things like cloves, peppermint, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Guide: https://traditionalcookingschool.com/health-and-nutrition/how-make-relaxing-herbal-bath-tea/
7. Chunky Knit Blankets
Chunky knit blankets are everywhere, and so they should be – they’re soft, luxurious, and give any home a serious touch of comfort. But even if you don’t know how to knit, you can create one yourself using chunky yarn, your fingers, and the easy-to-follow instructions in this post.
Guide: https://www.thewoolart.com/blogs/wool-art/how-to-make-a-chunky-knit-blanket-diy-guide
8. Snow Globes
These DIY snow globes are ridiculously easy to make, so would be a great crafting idea to do with all members of the family. Using just a glass jar, epoxy, water, glycerine, and glitter, you can create a sweet and snowy scene, with a Christmas tree or woodland animal at the centre. Go thrifting to find old decorations to add like the ones below and finish with a festive bow.
Guide: https://www.marthastewart.com/276346/how-to-make-a-snow-globe
9. Hot Chocolate Stirrers
Is there anything better than drinking a delicious cup of cocoa in December, after a long day of Christmas shopping? These DIY hot cocoa stirrers will make a perfect stocking filler for your loved ones or maybe even be added to your Christmas Eve boxes as a before-bed treat.
10. Teacup Candles
This is a great way to take a teacup that you don’t use anymore, but that still looks really pretty, and make a candle worthy of being a gift. You’ll need some candle wax, wicks, and any essential oils you want to add for scent. If you don’t have a teacup, it’s worth checking out local charity shops, where you can usually pick these up for a bargain price. This craft makes a beautiful candle that anyone would be glad to receive.
Guide: https://www.countryfile.com/how-to/crafts/teacup-candles/
11. Christmas Cookies
These super simple Christmas cookies are fool-proof and delicious. Pick up some festive cookie cutters to make cute shapes and gift to everyone you know! You can adjust the decorations to suit your creative skill – make it easier with white icing and themed sprinkles, or make lots of different colours and have a go at more complicated patterns.
12. Keepsake Christmas Ornaments
Making an ornament for someone is a lovely way to create a tradition with new friends and family. Every year your decoration can take the place of pride on the tree and remind them of you! Here are a few to try:
- Pom pom characters
- Upcycled baubles
- Cross stitch
- Dried fruit garland, such as orange slices
- Wrapped yarn shapes
- Salt dough decorations
Try some of these ideas to get creative with your gift-giving this season. Even host a crafty Christmas evening with your flatmates for some festive bonding! Need something more last minute? Check out our secret Santa gifts guide for inspiration.
Remember, the most important part of this time of year is to enjoy yourself and spend time with loved ones. So make your homemade Christmas gifts a fun activity this year.