7 Heartwarming Homemade Holiday Gifts

The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative and make meaningful gifts that come straight from the heart. We have taken inspiration from our excitable Christmas elf, Cinnamon, who just loves to make homemade gifts for her friends in the North Pole!

If you’re looking for fun and simple homemade Christmas gifts that kids can make, you’re in luck! These projects are easy, affordable, and ideal for young crafters. Plus, they provide a wonderful opportunity for kids to express their creativity and spread some holiday cheer. Here are some delightful DIY gift ideas that are sure to bring smiles to everyone on your list!

Personalised Ornaments

Materials:

• Clear plastic or glass ornaments
• Paint, glitter, and stickers
• Ribbon or string

Instructions:

1. Remove the top of the ornament.
2. Have kids paint or decorate the inside of the ornament. They can even add small beads or sequins to give a snowglobe effect!
3. Let the ornament dry completely.
4. Replace the top and add a ribbon or string for hanging.

These ornaments make charming gifts and can be personalized with names, dates, or festive designs. They’re perfect for decorating the Christmas tree or adding a special touch to any holiday display.

Handprint or Footprint Art

Materials:

• Paint (non-toxic and washable)
• Paper or canvas
• Paintbrushes

Instructions:

1. Help kids paint their hands or feet with a festive color.
2. Press their hand or foot onto the paper or canvas to create a print.
3. Once dry, kids can add decorations like snowflakes, stars, or even write a holiday message.

This art makes heartwarming and sentimental gifts, capturing a moment in time and creating a cherished keepsake for family and friends. This technique can also be used to make holiday cards – why not make a Christmas tree shape made out of handprints?

Decorated Mason Jar Snow Globes

Materials:

• Mason jars with lids
• Small plastic toys or holiday figurines
• Glitter
• Glycerin (optional)
• Hot glue gun
• Water

Instructions:

1. Secure the toy or figurine to the inside of the jar lid using hot glue. Let it dry completely.
2. Fill the jar with water and a few drops of glycerin (this helps the glitter float more slowly).
3. Add a generous amount of glitter to the jar.
4. Screw the lid onto the jar tightly, ensuring it’s sealed to prevent leaks.
5. Shake the jar to see the “snow” swirl around the figurine.

These snow globes are a fun way for kids to create a magical winter scene, and they make lovely gifts for anyone who enjoys a bit of festive sparkle.

Custom Holiday Mugs

Materials:

• Plain ceramic mugs
• Permanent markers or ceramic paint
• Oven (for setting the paint)

Instructions:

1. Have kids decorate the mugs with drawings, patterns, or messages using permanent markers or ceramic paint.
2. Once the design is complete, let the mug dry completely.
3. To set the paint, bake the mug in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Let it cool completely before use.

Custom mugs are both practical and personal, making them wonderful gifts for family members who can enjoy a warm drink in their handmade cup.

Holiday-Themed Bookmarks

Materials:

• Card or construction paper
• Felt tips, stickers, and stamps
• Ribbon or yarn
• Laminator (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut the cardstock into bookmark-sized strips.
2. Let kids decorate the bookmarks with festive designs, messages, or their favorite holiday characters.
3. If you have a laminator, laminate the bookmarks for durability.
4. Add a ribbon or yarn to the top of each bookmark.

These bookmarks are perfect for the book lovers in your life and make reading even more special during the holiday season.

Cookie Mix in a Jar

Materials:

• Mason jars
• Dry ingredients for cookies (flour, sugar, baking powder, chocolate chips, etc.)
• Recipe card

Instructions:

1. Layer the dry ingredients in the mason jar, starting with the flour and ending with chocolate chips.
2. Seal the jar and attach a recipe card with instructions on how to bake the cookies.

This gift is both fun and functional. It allows kids to create a tasty treat and share the joy of baking with others. We found cute customisable recipe tags on Etsy, or you can have fun handwriting and decorating your own!

Final Thoughts

Homemade Christmas gifts are a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. These simple and fun projects are perfect for kids to make and are sure to bring joy to everyone who receives them. Encourage your little ones to get creative and enjoy the process of giving gifts from the heart this holiday season!

Happy crafting and Merry Christmas!