With the holidays right around the corner, now’s the time to start working on your handmade gifts. Homemade presents show thought and care, and who doesn’t appreciate that? Check out these creative Christmas gift ideas that are sure to be a hit this holiday season.
Cozy Knit Accessories
As the weather gets chillier, everyone appreciates a warm scarf, hat, mittens or socks. Knitting accessories yourself adds a heartfelt touch. Knit infinity scarves come in trendy, neutral colors like oatmeal and slate blue. For the kids on your list, knit multi-colored hats with pom poms or cute animal faces. Cable knit fingerless gloves paired with an Irish coffee gift basket also makes for a delightful gift.
Custom Ornaments
Ornaments are a Christmas must-have, so give your loved ones ornaments made just for them. Get creative with materials like wood slices, clothespins and mini canvases. Wood slice ornaments can be painted or embellished with ribbon. Print out or draw mini photos to clip onto clothespin ornaments. Mini canvases can be painted with holiday scenes or the recipient’s favorite things. It’s also sweet to craft “First Christmas” dated ornaments for newlyweds or new parents.
Handmade Jewelry
Jewelry makes for a special personalized gift. You can buy gemstone beads and pearls from The Bead Traders to create classic pieces that can be worn year-round or charming holiday designs. Speckled turquoise, cherry red carnelian and sparkling crystals can be wired into festive candy cane earrings. Assemble pearl and Swarovski crystal strands for an elegant single- or multi-layer necklace. Or fuse dichroic glass cabochons to wire backs to fashion one-of-a-kind iridescent pendants.
Gourmet Gift Baskets
Everyone loves receiving tasty treats, so a homemade gourmet gift basket is sure to delight. Tailor baskets to the recipient’s tastes and dietary needs. For the coffee lover, fill a basket with freshly roasted bean packs, fun coffee mugs, biscotti and chocolate spoons. Make a movie night basket with popcorn packets, candy, hot cocoa and a gift card. Or assemble an indulgent selection of artisanal chocolates, fancy nuts, sweet crackers, and dried fruits. Adding a nice bow really dresses up a gourmet gift basket.
Hand-poured Candles
Candles make wonderful homemade presents with their warm glow and sweet scents. Experiment with different wax types, essential oils, and vessel shapes to craft personalized candles. Soy or beeswax candles hold scent nicely. Bergamot, pine, and cinnamon orange oils evoke the holidays. Pour wax into etched glass jars, speckled ceramic vessels or rustic tin cups. Top with burlap bows, sprigs of evergreen and pinecones for festive flair. Handmade candles are sure to brighten up any winter day.
Handcrafting Christmas gifts using these ideas adds heartfelt meaning to the holiday. Make presents tailored to your loved ones’ unique styles and interests. Your time and care will surely be appreciated when gifting scarves to keep friends cozy or jewelry to adorn them. Handmade food gifts and candles also spread holiday cheer in a delicious way. Have fun making memories along with presents this Christmas season.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.