The holiday season is all about giving—but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune to show your loved ones you care. In fact, some of the best gifts are the ones that come from the heart (and your hands!). DIY gifts are not only budget-friendly, but they’re also personal, thoughtful, and totally customizable.
Ready to get creative? Here are ten cheap and easy DIY gifts that’ll make your friends and family feel special—without breaking the bank!
Homemade Sugar Scrub
Help your loved ones pamper themselves with a luxurious homemade sugar scrub. All you need is sugar, coconut oil, and a few drops of essential oils (like lavender or peppermint) to create this indulgent gift.
Simply mix the ingredients, pop it into a mason jar, and decorate the jar with a ribbon and label. It’s perfect for a spa-like experience at home, and it’s easy enough to whip up in no time.
Pro Tip: Use festive scents like vanilla or cinnamon to make it feel even more holiday-ready.
DIY Photo Coasters
Personalized coasters are a fun and meaningful gift that anyone would love! Print out some of your favorite photos, grab a few inexpensive ceramic tiles, and use ModPodge to attach the photos to the tiles. Seal the coasters with a waterproof topcoat to make sure they last.
These are perfect for displaying memories while also being functional—and they’re way more special than store-bought coasters.
Pro Tip: Pair these coasters with a set of matching mugs for an extra thoughtful gift.
Customized Mugs
Speaking of mugs, you can make a personalized one in no time! Grab a plain ceramic mug and some oil-based paint markers, then go wild with your design. Whether it’s a cute quote, a funny doodle, or just the recipient’s name, a custom mug is a great way to add a personal touch to their morning coffee routine.
Pro Tip: Include a little bag of their favorite tea or hot chocolate mix inside the mug to round out the gift.
Hand-Knitted Scarves or Blankets
If you love cozy gifts (and who doesn’t?), try knitting a scarf or blanket. Chunky yarn is super popular right now, and it makes knitting projects come together quickly—even if you’re a beginner.
Scarves and blankets are perfect for keeping loved ones warm during the colder months, and they’ll always think of you when they use them.
Pro Tip: Neutral colors like cream, grey, or navy work well and are versatile enough to match any wardrobe or home decor.
DIY Candles
Everyone loves a good candle, especially when it’s homemade! With some wax, wicks, and essential oils, you can create your own custom candles that smell amazing. You can even use old jars or cute teacups as candle holders for a unique and eco-friendly touch.
Choose scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or pine to keep things festive and cozy.
Pro Tip: Tie a ribbon around the jar and add a personalized label to make your DIY candle look professional.
Infused Cooking Oils
For the foodies in your life, infused cooking oils make an awesome (and fancy-looking) gift! Simply add herbs, garlic, or chili flakes to a bottle of olive oil, and let the flavors infuse for a couple of weeks.
This gift is not only practical, but it also feels gourmet—without the price tag. Your friends can use the oil to cook or drizzle over bread, pizza, or pasta.
Pro Tip: Pair the oil with a fresh loaf of bread or include a recipe card for extra holiday flair.
Bath Bombs
Bath bombs are a fun, DIY way to bring a little luxury into someone’s life. With ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils, you can easily make your own bath bombs at home. Add food coloring or dried flowers to personalize them, and voila—an instant spa day in a jar!
They make a perfect self-care gift, especially for friends or family who could use some relaxation after a busy holiday season.
Pro Tip: Package them in a cute box with a candle or loofah for a full spa-at-home kit.
Recipe in a Jar
Give the gift of deliciousness! Layer the dry ingredients for cookies, brownies, or soup in a mason jar and include a recipe card with instructions. All the recipient has to do is add the wet ingredients, mix, and bake—easy peasy.
This gift is practical and fun, especially for someone who loves to cook or bake. Plus, who doesn’t love homemade treats?
Pro Tip: Add a festive ribbon around the jar and a handwritten note to make it feel even more special.
Personalized Calendars
A DIY calendar is a gift that lasts all year long! Use your favorite family photos or meaningful quotes to create a custom calendar that your loved ones will cherish. You can either make it by hand or use an online service to print it professionally.
Not only is it functional, but it also adds a personal touch to their daily routine.
Pro Tip: Include important family dates like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays to make the calendar even more personalized.
DIY Hot Chocolate Kits
Who doesn’t love a cozy cup of hot chocolate during the holidays? Create your own DIY hot chocolate kit by layering hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, and crushed candy canes in a mason jar. Add a tag with instructions, and you’ve got a sweet, thoughtful gift that’s perfect for the winter season.
Pro Tip: Include a festive mug and a candy cane for stirring to complete the kit.
Conclusion
DIY gifts are the perfect way to give something thoughtful and unique without overspending during the holidays. Whether it’s a homemade sugar scrub, custom candles, or a cozy knitted scarf, these DIY projects will bring joy to your loved ones—and keep your budget in check.
So, grab your crafting supplies and start creating! Which DIY gift are you excited to try first? Let us know in the comments!
Not sure if you have time to DIY gifts this year? Check out these gift ideas that are all budget friendly and under $20!
