These 10 simple DIY Christmas gifts are easy to make, inexpensive, creative and unique! Learn how to make an arm knit cowl, pajama pants, a tiny fairy garden and more for your family and friends this holiday season.
There’s something so special about giving and receiving handmade gifts, isn’t there? And now’s the perfect time to start planning and making gifts for the Christmas season! I’ll be sharing some fresh, new ideas soon too, but I thought it would be helpful to round up some of my favourite DIY tutorials that would make wonderful gifts. I think these DIYs would be well received by almost anyone, and they are some of my absolute favourites to make!
Watch my YouTube video below to see all of these simple DIY Christmas gift ideas, or follow the links below to all of the projects:
1: A Gift in a Tin
These simple DIY gift basket ideas have been a number one hit for years on my blog, and there’s a reason why! They’re so easy to put together, you can easily personalize them, and I’ve made dozens of free printable labels, tags and accessories to go along with them. I have a gift in a tin idea for almost everyone in your life from the baking lover to the movie lover. Click right here to get all the gift in a tin ideas and the free printables that come with them!
2: Chunky Arm Knit Cowl
Arm knitting with extra chunky yarn is SO quick, and these cozy cowls are adorable too! They’d make a great gift for anyone who loves snuggly accessories, and you could whip up a dozen of these arm knit cowl scarves in no time at all. Get the instructions to make this lovely arm knit cowl right here (I made mine with dollar store yarn and only 4 stitches in each row because the yarn was HUGE)!
3: Kimono Cardigan from a Scarf
It only take a little bit of sewing and one inexpensive scarf to make this lovely kimono cardigan as a gift this year. You simply make a few folds, cuts and seams and this lovely cover-up is ready to give to your BFF! Get the simply DIY kimono cardigan from a scarf tutorial here.
4: No-Sew Blanket Scarf
Speaking of scarves, here’s another gift that’s easy to make a oh-so-warm and cozy! A meter of flannel, scissors and a stick pin is all you need to make this blanket scarf, and it’s the perfect Christmas present that doesn’t cost much to make at all. Get the full DIY for this no-sew blanket scarf right here.
5: Rustic Shiplap Farmhouse Sign
This handmade rustic sign is fun to personalize and makes a wonderful, meaningful gift. Put the recipient’s favourite verse or quote on it, and stain the frame to match their decor. Perfect! Find the full tutorial for this DIY rustic shiplap farmhouse sign here.
6: DIY Pajama Pants
Handmade PJ pants are the best gift for Christmas Eve – my girls love their yearly Christmas Eve pajamas! This is a great beginner’s sewing project, and there’s even a free pattern that’s simple to use. Get this kids’ pajama pants tutorial and free sewing pattern right here. Want to sew PJ pants for baby, hubby, or anyone else in your family? Learn how I do that here.
7: Arm Knit Blanket
Just like an arm knit cowl, an arm knit blanket is a very quick project – especially for its size! Use extra chunky yarn to make a pillowy soft blanket that would make a gorgeous gift this season. You can add a fringe to your DIY arm knit blanket, or leave it as-is. Get the simple arm knit blanket tutorial here.
8: Thrifted Teacup Fairy Garden
If you’re looking for a whimsical handmade gift for that someone that’s hard to buy for, this thrifted teacup fairy garden is it! Simply fill a thrift store teacup with decorative gravel, moss, faux plants and accessories, and create a sweet little fairy garden to give as a gift. Get the instructions to make this teacup fairy garden here.
9: DIY Tasseled Necklace
If you’re super short on time and want a 5 minute craft to give as a gift, try making a customized necklace! I made one in a few minutes with a chain, stone and tassel I found at the craft store and it was so easy to do. Get this DIY tasseled necklace tutorial here.
10: DIY Mittens from Thrifted Sweaters
You don’t have to know how to knit to make handmade mittens, you can use thrifted sweaters! To make these, you cut mitten shapes out of a thrift store sweater, and sew the shapes together with a sewing machine. It’s so easy! Find the full DIY mittens from thrifted sweaters tutorial here. What can you make with the extra sweater fabric when you’re done making the mittens? Check out these gift ideas!
Now tell me: Are you going to be making DIY gifts for Christmas this year? If you are, comment below and let me know that you’re committing to a handmade Christmas this year! Even if it’s not ALL your presents, I’d love to hear that you’re DIYing for this holiday season!
I love your DIY gift ideas! I especially love that red plaid blanket scarf. I’ve seen similar ones at the mall. Thanks for sharing your list.
One of the things I’m DIYing this year are wire-wrapped earrings.
Thanks for the great list! My favorite is the “thrifted teacup fairy garden”, it’s absolutely adorable. I’ve always loved collecting pretty teacups from yard sales and thrift stores, so I’m always looking for ways to re-purpose them. I’ll definitely be giving this one a try.
DIY mitten is a cool idea. But I love the teacup fairy garden. It is so cute.