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Making gifts by hand does more than save you money — it shows the recipient you care so much about them that you’re willing to devote time and effort to make something just for them. To me, that’s the heart of gift-giving — it’s less about the actual gift and more about expressing love and appreciation for the people you care about.
Longtime readers may already know about my positive feelings about homemade gifts, because I’ve been sharing gift-worthy DIY ideas and inspiration since the very beginning of my blog in 2011! And I’ll be adding to my longest-running series today with 15 more wonderful ideas for handmade gifts.
And if you see something you like, you still have plenty of time to make it. (Though personally, I wouldn’t wait too long to get started, as time can be as slippery as the sidewalks this time of year!)
15 Simple Handmade Gifts To Give In 2025
These 15 handmade gifts come from all over the web, so click the linked title of each item for full details and instructions.
1. Simmering Potpourri
Some of the most nostalgic aromas we associate with the holidays are tied to something simmering away on a stovetop. You can take that concept and turn it into a heartfelt gift by assembling all the ingredients for a fragrant holiday-scented simmering potpourri.
I’ve got three different “recipes” for you to choose from, so you can pick whichever one you think the recipient would like best. (Or make all three and let them decide!)
2. Reusable Food Wraps
These reusable food wraps are as practical as they are easy to make. They’re great for covering leftovers, wrapping sandwiches, and keeping hard cheeses fresh without creating any waste, and the wax coating is easy to refresh as needed.
3. Infused Salt
from The Pioneer Woman
These flavorful infused salts would make a wonderful handmade gifts for any cook or foodie. And since you get to decide which flavor(s) to use in the salt, the recipient is sure to appreciate getting something tailored to their specific tastes!
4. Felt Dog Ornaments
from Oh Yay Studio
I love felt decor, and even more so during the holidays — it’s cozy and a bit whimsical, reflecting that special holiday magic that brings out the child in all of us.
These adorable felt dog ornaments are sure to delight any dog mom or dad, and they’re easier to make than you might think. Just download the PDF pattern, grab some felt and glue, and off you go!
5. Lip Balm Locket
from A Beautiful Mess
Rather than a cherished photo, this beautiful locket holds moisturizing lip balm, making it a perfect gift for the woman or girl on the go. It’s hard to beat an accessory that’s as functional as it is fashionable!
More Ideas You'll Love
6. Photo Collage Board
from Inspired By Charm
Looking for a gift for a world traveler or amateur photographer? How about a nice photo collage board? The clothespins will make it easy for the recipient to swap out the photos as often as they like.
7. Cookie Mix Gift Sack
from It’s Always Autumn
For fledgling bakers and cookie fans, these festive cookie mixes are sure to go over well. The darling flannel gift sacks only require basic sewing skills, and add in a few ingredients and some measuring spoons, and you’ll have memorable handmade gifts ready to give in no time!
8. Tea Towel Wall Hanging
from A Hundred Affections
Turn a dowel, tea towel, and some twine into a brilliant, beautiful, and gift-worthy wall hanging. This project will have you seeing kitchen towels in a whole new light!
9. Lap Desk
from A Beautiful Mess
You won’t need sewing skills to make one of these comfy lap desks. It would make the perfect gift for anyone who uses their laptop or tablet in bed or while relaxing on the couch.
10. Photo Flip Calendar
from Kristi Murphy
This flip calendar would make a perfect gift for any friend who catalogues their memorable moments on Instagram. (You will have to snoop around their Instagram profile to snag a few photos, but it’s fine if it’s in the name of making someone a thoughtful gift, right?)
More Ideas You'll Love
11. Tea Cup Candles
from Postcards From The Ridge
For candle lovers, refined socialites, and fans of Jane Austen, there’s no gift more perfect than these lovely tea cup candles. Scour your local secondhand shops for the tea cups, then add some herbs to candles so they look and smell like an English garden tea party.
12. Knot Pillow
from Sugar and Cloth
This intricate knotted pillow looks like it came from the pages of a trendy home decor catalog, and it’s easier to make than it looks (though basic sewing skills are needed). All you need is some stretchy knit fabric, fiber fill, and some knot-tying know how to make a pillow anyone would love!
13. Salted Caramels
from The Pioneer Woman
I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t like caramel. These homemade salted caramels would make an ideal gift for just about anyone, including the difficult-to-shop-for and hard-to-please (they know who they are!)
14. Felt Holly Holiday Brooch
from Wild Olive
This holly brooch would add festive flair to any winter coat or hat. If you’re crafty with felt and feel comfortable with basic hand stitching, these should be no trouble for you to make!
15. Cookie Cutter Candles
from Pop Sugar
You can turn candle stubs and crayon pieces into cute, Christmas-shaped candles. You can remove the candle from the cookie cutter once it’s set, or leave it in the cutter to make it a 2-for-1 gift.
Looking For More Handmade Gift Ideas?
For even more inspiring DIYs and gift-worthy projects, check out the many other roundups of simple handmade gifts I’ve shared! All my handmade gift roundups can be found here.
What are the most memorable handmade gifts you’ve received?
