DIY Holiday Gifts Kids Can Make

Imagine the delight on a loved one’s face when they unwrap a gift made with tiny hands and big hearts.

Homemade holiday gifts crafted by children not only celebrate their creativity but also bring a personal touch that store-bought items simply can’t match.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect opportunity to let kids channel their artistic talents into memorable gifts that will be cherished for years.

This post may contain affiliate links. Full privacy policy and disclosure here.

Cute DIY Gifts Kids Can Make

Handprint Calendar

Capture cherished memories with a handprint calendar. Each month, trace little hands onto colorful paper, decorating around them with seasonal themes. Personalize with drawings, stickers, or photos, marking special occasions and holidays. It’s a year-long keepsake filled with love and creativity.

Tip: Use washable paint for handprints and add a splash of glitter for extra sparkle. You can also include little notes or quotes on each month to make it more personalized.

Homemade Ornaments

Create timeless treasures with homemade ornaments. From salt dough to popsicle sticks, the possibilities are endless.

Let imaginations soar as kids shape, paint, and embellish ornaments with glitter, sequins, or beads. Each decoration becomes a unique expression of holiday joy.

Tip: Use air-dry clay or salt dough for easy-to-make ornaments that can be painted and decorated. To create a lasting memory, press a small stamp or your child’s initials into the dough before baking.

Variation: Try using natural materials like pinecones or dried oranges as ornaments. Add a bit of glitter or ribbon for extra holiday sparkle.

Customized Tote Bags

Turn plain canvas tote bags into personalized gifts. Kids can unleash their artistic flair, decorating bags with fabric markers, stamps, or stencils. Whether it’s a whimsical design or heartfelt message, these totes are both practical and unique.

Tip: Pre-wash the tote bags before decorating to ensure the fabric markers or paints adhere better. Set the artwork with an iron (following the marker or paint manufacturer’s instructions) to make it more durable.

Variation: Add iron-on transfers or fabric patches for an extra touch. Kids can draw their designs on paper, which you can then transfer to the tote bag.

Decorated Picture Frames

Frame memories with DIY flair. Kids can transform plain frames into works of art with paint, markers, or glued-on decorations. Add a special photo or drawing for a heartfelt touch.

Tip: Use a variety of materials for decorating, such as buttons, beads, and stickers. Let kids choose their favorite colors and patterns to make each frame unique.

Variation: Create a matching set of frames for a gallery wall or make mini frames for desk or table displays. You could also add a personalized message or date to commemorate special occasions.

Cookie Mix in a Jar

Spread holiday cheer with delicious treats in a jar. Layer dry ingredients for cookies and attach a recipe card. Kids can measure and pour, creating a sweet gift that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Tip: Layer the ingredients in the jar in the order they are listed in the recipe to create a visually appealing gift. Attach a handwritten recipe card with baking instructions and a personal note from your child.

Variation: Customize the mix with holiday-themed add-ins like sprinkles or mini marshmallows. You can also create themed jars for different occasions, such as Valentine’s Day or Easter.

Decorative Candles

Light up the season with handmade candles. Melt crayons for vibrant colors or decorate plain candles with paint or wax. Kids can add their unique touch, making each candle a glowing masterpiece.

Tip: Melt old crayons to create colorful candles or use candle-making kits available at craft stores. Make sure to supervise younger kids when melting wax and pouring it into molds.

Variation: Add essential oils for a pleasant aroma or embed dried flowers and herbs for an extra decorative touch. Kids can also use stickers or paint to personalize the candle holders.

Hand-Decorated Mugs

Warm hearts with personalized mugs. Using special markers or paints, kids can create one-of-a-kind designs. After baking to set the artwork, these mugs are ready to hold favorite beverages and memories.

Tip: Use ceramic markers or paints specifically designed for mugs to ensure the designs don’t fade after washing. Bake the mugs according to the instructions to set the artwork.

Variation: Create themed mugs for different family members, such as “World’s Best Grandma” or “Favorite Uncle.” You can also use mugs as a base and fill them with small treats or goodies.

Homemade Bath Bombs

Warm hearts with personalized mugs. Using special markers or paints, kids can create one-of-a-kind designs. After baking to set the artwork, these mugs are ready to hold favorite beverages and memories.

Tip: Use silicone molds to shape the bath bombs and add a few drops of your child’s favorite essential oils for a custom scent. Be sure to let the bath bombs dry completely before wrapping them.

Variation: Customize bath bombs with different colors and fragrances or add dried flower petals for a touch of elegance. Create a set of bath bombs in various shapes and sizes for a delightful gift assortment.

Customized Coasters

Add flair to any table with DIY coasters. Kids can decorate cork or felt squares with paint, markers, or decoupage. Seal for durability and enjoy functional art that protects surfaces in style.

Tip: Use cork or felt as the base for coasters and decorate them with acrylic paint, markers, or decoupage techniques. Seal the finished coasters with a clear acrylic spray to protect the design.

Variation: Make a set of coasters with different patterns or themes to match different rooms or occasions. Consider creating coasters with a matching storage box for a complete gift set.

Conclusion

This holiday season, encourage children to unleash their artistic skills and make DIY gifts that family and friends will cherish for years to come.

The joy of giving a personalized present is unparalleled, and it shows the recipient that they are truly special.

From the brightly painted glass jars to the whimsical felt foldovers, these creative gift ideas are sure to bring smiles to the faces of loved ones.

Share your creations with us and spread the joy of handmade gifts far and wide. Happy crafting!