Is it just me, or does it feel like December flies by every year?
I always have the best intentions for thoughtful, handmade Christmas gifts, but then suddenly, it’s the week before Christmas, and I’m frantically searching for last-minute ideas.
This year, I decided to get ahead of the game and compile my absolute favorite easy DIY gifts that can be made in just a weekend.
I’m so excited to share these 21 simple yet incredibly meaningful presents that are perfect for everyone on your list, and I promise, they won’t require you to quit your day job.
1. Homemade Vanilla Extract
Making your own vanilla extract is a wonderful gift that keeps on giving.
All you need are high-quality vanilla beans and good vodka. Slitting the vanilla beans lengthwise helps release all those beautiful flavors. Drop the beans into a glass jar and cover them completely with vodka.
This gift does need a few weeks to infuse, but the hands-on time is less than 15 minutes. Decant the liquid into small, attractive bottles and tie a little tag with instructions for use. This deeply flavored extract is a kitchen staple that any baker will adore.
2. Personalized Photo Coasters
Photo coasters are a simple yet incredibly thoughtful gift. You’ll need plain ceramic tiles, photos printed on regular paper, and a sealant like Mod Podge.
Cut your favorite pictures to fit the size of the tiles. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the tile and carefully place the photo on top. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles before letting it dry completely.
Once dry, apply several layers of Mod Podge over the photo to seal and protect it. You can finish the back with felt pads to protect furniture. This DIY is an easy way to immortalize memories and create a beautiful, personalized item for someone’s home.
3. Lavender-Scented Pillow Spray
A calming pillow spray is the perfect gift for someone who needs a little help unwinding. You only need distilled water, witch hazel, and pure lavender essential oil. Mix the ingredients in a small glass spray bottle.
A good ratio is about 2 parts water to 1 part witch hazel, with around 20-30 drops of essential oil per two ounces of liquid. Label the bottle with the ingredients and a sweet instruction to “spritz before bed.” The scent of lavender is well-known for its soothing and relaxing properties.
4. Cinnamon Stick Candles
Elevate a plain pillar candle with the festive aroma and look of cinnamon sticks.
Using a hot glue gun or simple twine, attach cinnamon sticks vertically around the outside of a plain candle. Make sure the sticks are roughly the same height as the candle. Tying a piece of natural twine or ribbon around the bundle adds a rustic, charming touch.
When the candle is lit, the heat warms the cinnamon, releasing a gentle, beautiful holiday scent. This makes a stunning centerpiece or a cozy addition to any mantel.
5. Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar
Layering the ingredients for hot cocoa mix in a pretty glass jar is a classic for a reason. Start with a layer of cocoa powder and sugar. Add layers of chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
You can also include things like crushed peppermint candy or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. Be sure to leave a space at the top to secure the lid.
Attach a tag with the simple instructions: “Mix with hot milk.” This is an incredibly charming and comforting gift for a cold winter’s night.
6. Sugar Scrub
Everyone loves a luxurious sugar scrub, and they are incredibly simple to make at home. The basic recipe is two parts sugar to one part carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil.
Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lemon for an invigorating scrub or peppermint for a festive feel. Mix everything in a bowl until it reaches a sandy, crumbly consistency.
Spoon the scrub into a small glass jar with a tight lid. The gentle exfoliation leaves skin feeling silky smooth and nourished.
7. Hand-Knitted Dishcloths
If you know how to knit or crochet, simple dishcloths are a fast and satisfying project.
You can complete several of these in a single weekend. Use a durable cotton yarn for maximum absorbency. A basic garter stitch is perfect for a quick, textured project.
Tie a small ribbon around a stack of three, and you have a lovely, practical gift. They are much more durable and earth-friendly than store-bought sponges.
8. DIY Marble Mugs
A set of unique marble mugs looks expensive, but the DIY process is surprisingly easy. You’ll need plain white ceramic mugs, different colors of nail polish, and a tub of warm water.
Fill a disposable container with warm water. Drip a few drops of nail polish onto the surface of the water, swirling it gently with a toothpick. Dip the mug quickly into the water, swirling it to pick up the polish film.
Let the mug dry completely before use. These vibrant, abstract designs create a one-of-a-kind mug set for your recipient’s morning coffee.
9. Personalized Recipe Box
A hand-decorated recipe box is a beautiful, personal gift, especially for a new cook or baker.
Start with a plain wooden box from a craft store. You can paint it a lovely color or even decorate the lid with a simple stencil design. Fill the box with blank index cards for the recipient to write their favorite recipes on.
To make it even more special, write out a few of your own treasured family recipes to start their collection. This is a sweet way to pass down culinary tradition.
10. Herbal Infused Olive Oil
Infused olive oil adds a gourmet touch to cooking and is an incredibly easy DIY.
Use high-quality olive oil and fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. You can also use chili flakes for a spicy kick. Warm the oil gently on the stove and add your chosen infusions.
Pour the mixture into a clean, attractive glass bottle. Be sure to include a sprig of the herb in the bottle for a beautiful visual effect. The oil should be strained after a few weeks, but the quick infusion time makes it perfect for a weekend project.
11. Custom Tea Blend
Create a soothing and flavorful custom tea blend for the tea lover in your life.
Start with a base like black tea, green tea, or a caffeine-free rooibos. Add dried ingredients such as cinnamon sticks, dried citrus peel, cloves, or dried mint leaves. Mix the ingredients well in a clean bowl.
Store the blend in a small, airtight tin or a sealed glass jar. Print out a sweet label with the ingredients and the name you’ve given your new tea. This is a cozy, warming gift perfect for the winter months.
12. Painted Planters
A simple terracotta pot can be transformed into a beautiful gift with just a little paint.
You can use acrylic craft paint to create a bold, geometric pattern or a simple dipped effect. To create the dipped look, tape off the top section and paint the bottom a solid color. You can also use a stencil for a more intricate design.
Once the paint is dry, gift the planter with a small succulent or a packet of flower seeds inside. This is a fantastic way to brighten up someone’s windowsill or desk with a touch of greenery.
13. Scented Clay Ornaments
These simple clay ornaments are easy to make and fill the room with a subtle, lovely scent.
Mix cinnamon, applesauce, and white craft glue to create a pliable dough. Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes like stars and trees. Don’t forget to poke a hole at the top for hanging.
Bake them in a low oven until they are hard. The beautiful, warm scent of cinnamon is perfect for the holiday season.
14. DIY Bath Bombs
Making fizzy bath bombs is a fun project, though it requires a few specific ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch.
Mix the dry ingredients, then slowly add a mixture of melted coconut oil and essential oils. The trick is to get the consistency just right so it holds its shape. Pack the mixture tightly into a mold and let it dry overnight.
Wrap them individually in tissue paper or a small box. This gift provides a little pocket of relaxation and luxury.
15. Simple Framed Quote Art
For a quick and meaningful gift, create a piece of quote art.
Choose an inspirational quote, a favorite song lyric, or a funny saying. You can use your own beautiful handwriting or print the text out using a stylish font. Choose a simple, elegant frame from a craft store.
Frame the text and wrap it up. This gift is simple, inexpensive, and a lovely way to give someone a daily dose of encouragement.
16. Peppermint Bark
Homemade peppermint bark is a classic holiday treat that requires no baking at all.
Melt a quality dark chocolate and spread it thinly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let this layer set in the refrigerator. Next, melt a white chocolate layer and spread it evenly over the dark chocolate.
Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies generously over the white chocolate. Once set, break the bark into irregular pieces. Package it in a small cellophane bag with a pretty ribbon.
17. Hand-Painted Wine Glasses
A set of hand-painted wine glasses makes a sophisticated and personal present.
You’ll need glassware-specific paint, which can be cured in the oven to make the design permanent and washable. Start with a very simple design, like polka dots or a solid color band around the rim. Small, simple initials also look very elegant.
Let the paint dry completely before curing them according to the paint’s instructions. This is a beautiful way to personalize a host’s collection.
18. Citrus and Spice Simmer Pot Mix
A bag of simmer pot ingredients is a wonderful gift that creates a welcoming aroma.
Layer dried orange or lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise in a cellophane bag or a small mason jar. You can also include a sprig of dried rosemary. Tie the bag closed with a festive ribbon.
Attach a tag with the simple instructions: “Add to a pot of water and simmer gently on the stove.” This gift is essentially bottled Christmas cheer and holiday scent.
19. DIY Lip Balm
A small tin of homemade lip balm is a useful and wonderfully moisturizing gift.
The basic recipe involves melting together beeswax, a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil, and a butter like shea or cocoa butter. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil for a cooling tingle. Pour the melted mixture into small tins or lip balm tubes.
Let them cool completely until they solidify. The rich, natural ingredients are incredibly soothing for winter lips.
20. Simple Fabric Scrap Keychains
Use small scraps of fabric to create charming keychains that are fun to make.
Cut your fabric into long strips, then braid or twist several pieces together. Secure the ends by sewing them or by using a hardware piece specifically made for keychains. Use colorful, vibrant prints for a fun look.
This is a great way to use up leftover fabric from other projects. They are lightweight, practical, and easy to spot in a large bag.
21. Gourmet Compound Butters
Compound butters are a simple gourmet treat for a foodie friend.
You need softened, high-quality butter and your mix-ins. For savory butter, try adding chopped garlic, fresh herbs, and a pinch of salt. For sweet butter, add honey, cinnamon, and a tiny bit of vanilla extract. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Roll the butter into a log using parchment paper, twist the ends to seal, and chill until firm. They look beautiful sliced on warm bread.
I love how a handmade gift carries such a special weight of thoughtfulness and effort. These 21 ideas prove that you don’t need a huge budget or an entire week to create something truly memorable. By dedicating just a few hours this weekend, you can cross names off your list with gifts that feel personal, cozy, and straight from the heart.
