The holiday season is a special time for spreading joy, and one of the best ways to do so is through thoughtful, handmade gifts. Whether it’s for friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors, crafting DIY gifts is not only budget-friendly but also a fun and meaningful way to get your kids in the festive spirit.
Creating gifts together as a family fosters creativity and strengthens bonds, making the process just as memorable as the gift itself.
When it comes to making Christmas gifts with children, it’s important to choose projects that your kids can understand and handle. This means selecting activities that are safe, simple, and suitable for all skill levels, from toddlers to teens.
Crafting these gifts can be an opportunity to teach kids valuable lessons about generosity and the joy of giving. Plus, there’s something extra special about a handmade present that reflects the love and effort put into its creation.
DIY projects allow kids to put their personal touch on each gift, making it unique and heartfelt. From hand-painted ornaments for neighbors to homemade treats for coworkers, there are endless possibilities to explore.
These inexpensive crafts don’t just save money, they also give children a sense of pride and accomplishment as they create something from scratch.
This easy gift guide will give you plenty of ideas to explore. The guide includes a variety of thoughtful gift ideas that kids can make with ease.
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Edible Homemade Christmas Gifts to Make With Kids
Whether you’re looking for something simple yet special for family members, or creative presents for friends and neighbors, these projects will bring joy to both the giver and the recipient.
So, gather your supplies and get ready to make this holiday season extra magical with kid-friendly DIY Christmas gifts and watch your kid’s faces light up when they see what they have created and how much the recipient loves it.
1. Sesame Crunch Candy
This might be the easiest gift to whip up last minute, but the recipient will never know! Hard to believe the sesame crunch candy required only three ingredients.
I love the beautiful color that reminds me of sunshine and the goodness and health benefits of sesame seeds is rarely lost on anyone. One of my favorite ways to include sesame in my diet.
Find the full recipe at Strengthandsunshine.
2. Saffron Toffee
I love to try new food from different parts of the world. I came across this Saffron Toffee recipe that is so easy to make, everyone will be asking if you have any left over.
It is easier for kids to whip up as well. It is a one pot wonder that includes ingredients you already might have in your pantry with the exception of saffron. I know most households don’t have this exotic spice.
You coworkers, neighbors, friends, etc., will be thrilled to get something more exciting than regular chocolate for the holidays.
Find the recipe at Potterinthewild.com.
3. Keep Making Pancakes Gift In A Jar
Mason jar gifts are so popular during festive season and for the right reasons. You get to share your family recipe with the recipient and also the jar is repurposed instead of landing in the landfill.
Your kids will have an amazing time adding all the ingredients one by one to the jar. The author of the recipe also includes a lovely story to go along with the gift that is incredibly engaging.
The best part you can print the story to add it to your own cute pancake gift jar.
Get the recipe and the printable at thebensonstreet.
4. M&M Christmas Poem Printable & Gift
I wasn’t aware of the M&M poem, yupp.. I have been living under the woods.
I am glad that the author includes the printable in the blogpost. Your kids will enjoy it.
Such an easy idea, the kids will want to make it every year.
Find the instructions at Thehappierhomemaker.com
5. Chocolate In A Jar
Not all hot chocolate recipe are the same but this one will hit the spot.
I rarely see mason jar recipes that will fit the mini mason jars which I love to use in my kitchen.
This recipe does exactly that. The measurements are included for one serving and for a mini mason jar. You can obviously double or triple the recipe per your need.
Read the full recipe for ideas on how to decorate the jar and how to get those perfect looking layers in the jar.
If your kids love to be around when you bake, helping you add all the fun ingredients, then they will love this.
Find the recipe at thelittlestcrumb.com.
Suggested: DIY Mason Jar Gifts for Coworkers, Neighbors and Friends.
6. BBQ Rub
Every family has their BBQ rubs that they hold dear to their hearts so much so that the best recipes often remain a secret for the guests.
This BBQ recipe sounds exactly the type that all the recipients will cherish.
It has so many amazing ingredients, but still amazingly easy enough for kids to help put together.
Get the recipe, and free printable label for your jars, at Xoxobella.com.
7. Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments
I am really stoked to find out this needs only two simple ingredients and that it is edible.
Safe for kids of all ages. It has just the ingredients that scream Christmas to me. I am thinking of all the festive and even some silly shapes for this one.
Find the recipe at Strengthandsunshine.com.
8. Vegan Candied Pecans
I love candied nuts, especially during holiday season, but at times the store bought ones are loaded with sugar and additives.
I think it is better to double or triple this recipe in advance because everyone will ask you for another bag.
I love that this recipe is vegan. With veganism on the rise most people are looking for ways to make the vegan coworker, neighbor, aunt, etc., something special without all the expensive substitutes.
This recipe is cost effective and so yummy.
Get the recipe at Joyfulbalanceonline.com.
Make Ahead DIY Christmas Gifts Kids Can Make
Here are some non-edible gifts you can make well in advance.
9. Christmas Stovetop Potpourri
Christmas Stovetop potpourri is the easiest way to make your home smell amazing during holidays.
The author of this potpourri includes key points that will help you make the perfect one that will have the recipients asking for it every year. She also includes tips on substitutes and two ways to give it. I love that she includes the right way to dehydrate citrus which always felt so cumbersome to me that I stayed away from this idea for years. But not anymore..
The kids can help in so many ways here and even make each gift bag unique.
Find recipe and instructions at foxfarmhome.com.
10. Christmas Potpourri Recipe
Just to show you how much I would love to prepare and gift potpourri this year here is one more recipe that I really love.
Full of great smelling ingredients with notes on where to buy ingredients at low price.
Get the instructions at Eventstocelebrate.net.
11. Honey Vanilla Candle
Don’t know about you but I find scented candles so lovely, especially during fall and winter but wow does the habit get expensive.
I would love to receive one of these candles myself. My kids are a bit too young to be around hot wax but if your kids are well past the toddler years they will love this.
It is a wonderful opportunity to learn something new they can use year after year to surprise their friends and family.
Most will not include how to make the scent last longer but this author does. This recipe gets 100/100 from me for including the essential tip.
Get the detailed instructions at Ouroilyhouse.com.
12. DIY Garden Stepping Stones
Why not make a gift for your own family with the help from your kids? Honestly, this idea is so adorable.
The garden stepping stones will become a family tradition to do every Christmas. Even grandma or dear auntie would love it in their garden.
Although it seems daunting, but its really not. Thanks to step by step instructions included in the post.
So many ways to decorate these stones once you understand the process.
Find the full tutorial, with details you should not look over, at fluxingwell.com.
13. Seashell & Bead Wind Chime
Have you all been collecting a lot of seashells this summer from all the lovey beach vacations? Its time to get them all out of the jars. The wind chime is such an eye-catching way to display your sea shells bounty.
I might have seen something like this in the home decor sections at big retailers. The recipients will love it.
Find the full tutorial at foxfarmhome.com.
14. Handprint Ornaments
Have your kids experienced salt dough? Nope? then you really need this salt dough recipe in your life to make so many amazing and interesting things with your kids.
I love the idea of handprint and use of glitter because my kids love glitter.
Find the full tutorial at Thebestideasforkids.com.
Suggested: DIY Christmas Ornament Gifts For Coworkers, Family & Friends
15. Thumbprint Hearts
Another salt dough activity, but this time turning them into a magnets that can be enjoyed all year long, not just holiday time.
It is an absolute fun activity for entire family.
I also learnt how to make magnets myself 🙂
Find the full tutorial at Redtedart.com.
16. Scrabble Tile Ornaments
I love ideas that kids can follow easily. This ornaments idea is so interesting and does not require a ton of stuff, and too much clean up afterwards.
You can spell so many words to gift and to decorate your own Christmas tree. Great for kids that are just learning to spell.
Find the full tutorial at Thebestideasforkids.com.
17. Birdseed Ornaments
A gift for anyone that loves birds or loves environmentally friendly gifts that don’t create more clutter or trash.
Such a simple recipe, while you are at it making many to gift away make some for your own garden too so you can keep the birds fed and happy when the food for them becomes scarce.
Find the full instructions at Xoxobella.com.
Suggested: DIY Holiday Gifts for Coworkers (Under $5)
18. DIY Pressed Flower Pinch Pots
Such a beautiful gift to give. I can’t think of any age group that will not adore this.
I always wondered how to press flowers properly and this amazing author includes link to a tutorial that teaches exactly that. I am keeping it bookmarked so I can come back to it next year when my garden is full with blooms.
You can also buy pressed flowers online.
A simple idea that kids of all ages would love.
Find the full instructions at Foxfarmhome.com.
19. Fire Starter Pine Cones
The prefect winter gift when everyone is ready to start their fireplaces.
As much as I love these I must admit that one has to know how to prepare them properly before use.
The author includes practical tips on preparing them. Did I mention, the tutorial uses essential oils? If you love essential oils and were looking for new ways to use the, check out this post.
Find full tutorial at Ottawamommyclub.ca.
20. Bath Bombs
So many ways to make these but here is a recipe that includes kids safe easy to find ingredients you probably have laying around in your pantry.
So many lovely ideas on how to make them even more interesting. It is great gift for your kid’s friends and teachers too.
Find full tutorial at Redtedart.com.
21. Christmas Spice Soap
Such a lovely idea to use holiday spices.
The author really goes into detail that will put even a beginner at ease.
Best for kids that are a bit older. The recipe used two types of bases which lends a fascinating look to the finished soaps.
Find full tutorial at Simplybeyondherbs.com.
22. Matchbox Ornaments
Oh My! I will never look at an empty matchbox the same.
A great way to repurpose empty matchboxes. So many ideas to decorate.
The kids will have an amazing time while learning they don’t need expensive things to make great gifts that the recipient will be truly amazed to get.
23. Pressed Flowers Bookarks
A gift that seems like it took forever to make. The recipient will be left surprised when they find out it was not store bought.
A great gift for a book lover, or anyone who loves to read. Even if they love to read recipe books 🙂
Suggested: Christmas Gifts for Booklovers That Are Not Junk
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I hope you loved these simple, but packed with love DIY Holiday gift ideas to make with kids.
