DIY Christmas Gift Ideas for the Entire Family
on Dec 27, 2023
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Nothing says I love you like homemade presents. If you’re looking for DIY Christmas gift ideas, you’ve come to the right place. With over 30 different ideas for people of all ages, you’re sure to find something fun and meaningful for everyone on your list.
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Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas for the Family
There is just nothing sweeter than a homemade Christmas gift. It takes time and intentional thought to create something from the heart. These DIY Christmas gift ideas for the family are a combination of crafts, functional gifts, and experiences.
Let’s be honest, though, sometimes there just isn’t enough time or we don’t have the right materials for homemade gifts. If that is you – I’ve also included a few family gifts for families that you can just buy. It’s still the thought and intention that counts!
DIY Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids
I’ve split these lists into little babies, boys, and girls. You know your kids best! Feel free to create from any of the ideas as they are fun projects all around.
When creating homemade presents for kids just be aware of any safety issues. Make sure small pieces are securely fastened and use child safe materials.
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Pin ItDIY Christmas Gift Ideas for Babies
While we are done with babies here in Iowa I still think so many things for them are adorable. I have fun buying for those with little ones and I have smiled looking toward the FAR off future when we become grandparents.
A busy board does exactly what it says ...keeps your baby or toddler busy. The different knobs, clasps, closers, twists, opens, clicks and clacks help build fine and gross motor skills while teaching problem solving skills. Have a busy mom friend? Give them this. It's the gift that is made for both a parent AND the child. Baby will play and mom will get things done undisturbed.
What is it about a sweat little boy in the hair of a tiny little one? I always worried about store bought ones cutting into their head but with this tutorial you can make it the perfect size. No more worries about causing pressure and irritation to their little heads.
This little fishing set will help your little one develop motor skills, problem solving and their imagination. They're safe and soft and you can even make a portable version for car rides. No more crying when there's a fun game that can be played only in the car.
Do you remember the Glitter Wand? Oh...I remember seeing the colors shifting and changing like an altered living kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. I could easily get caught up in playing with these too.
Forget buying expensive baby leggings and make them yourself to protect baby's arms and legs from chaffing, eczema and being cold. An added benefit is it makes diaper changes so much easier too.
This Abacus Wall Art would look adorable baby gift for a teacher or even an engineer. While it isn't safe for children or babies to play with it would be a beautiful decoration to remind them of a beloved Auntie or Uncle.
DIY Christmas Gift Ideas for Little Girls
Are you looking for ideas for little girls? Check out these awesome gift ideas! I love the ribbon bracelet and the star wands. They look easy enough that I could even make them. And I'm pretty challenged when it comes to sewing.
These little clips are so useful at pulling those whispy little hairs out of little faces. Plus they're fun enough that your little one may not pull them out of their hair and loose them like every other barrette.
This Ribbon Bracelet can be made to match every special outfit or you can make a basic rainbow set that goes with anything. I think it would be cute to add a bell or two for some holiday fun. If you do a bell you may want to remind your littles they are to be worn on non school days so it isn't a distraction.
I love this little Blue Kitchen. I love how it can easily be personalized to the likes of the little ones currently using it. It is also a sturdy piece of furniture so it will last through multiple generations and something the whole family will come to have fond memories of.
Here's an easy upcycling idea! Grab an old wool sweater (or cashmere!) and turn them into cute mittens. We love this quick and easy gift idea for felted sweaters we often find thrifting.
These Fairy Wands are quick, easy and fun to make for young and old alike. I love how they provide so many options to allow for imaginative play. Plus, they're very adaptive to the materials on hand. You can do paper, fabric or even cardboard options.
A quick stop at your local thrift store will let you make this DIY Dollhouse Bookshelf. Your kiddo can play dolls and still have room for decorations and to put things away.
Encouraging children to explore their passion is always fun but I hate when it becomes expensive so we looked for homemade options. When Anna was little this happened with her Easy Bake Oven. We found some recipes online and even gifted them to a cousin for Christmas. I bet you could even alter the diy recipes to be allergy or gluten free friendly.
DIY Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys
If you're looking for ideas for boys check these out. They encourage imagination, free play, art, exploration and activity.
Check out this nerf ammo holster. I've got a son who would have loved it! To be honest I think it would still be something he would enjoy. The elastic looks easy enough to slide them in and keep track of the multitude of nerf bullets for about 15 seconds. Plus if you make just enough spots to hold the exact amount it is an easy visual to remind them that one is missing and needs to be put away.
Legos are a part of childhood and are one of my favorite open ended/imaginative/creative play things. When you have multiple aged children it is hard to have them as babies and toddlers often make a mad dash for the colorful bricks so a Lego table (big or small) is a necessity for peace and parental sanity.
This Lego table is perfect when space is limited. It is built on a breakfast tray. It is portable and is even nice for kiddos who are sick but on their way to getting better and are bored. They can sit in bed or on the couch and play away. You could even take it with you for family trips or camping.
Aprons help contain the mess, protect clothing and give the space to get messy without the worry. I love how easy it is to personalize these aprons for any child based on their hero or favorite colors.
Play Mats are life savers. They are worth their weight in rambunctious loud kiddos multiplied by a colicky baby that JUST got to sleep. They're so easy to make with this tutorial too and you can make one that matches with your family or community and you can relax knowing everyone, including you, can now enjoy some quiet time.
This is a playdough recipe that isn't going to mold before the kids unwrap it at Christmas. The Domestic Superhero said it lasts 3 months. I can't confirm it as playdough always disappears or is thrown away as it hardens from being left out or the colors would mix together into just an ew color. Another great thing about this recipe...no color staining! So you can feel comfortable knowing they can play with it anywhere, wearing anything and you will be good. I still wouldn't use it on carpet or fancy clothing though. 😉
Marshmallow guns are so much fun and when you're done you can eat your ammo! They're entertaining, accurate and easily made. Don't forget to include eye protection too.
Gifts for Men and Women to Make Yourself
These Christmas gift ideas for men and women appeal to hobbies and personal interests. Adults often get presents that are meant to help with productivity or efficiency. Give them permission to play instead.
DIY Christmas Gift Ideas for Women
Need a gift for the favorite mom in your life? These gifts are ones I'd love to have. I love the homemade heating pad. In fact, I could really use one. Anyone want to send me one?
These Scrabble Coasters are a cute idea for some mom time in the evening. You could even make them kid friendly and make one using words that describe each person in the family or a mix of letters all about the users name. Maybe this will mean you won't have to keep buffing out water rings from the coffee table.
I want. Please send. 🙂 This would be so nice to lay across my shoulders and help ease tension and stress. I think it'd be great to use at fall and winter outdoor events too. The rice holds the heat and helps you stay warm. Would also be nice to stay longer outside in the morning, drinking your coffee and enjoying the crisp, cold, fresh air without catching a chill.
I love body scrubs. They are so easy to
make, kids of all ages can make them, and they're personable. They brighten a dry complexion and give your
skin a healthy glow. Plus, they smell so
good!
Have a tea lover in the family? This wreath is a gift you know they'll love. You can make it a theme like teas of the world or even fill it with their favorite flavors. Be sure to include extras so they can refill it or send a monthly box of tea from Amazon. It's the perfect gift that keeps on giving and allows them to know you are thinking of them all year.
If you have a succulent lover on your list - this quick and easy upcycing idea will make the perfect gift!
DIY Christmas Gift Ideas for Dad
Gifts for Dad are often hard to find but rest assured you won't be gifting any ties or golf balls this year. This is the year of a unique gift the dad in your life will surely love. From infused bourbon to a homemade cornhole game I've found some amazing ideas for you to diy this year!
Sure it seems like a blah gift at first glance but what makes THIS special is getting Dad the kind of mug he loves and then monogramming it with his initials or Dad. You can further personalize it by using his favorite team colors or just his favorite color.
A firewood tote is so helpful when you have a wood burning stove. It keeps the mess contained and you don't have to deal with wood bits all over your clothes. For me I like that enough wood can be carried in in one trip. The fewer times the door is opened the less heat leaving the house.
Baggo or Cornhole is a fun game to play. It's played while camping, at family reunions, while tailgating or even on the weekend in the backyard. It's easy to build, easy to play and all ages can play together.
The man in your life might love fig infused bourbon! I know my husband would. He'd enjoy it while playing the homemade cornhole game!
Forget buying another pack of tees or golf balls. Make Dad a golf towel to protect his clubs from rust and to wipe the sweat from his face and hands when he gets in a race on the golf carts with an old friend. If you make 2 he can have one just for his face and the other just for his clubs.
If you're not crafty but you want something from the heart create a Beer Basket. Bottles of Dad's favorite beer, snacks and order a few koozies from etsy in his favorite teams colors so he can brag about them to all his friends at the next tailgate party.
Family Christmas Gift Ideas
In recent years it seems that whole family Christmas gifts have become even more popular. Matching PJs anyone? These gifts work great for experiences as well as games or decor that builds family bonds.
Family Gifts for Christmas
Family gifts help build bonds and make memories from one generation to the next. This list includes homemade ideas as well as Christmas gifts you can buy for the whole famiy.
Is Star Wars a Christmas movie? Yes, the answer is yes! Different themes available for matching family pajamas.
Make spoons for the whole family with all the fixings for a hot cocoa bar. This is a cute and afforable DIY gift for families.
DIY Shrinky Dink Keychains That Look So Professional It’s Ridiculous
Are the kids getting older with more responsibility? You can either make a set of matching keychains for the whole family or personalize them.
I love personalized Christmas ornaments. Get one larger ornament or smaller individual ones. Either way this is a memento to hang on the tree year after year.
Family movie night just got cuddlier! Personalize this throw blanket to include everyone in your family!
I love gifts that help families make memories and create traditions. We love having fondue over the holidays as we have more time to enjoy it and are not rushed like we are in the busy days of school.
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What are your favorite DIY Christmas gift ideas? Share a link!