5 Easy Handmade Presents to Give Your Loved Ones

There’s something about giving your loved ones homemade gifts. That’s not to say that purchased gifts don’t mean anything; however, DIY gifts carry more heart and sentimental value than store-bought gifts. Not only that, but making something yourself lets you add a smidge of your own personality and the receiver’s to the gift. So, if this holiday season you’re feeling particularly crafty, you can consider making a few gifts that aren’t too elaborate and will most definitely bring in some holiday cheer.

Watercolor Holiday Cards

Apart from being one of the most sentimental homemade gifts, watercolor holiday cards are among the easiest to make. First, gather the right supplies: watercolor paper, watercolor paints, a couple of brushes, a paper towel, water, and a waterproof pen. Using these tools, sketch a simple design on the paper. It can be anything; you can paint landscapes, stars in the night sky, a snowy village, or ornaments.

If it’s been a while since you picked up a brush, you can follow a few tips to make painting with watercolors seem less intimidating. For instance, try painting in layers. This can help you build depth, show contrast, and define tonal values.

Start with a light wash for the background. Once it dries, add darker details to the card. Dab the excess water using a paper towel for soft snow effects. Once the layered paints dry, add finishing touches with outlines or write your holiday message with the waterproof pen.

To personalize the card, put your signature on the back and add an envelope. If you are planning to add another gift, you can consider including a matching painted gift tag that you can buy for as low as $8 in bulk.

Candles

While you can find cutesy candles online for $30 to $40, you can also make them yourself. To make a scented candle, you will need wax flakes, candle wicks, a heat-safe container like a mason jar, and a double boiler. For the scent, add your favorite essential oil.

Melt the wax flakes in the double boiler. Once the wax is fully liquid, add a few drops of the essential oil. Then, while the wax cools slightly, secure the wick to the bottom of your jar. Pour the wax into the jar slowly while holding the wick upright. Let the candle sit for five to six hours until the wax is fully firm and solid. Finally, trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch using a razor blade. Your DIY scented candle is ready to be gifted!

Homemade Tea

Very few experiences match the awesomeness of sipping a freshly made cup of homemade tea! The ingredients needed to make your own tea bags include loose-leaf tea or herbal blend, empty tea bags or coffee filters, a pair of scissors, a small spoon, and kitchen twine or string. The first step in the making process is placing about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of loose tea in the center of a folded coffee filter (or into an empty tea bag pouch). Fold the filter around the tea into a neat packet. Pinch the edges tightly before securing the bag with a piece of kitchen twine. This will leave you with a bit of string as a tag.

If you are using empty tea bags, follow the pouch instructions: fill and heat-seal or staple close. To label and store, attach a small paper tag with the blend name and steeping time, then store the bags in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. Make sure the container you choose for gifting and storing the tea bags is cute.

Personalized Oven Mitts

The good old oven mitts are a much-loved Christmas and Thanksgiving gift. To make one, you will need cotton fabric—for the lining as well—insulated batting, bias tape, thread, and embellishments, such as embroidery floss, and fabric paint.

Trace a hand pattern on paper, leaving about an inch for the seam. Cut two mirrored shapes each from outer fabric, lining, and batting. For better insulation, use double batting. Once layered, sew the front and back together with the right sides facing each other. Ensure that you leave the wrist open while stitching. Trim seams and turn the right side out. Then, bind the wrist with bias tape.

To personalize the oven mitts, paint names, embroider designs, or add appliqué motifs. Don’t forget to add a hanging loop for easy storage before sewing up the hand stitches. Your personalized oven mitts are ready to be gifted and used!

Cookies

A bowl full of chocolate chip cookies can be a great companion to the tea listed earlier! To make your own cookies, you will need some butter, sugar, egg or ground flax seeds, flour, baking soda, vanilla essence, and salt. Stir in the dry and wet ingredients together. Then fold in a cup of chocolate chips, scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, until golden. Once removed from the oven, cool the cookies on a rack before wrapping them.

Some other thoughtful and affordable DIY gift ideas for loved ones include handmade photobooks, crocheted blankets, and macrame decor.