Looking for ways to make the holidays magical with your littles? Crafts and gift-giving are the perfect way to add some holiday cheer to the season. Kids love to get creative and you can teach them important lessons about surprises and giving to others.
Plus you can save money, avoid crowded stores, and actually save time making your own homemade gifts at home! Check out these easy homemade gifts for under $10 to make with your kids.
Youngsters can easily get involved with this list of DIY gifts. They are simple and mostly mess-free. Getting items to make the gifts is easy, you probably have most of the materials at home and if not you can find them at a dollar or craft store.
These easy homemade gifts are perfect for teachers, neighbors, babysitters, grandparents or any special adult in your child’s life. So let’s get crafting!
1. Easy Homemade Pencil Holder
Spruce up a desk or office with a personalized pencil holder. It adds a sweet touch to any workspace.
Materials Needed:
- Tin can
- Yarn or twine of any color
- Glue that dries clear
How to Make:
- Apply glue onto the can. For easy application use a paintbrush to spread the glue.
- Place one end of the yarn along the top rim of the can and start wrapping it around can
- Keep wrapping until you get to the bottom of the can
- Cut the yarn when you get the bottom rim of the can. May need to dab glue at the end of yarn
- Arrange the yarn to cover up any exposed tin as needed
- Apply extra glue in spots that seem to need it
You can include a festive pen or pencil to liven up the pencil holder.
2. Easy Homemade Cookie Mix In A Jar
Who doesn’t love homemade cookies? Who doesn’t love them even more when they are easy to make?
Materials Needed:
- 1 quart size mason jar
- Ingredients for mix (see recipe below)
- Ribbon or string
- 3×5 index card
How to Make:
Layer the following ingredients in this order into the jar. Be sure to use the back of a spoon to pack each layer down before adding the next ingredient.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Put the lid on the jar. Copy the following instructions on an index card. Punch a hole into the card, attach the card to a string or ribbon and tie around the lid.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
- Beat ¾ cup butter, 1 large egg and ¾ tsp vanilla extract in a large bowl until blended
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and sugars. Stir to mix well
- Add dry mixture to wet and mix well
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheet
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown
- Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool
3. Easy Homemade Winter Survival Kit
Help loved ones get through the winter with some essentials and treats. Perfect and practical for brightening up a winter’s day.
Materials Needed:
- Small gift bag
- Travel size tissue pack
- Travel size hand sanitizer
- Travel size lotion
- Lip balm
- An assortment of hot chocolate, tea or coffee packs
- Can also include a mug, pair of warm socks, small knit gloves, gift card to a coffee shop, or bottle of Vitamin C
How to Make:
Most items can be purchased at a dollar store department store. Simply put everything in the bag, attach a bow and you’re set!
5. Easy Homemade Snow Globe
This is a cute gift especially for grandparents! Kids are mesmerized by snow globes too!
Materials Needed:
- Small mason jar
- Little figurine (snowman, animal, action figure character)
- Glitter, any color works
- Distilled Water
- Hot glue gun
How to Make:
- Glue figurine to the INSIDE of jar lid. Let glue dry
- Pour water into jar, not all the way to the top though
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of glitter to jar
- Place a few glue dabs around jar lid and screw lid on to seal
- Can also glue felt or other cloth to top of lid or tie ribbon around jar for additional decoration
5. Easy Homemade Body Scrub
Give the gift of a spa experience! This is a great gift to make for moms!
Materials Needed:
- Small mason jar or decorative container
- Ingredients (see recipe below)
- Ribbon
How to Make:
- In a bowl mix the following ingredients, make sure to remove any lumps
- 2 cups brown sugar
1 cup granulated white sugar
1 cup sunflower oil
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract - Scoop the scrub mix into jar, pat down with spoon
- Cover jar and tie pretty ribbon around the lid
6. Easy Homemade Handprint Anything
This is a great keepsake gift to capture the size of your child when they were little.
Materials Needed:
- Child’s hand
- Acrylic Paint
- Decorative clear container or scrapbook paper and picture frame
- Optional glitter glue, puff paint, sequins, stickers
How To Make:
- Paint child’s hand
- Press hand onto surface gently yet firmly
- Acrylic paint works on most surfaces but may want to check appropriate paint depending on what container is used
- When paint dries can also add glitter glue, puff paint sequins, stickers around the handprint
7. Easy Homemade Painted Wooden Spoons
You can easily take basic wooden spoons and make them look high end by simply painting.
Materials Needed:
- Wood spoons
- Acrylic craft paint
- Painters tape (optional)
- Sealant like a clear poly coating
- Small paintbrush
How To Make:
- Apply acrylic paint to spoon
- If wanting to make a design put tape on spoon in desired design and only paint exposed areas
- When paint dries remove tape
- Apply sealant to spoon
Kids can get involved with these easy homemade gifts. Involve them with picking out or gathering supplies. Let them paint or decorate as they wish. Have them pick out colors. They can mix and pour with your help. In the process remember to have fun! Gifts don’t have to be perfect. Homemade gifts are special no matter how they turn out.
Making gifts with your kids has never been easier! Get your creative juices flowing, save money and get crafting with one of these 7 easy homemade gifts under $10!