9 DIY Christmas Gifts People Actually Want

Personalized Photo Coasters

Photo coasters make a thoughtful gift because they are useful and personal. You print a favorite picture and glue it onto a white ceramic tile. Seal it with a few coats of a matte sealer to protect the image.

Let the tile dry completely. Then, you can tie four finished coasters together with a piece of twine. This creates a nice set that protects tables and shows off special memories all year.

Holiday Cookie Jar Mix

A cookie mix in a jar is a pretty and practical gift. You layer the dry ingredients for cookies inside a clear glass jar. Start with flour, then add sugar, and finish with chocolate chips on top.

Attach a tag to the jar with twine. The tag should have the recipe instructions for adding wet ingredients and baking. It is a gift that helps someone bake delicious cookies with very little effort.

Custom Dog Treat Jar

Pet owners appreciate gifts for their furry friends. Take a simple glass storage jar and add a custom vinyl label with the pet’s name. You can use a machine like a Cricut to make the label or buy pre-made letters.

Fill the jar with store-bought or homemade dog treats. Finish the look by tying a ribbon or more twine around the lid. It is a simple way to show you thought of their whole family.

Concrete Planters with Succulents

Concrete planters have a modern, stylish look. Mix a concrete powder with water until it is like thick pancake batter. Pour the mixture into a disposable container to shape it.

Let the concrete dry and harden completely. Once dry, you can paint a simple pattern on the outside. Finally, plant a small succulent or cactus in the planter. It makes a great gift for anyone who likes plants.

Clothespin Trivets

A trivet protects the table from hot pots and pans. You can make one by taking apart wooden clothespins. Glue the wide, flat ends together in a sunburst or circle pattern.

Glue a piece of cork to the back of the clothespin shape. The cork provides a heat-resistant base. This project is very easy and results in a useful kitchen accessory.

Monogrammed Tassel Beads

This decoration adds a personal touch to a room. String wooden beads onto a long piece of twine or cord. In the center, attach a wooden letter that matches the recipient’s first initial.

You can seal the wooden letter with a clear sealer to give it a finished look. Tie the ends of the twine to complete the garland. It is a simple farmhouse-style gift you can hang on a wall or mantel.

Hot Chocolate Bombs

Hot chocolate bombs are a fun and tasty gift. You melt chocolate and coat the inside of round silicone molds. Once the chocolate shells harden, you fill them with cocoa powder and mini marshmallows.

Seal the two halves together with more melted chocolate. Wrap each finished bomb in a clear cellophane bag and tie it with a ribbon. When dropped into hot milk, it melts and makes a rich hot chocolate.

DIY Bath Salts

Homemade bath salts are a relaxing, spa-like gift. Mix Epsom salt with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, like lavender or eucalyptus. Stir the mixture well so the scent spreads evenly.

Spoon the bath salts into a clean glass jar. Decorate the jar by tying a ribbon around it and adding a small label. It is an easy project that helps someone unwind after a long day.

Hand-Poured Soy Candles

Homemade candles feel special and luxurious. Melt soy wax flakes in a pot. Once melted, stir in fragrance oil. Carefully pour the wax into a heat-safe jar that has a wick held in place in the center.

Let the candle cool and harden completely before moving it. The recipient can enjoy a nice-smelling candle that you made just for them. It is a gift that creates a cozy atmosphere.