Homemade gifts may have once been reserved for kids’ drawings or coupon booklets, but if Pinterest trends have shown us anything this year, it’s that homemade holiday gifts are making a comeback
It's time to revisit the intimate practice of DIY gifts. Not only can you cover everyone on your list on a budget and make some truly unique and personalized gifts, but to top it off, you can make them with household scraps, leftover items and foraged finds so that they're eco-friendly.
Whether gathering with your bubble or delivering gifts from a distance, we could all use a touch of thoughtfulness this holiday season. And the beautiful thing is, you really don’t have to be a crafting expert to make these; we’ve compiled a list of homemade gifts that even the novice crafter can accomplish.
These gifts will truly stand out to all of the special people in your life and will make it a holiday to remember. You can gift these individually (if you’re not doing big gifts) or put together a stylish basket.
1. For the cook
Photo by Macau Photo Agency on UnsplashINFUSED OLIVE OILS
Everybody loves a splash of olive oil on their dishes come wintertime, so why not add a sprig of rosemary, chili peppers, or garlic to the mix? You can re-use those mini alcohol bottles or any other glass jars that you have laying around. Here's how to make infused oils.
APPLE BUTTER AND BREAD
A personal favourite of mine, apple butter makes every morning sweet. If you follow this recipe, you’ll need to use caramels (non-eco-friendly packaging) or you can make your own! If you’re an especially crafty cook, you could bake some sourdough bread to go along with it, or clip a recipe to the jar for them to make it themselves!
JAMS AND JELLIES
Another accompaniment for homemade breads, jams and jellies are my go-to for gift giving. Who doesn’t love jam? There are infinite flavours to choose from, and though it may seem complicated, this recipe has jam made in 10 minutes.
2. For the sweet tooth
Photo by Katya Austin on UnsplashCOOKIE SACK MIXES
These homemade cookie sacks have been popping up left and right and they are so darn cute. They're perfect for anyone for the holidays, and you can go the extra mile and add some measuring spoons to jazz up the gift. You could also swap the cookie mix for a hot cocoa mix.
VANILLA EXTRACT
The bakers in your life will adore you for bringing real vanilla extract into their homes and it’s easier to make than you’d think. The bonus for you is that making it is a real treat and smells so delicious—just don’t be tempted to drink it straight—it smells better than it tastes.
LIMONCELLO
Though it sounds sour, limoncello can actually be quite sweet. Perfect for your 19+ friends, this beverage can be made in large quantities and then separated into smaller bottles. Not only does it taste good, but it also really warms up the soul during the cooler season.
3. For the botanical babe
Photo by Mel Poole on UnsplashCLAY POTTERY
You can make plates, mugs, or ornaments with a personalized touch. There are some stunning guides on how to press flowers into the clay which makes for a creative and crafty gift.
STOVETOP POTPOURRI
These jars of potpourri are always a big hit at hosting households; the gift receiver will want to use them right away. They add a little holiday cheer to the air and are a great way to use the different-sized jars you have lying around the house.
PRESSED FLOWERS IN FRAMES
Great for the friend who loves to decorate their home with flowers all year round, these pressed flowers will never wilt and will preserve the spring feeling long after flowers are blooming.
4. For the bath lover
Photo by freestocks on UnsplashHOMEMADE SOAPS
Soaps are a great gift for anyone and you can adjust the smell and potency based on the person's preference. You can even infuse flowers, herbs and essential oils to match the receiver’s taste.
BATH SALTS AND BOMBS
Bath salts and bombs go hand in hand, and both can be made with herbs, flowers and oils that you already have around the house. You can experiment with flavour mixing and create concoctions that are good for muscle pain, for easing anxiety and for boosting energy.
CANDLES
Who could take a bath without lighting a few candles to set the mood? Hand-poured candles are so much fun to make and can be easy to prepare in large batches. Throw in some gems or sprigs of spruce or pine to add a little holiday joy.