10 Easy Gifts to Make at Home: Creative Ideas for DIY Presents Perfect for the Holidays

Article written by Ashley Cotter

JMB Living was featured on Rent.com in 10 Easy Gifts to Make at Home and I'm delighted to be able to share the full article written by Ashley Cotter here, as you will find a multitude of creative ideas for heart felt gift giving within. You can also find the full article on the Rent Blog here. Rent. is a subsidiary of Redfin.com and I'm so honored to be included in their blog post.

The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to spread cheer than with thoughtful, handmade gifts. Using tips and suggestions from experts in interior design, crafting, thrifting, sustainability, and more, we’ll share ideas of easy gifts you can make at home that your loved ones will actually use, and won’t break the bank—win-win! 

Tis’ the season for easy gift giving, whether you’re renting a house in sunny Honolulu, HI, looking for a winter home in Buffalo, NY, or crafting in your cozy apartment in New York City— get inspired by these ideas to help make DIY gift-giving an easy and enjoyable experience into the holidays and beyond.

1. Plants and flowers to brighten their space

Plants and flowers are the ultimate easy DIY gift for adding a bit of greenery and personality to a space. “You can pot up herb seedlings, sprout cuttings from your favorite indoor plant, make and package a seed mixture, or gather a bunch of produce and present in a thrifted basket,” suggests Anna Matilde, the author of sustainable living blog The Urban Nanna. Not only do plants elevate a home’s aesthetic, but they also promote a calming atmosphere, making them a thoughtful, long-lasting present for a loved one’s home.

Potted plants

“One of my favorite gifts to give that’s extra special is a beautiful white orchid in a classic terracotta pot,” shares interior designer Chanel Pazda, who shares home inspiration on her social media and website Coco on Fifth. “Orchids are widely available these days at places like your local grocery store or home improvement store.”

For easy gifting, Pazda says, “Choose a pot that’s just slightly larger than the orchid's current container, and place it inside—no need for replanting. For an added touch of elegance, I love topping it with preserved moss, which you can order online or you can check your local floral shop. If you're feeling extra festive, a red ribbon around the pot adds the perfect finishing touch!”

For a low-maintenance option, try a succulent arrangement, says Paulomi Debnath, the artist at Handmade by Tinni. “Succulents are an easy and stylish gift for any home. You can create your own arrangement using a variety of different plants and containers for a perfect present.”

Dried flowers

Dried flowers make for a timeless and elegant DIY gift that captures the beauty of nature in a lasting way. Brigitte McBride, owner of the nature-inspired Goosehill Gifts shop shares, “Fresh flowers are lovely, but they never last long enough. Dried flowers can last indefinitely if kept out of the sun and can also save you money, giving more bang for your buck from a fresh bouquet.”

If you’re using a hand-picked bouquet, McBride recommends remembering the ‘three Ds’ when it comes to drying flowers. “Hang your cut flowers upside down in a dry, dark place,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be a completely dark place, but sunlight can fade their colors. A dry place with good circulation is essential though, helping the flowers dry faster and making the colors more vibrant.”

2. Homemade treats made with love

“I love homemade food based gifts for the holidays as it’s a wonderful way to spread some festive cheer to those you love the most,” confesses Monnii Boatwright Davidson, the blogger behind the luxury lifestyle page Monnibee. 

Food gifts offer a personal touch that store-bought options simply can’t match, and they’re a great way to showcase your creativity in the kitchen. If you’re looking to give something a little extra this holiday season, check out these easy gift ideas you can make right at home.

Easy pantry staples

For simple but delicious easy kitchen gifts, Monnii recommends focusing on essentials for bakers. “For those who are ambitious, you can make a sourdough starter to give to friends who love to bake,” she shares. If you already have a successful starter, it’s quick and easy to either jar some up or dehydrate some leftovers to share as gifts. 

For other holiday baking staples, Monnii has more ideas up her sleeve. “You can also make homemade vanilla extract kits,” she says. “I simply just put some vanilla beans in a mason jar with my friend’s favorite spirit and instructions on how to make your own extract. Lastly, homemade cookie jars filled with all the dry ingredients you need to bake them is always a hit.”

For more ideas, the Urban Nanna recommends taking dried ingredients from your favorite food recipes and layering them in glass jars: “Think cake mix, brownie mix, risotto blends, bean casserole, lentil curry, and spiced rice pudding,” she says. “Or half-make something to create a quick treat for your friends like frozen cookie dough logs, mulled wine kits or even par-baked pizza bases to store in the freezer. Include instructions printed on a card, and tie it off with a ribbon.”

Festive peppermint bark

Keep the holiday spirit flowing with flavors that go with the season. “Our favorite holiday recipe also makes the perfect budget-friendly gift, combining the classic pairing of chocolate and peppermint in every bite,” confides Jacob Clayton, founder of the lifestyle and media company My Untangled Life. 

“Since this recipe can be easily packaged in festive bags or decorative tins adorned with ribbons or bows, delivering the perfect gift to neighbors and coworkers was never so easy. If you intend to give holiday cards alongside this gift, we suggest including a handwritten copy of the recipe. We believe this personal touch makes gift giving all the more special.” 

Fruit-forward jars and drinks

Fruit-based gifts like preserves and cordials are also incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with seasonal fruits, herbs, and spices to create unique combinations that feel special and personal. Homesteader Whitney Stokes, of Willowbottom Homestead, suggests healthy and heartfelt gifts that won’t break the bank.  

“Try a jar of homemade blueberry preserves, a dried sourdough starter, or a bottle of elderberry cordial,” Stokes recommends. “Each one is packed with natural goodness—the blueberry preserves capture the taste of summer’s harvest, while the sourdough starter is a fun, lasting way to help friends explore baking their own healthy bread at home. And elderberry cordial? It’s a cozy, immune-boosting treat that lasts through the season.” 

Packaged in charming glass jars or bottles, these fruity creations make beautiful gifts that can be enjoyed right away or saved for a special occasion.

3. Easy homemade skincare products

Pamper your loved ones with the gift of homemade skincare, which often contains much more pure and simple ingredients that are natural and healthy. “I often make simple gifts at the holidays to give as hostess gifts or for family and friends—these take no more than 10 minutes and are made with things most people have in their kitchen,” divulges Karen Roche, founder of the EWG verified skincare company Be Green Bath and Body. Candy cane body scrub and moisturizing body oil are two easy gifts to make at home with ingredients you likely already have around. 

4. Thoughtful ornaments

DIY ornaments can be as simple or intricate as you’d like, making them a versatile gift for anyone on your list. You can upcycle materials like wood slices, fabric scraps, or even dried orange slices to create ornaments with a rustic charm. Adding personal touches like initials, favorite colors, or meaningful dates makes them even more special. Our experts shared a few of their favorite ways to personalize ornaments for an easy gift to make at home.

Recycled material ornaments

“Homemade gifts are some of my favorites because they show thoughtfulness and creativity while giving you the chance to be more sustainable,” shares Melina, the face behind the blog Sustainable Rookie. “One simple idea is to repurpose worn-out earrings into unique Christmas tree ornaments—just attach them to ribbons or hooks for an instant, chic decoration. Crafting on a budget is all about using what you already have, so dig into that ‘junk drawer’ or revisit items you'd otherwise toss.”

To take your DIY ornaments to the next level, Melina adds: “Adding a personal touch could be as simple as handwriting a heartfelt note or customizing the gift to suit the recipient's style. Homemade gifts have a way of spreading joy that store-bought items just can't match. Bonus: you'll save money and reduce waste—wins all around.”

Personalized memory ornaments

Another idea is to create an ornament that reflects a memory or shared experience with you and the gift receiver. “Gather miniature items (or be creative and create them) that trigger memories from a recent trip,” shares Samantha B Design, the creator of fun coloring sheets. “I created a Cancun ornament for my best friends after we traveled there together last year. You can find a lot of fun items in the beading section or dollhouse section of the craft store.”

Other ways Samantha recommends personalizing the ornaments include: “I added a small photo of us on the trip, a little bit of sand and shells, a miniature book (that we read during the trip), miniature playing dice, and even a printout of a golf cart—all fun memories from our trip that we call all hang on our Christmas tree for years to come."

5. Cozy blankets

Cozy homemade blankets are the ultimate heartfelt gift, combining warmth, comfort, and a personal touch. 

“One of my go-to creations for the season is a ‘healing or triumphant blanket,’ a cozy, handmade gift that’s as meaningful as it is practical,” says Amber Spence, author of crafting blog Stand Above the Rest. “These blankets are crafted with soft, double-sided fabrics and finished with crocheted edges, but what truly makes them special is the personal touch. Using my Cricut, I add custom messages—like holiday wishes, uplifting quotes, or even personal notes unique to the recipient. This added detail transforms each blanket into a warm, encouraging hug that’s perfect for spreading comfort and joy. It’s a heartfelt, budget-friendly way to make the holidays feel extra special for loved ones.”

Whether it’s a no-sew fleece throw, a hand-knit creation, or a patchwork quilt, DIY blankets are perfect for snuggling up during chilly winter nights.

6. Photo albums

Andreea Matei, representing creative business media company Launch Grow Joy recommends photo albums as an easy gift to make at home for the holiday season. “Create a custom photo album filled with cherished memories to make a truly special gift,” she shares. “Select photos from special moments, add handwritten notes, and decorate the pages for a personal touch. This handmade gift is perfect for the holidays, allowing the recipient to relive happy memories and treasure them forever. It's a thoughtful way to show you care and remember the good times together.”

Unlike digital photo collections, photo albums are keepsakes that can be revisited and cherished for years to come, making them a gift that’s as meaningful as it is timeless.

7. Acts of service

One big way we save money during the holidays is by providing more service-oriented gifts to friends and family,” shares Lauren Keys, half of the duo behind the money hack blog Trip of a Lifestyle. “Recently, we bought some inexpensive components for our parents' computers and spent time updating both the hardware and the software on them. In the past, when giving on a larger scale at extended family gatherings, we bought bulk ingredients and put together tins of baked goods for everyone. With gifts that take a little more time and less money, our family gets something uniquely valuable that doesn't cost a fortune — or take up space.”

8. Gift wrapping sets

“Combine practicality and sustainability by creating a personalized gift-wrapping kit,” suggests Stephanie from eco homewares company Coast to Coast Sustainables. “Include items like fabric gift wraps (you can make these easily from upcycled materials or scrap fabric), handmade gift tags, and natural twine. Add a personal touch by stamping the fabric with festive designs or hand-lettering the tags. It’s a gift within a gift, as these wraps can be reused year after year, making it both eco-friendly and unique! Crafting on a budget is all about using what you already have—think thrifted fabric, leftover holiday decorations, or natural items like pinecones or dried orange slices for embellishments.”

9. Handmade, everyday home accessories

Coasters and hot pads are classic home decor anyone can use. Plus, they’re easy to personalize with fun patterns, colors, or even monograms, making them an easy gift to make at home to brighten up any kitchen or coffee table.

To get started, Meredith from New York-based Cleo’s Yarn Shop has some tips: “Crafters on a budget should know about all the wonderful free pattern resources available on the internet,” they share. “Any yarn shop can help you find a suitable yarn to work with the pattern of your choosing—at Cleo’s, we're always delighted to assist people in finding the perfect yarn for their project, no matter where the pattern originates.”

Coasters

“If you’re a quilter or sewist like me, you’ve probably got more fabric and batting scraps than you know what to do with,” laughs Abigail Kelly, one of the members of family-owned quilting shop Lindley General Store. “One of my go-to gifts for the holiday season is to take these scraps and make quilted coasters. Don’t be afraid to use the really tiny scraps— if it’s at least one inch, it’ll work. This is a great way of getting the most out of your fabric budget.”

To complete your coaster present, Kelly suggests, “Combine your coaster with a thrifted mug and a jar of homemade hot chocolate mix and you have a sweet little homemade gift.” 

Hot pads

"One of my favorite items to make for Christmas is a large casserole hot pad,” reveals Belinda, the author of Saving Money in My Frugal Kitchen. “When I've gifted them to people they just love them and tell me how they use them all year long.”

If you’re handy at sewing, hot pads are a quick, simple, and easy present for anyone—plus, you can customize them to match the receiver’s kitchen to make them extra special. Complete your set of hot pads with a mini recipe book, suggests the Urban Nanna. “Collect your favorite recipes, type them up and print them on postcards, then bind them into mini books.”

10. Personal gift boxes

Another easy gift to make at home is a collection of items that are personal yet useful, encouraging the one receiving the gift to take time for themselves.

“One of my favorite DIY gifts is creating a ‘slow living starter kit’ tailored to the recipient,” says Julie Barlow, founder of wellbeing and mindfulness platform JMB Living. “The kit could include items such as a handwritten letter, favorite poem or journal prompts to inspire mindfulness, a small homemade candle, and a packet of herbal tea—all bundled in a simple, reusable basket or box. You could also include a pen and create a small journal with an appealing cover.”

 Barlow continues, “The beauty of this gift lies in the thoughtfulness: selecting scents, colors, or flavors that resonate with the recipient shows you truly care. To keep it budget-friendly, you could repurpose jars or containers and use materials you already have at home. The real gift here is encouraging moments of calm and connection.”

Tips for easy and sustainable wrapping

“Wrapping gifts can be half the fun of gift giving,” claims Daniel Moll from Earthsuds, which specializes in biodegradable cleaning products. “But what happens to all of the wrapping after the gifts have been given? A lot of wrapping paper and wrapping products aren’t recyclable, and even if they are, those that are contaminated with things like tape and glitter can’t be recycled.”

“There are so many great alternatives, it's easier than you think to opt for a more eco-conscious choice when wrapping gifts,” Moll continues. From the Earthsuds team, here are simple, eco-conscious alternatives to make your DIY gift wrapping both beautiful and sustainable.

General wrapping tips:

• Use what you already have: Raid your stash of leftover ribbons, tissue paper, or shoe boxes from previous years.

• Reuse what’s been given to you: Store ribbons, tags, and gift bags throughout the year to give them a second life.

• Skip the tape: Try tying gifts closed with fabric scraps, twine, or reusable ribbon instead.

• Thrift creatively: Look for unique reusable containers or decorative boxes at thrift stores.

Clever wrapping ideas:

• Repurpose household items: Use old newspaper, scrap paper, cereal boxes, paper grocery bags, or the brown packing paper from online orders.

• Turn part of the gift into the wrapping: Wrap items in scarves, shirts, or reusable cloth wraps.

• Make it a craft project: Add a personal touch by drawing on upcycled paper or decorating with natural accents like rosemary, dried oranges, or pinecones.

Thoughtful touches:

• DIY name tags: Cut out sections of old Christmas cards or repurpose cardboard with a hole punch for easy attachment.

• Reuse and upcycle: Save gift tags, ribbon, and decorations from previous years to dress up your presents.

• Go natural: Decorate with items from nature, such as acorns, leaves, or evergreen sprigs (just keep them outside until gift-giving time to avoid needle loss).

The Urban Nanna sums up: “Whether you’re making, sourcing secondhand or buying new, keep

environmental sustainability in mind. Choose natural materials, like cotton, wool, and linen, or

reusable/recyclable materials, like wood, glass, and metal.”

Easy gifts to make at home for any budget

Making gifts at home isn’t just a thoughtful way to show you care—it’s also versatile and easy for any holiday budget.

“Look around your home for items you can repurpose for your crafts,” is a final recommendation from Paulomi Dednath, creator at Handmade by Tinni. “Old cardboard boxes, jars, and fabric scraps can all be used to create something new. Charity shops, vintage shops, and thrift stores are also great places to find unique fashion items that could be inexpensive, but treasure to a fashion lover.”

We hope these budget-friendly, sustainably-minded DIY gifts you can make in your home help bring some creativity and fun to your holiday season. Happy giving!