Christmas is fast approaching. Are you ready? Skip the long lines and shopping frenzy by making homemade gifts for all of your loved ones. These 10 DIY gift ideas are my personal favorites. They include simple stocking stuffer ideas, food gifts for Christmas, creative DIY projects for the holidays and should cover nearly everyone on your list!
Photo by Angie Cao
Whip up this yummy lip gloss for the beauty lover in your life. It makes a great stocking stuffer. You could also make a large batch to pass out to all of your friends at an upcoming holiday get-together.
Photo by Angie Cao
This is another gift that is super simple to make. All you need are Epsom and kosher salts, food coloring, essential oils of your choice and attractive jars! Be sure to tell the recipient that Epsom salt has natural sedative effects on the nervous system, helping to restore the body’s feel-good chemicals and relieve stress.
Photo courtesy Lark Crafts
Package homemade candles in cupcake wrappers for a unique spin on this traditional gift. (Nothing’s cutter than a cupcake!)
Photo by Susan Wasinger
If you’re hosting this year’s holiday festivities, create a delectable gingerbread house for all of your guests to enjoy throughout the evening. This house uses herbs and spices to create a unique design that’s sure to set you apart from the traditional candy-cane and gum-drop designs.
Photo by Sarah Goldschmidt
Step into an old-fashioned sense of nostalgia with homemade marshmallows. You will be sure to impress family members by passing out tins filled with these chamomile- and vanilla-infused marshmallows on Christmas day.
Photo by Ellen Silverman
Jams and jellies make great holiday gifts. They taste better than their store-bought counterparts, and they are a cinch to make. Make this delicious raspberry jam and store it in a festive jar for simple gifting.
Photo by Howard Lee Puckett
This is a great (and inexpensive!) gift for avid cooks. Simply infuse extra-virgin olive oil with your favorite mix of herbs. (This recipe also calls for a teaspoon of lemon zest and cracked black pepper.) Your friends and family will love to store this in the kitchen year-round for dressing up salads or serving as a simple dip for crusty bread.
Photo courtesy Running Press
Get in touch with your crafty side with this fun project. Gather all those wine corks you’ve been saving for a rainy day (If you’re an avid Pinterest user, you know what I’m talking about.) and finally use them to create a functional and adorable bulletin board. This makes a great gift for the friend who loves new and inventive ways to display pictures and souvenirs.
Photo by Thomas Gibson
This is another crafty project that would be fun to tackle for the holidays: Make a pillow and fill it with dried sedative herbs to help your loved one get a good night’s rest.
Photo by Howard Lee Puckett
Spice up the holidays by making this aromatic wreath for someone special. This beautiful, homemade decoration would be perfect for newlyweds or a new homeowner.
Gina DeBacker is the assistant editor at Mother Earth Living. She is excited to make gifts for her friends and family members this holiday season.