12 DIY Christmas Presents on a Budget

The holiday season is here, and what better way to show your loved ones you care than with thoughtful, handcrafted gifts? Making DIY Christmas presents is not only budget-friendly but also adds a personal, meaningful touch to your gifts. Plus, many of these ideas are quick, easy, and perfect for DIY enthusiasts of all levels.

Below, we’ve gathered 12 creative and simple DIY Christmas gift ideas that won’t break the bank but will certainly warm hearts. Roll up your sleeves, get crafty, and spread some holiday cheer!

1. DIY Bath Salts

Give the gift of relaxation with homemade bath salts. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for unwinding after a busy holiday season.

What you’ll need:

• Epsom salt
• Baking soda
• Essential oils (like lavender or rosemary)
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix 1 cup of Epsom salt with ½ cup of baking soda.
2. Add 10–15 drops of your chosen essential oil and mix well.
3. Add a drop or two of food coloring if you’d like, then stir until the color is evenly distributed.
4. Pour the mixture into a mason jar or decorative container, label it, and finish with a ribbon!

2. DIY Sugar Scrub

A sugar scrub is a wonderful way to exfoliate and moisturize, making it a perfect gift for friends and family who love indulgence.

What you’ll need:

• Granulated sugar
• Coconut oil
• Essential oils

Instructions:

1. Combine 1 cup of sugar with ½ cup of melted coconut oil.
2. Add 10 drops of an essential oil like vanilla, orange, or peppermint.
3. Spoon the scrub into a jar and add a festive touch with twine or a cute label.

3. Homemade Coffee Creamer

For the coffee lover in your life, homemade coffee creamer is a unique and delicious present.

What you’ll need:

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Milk or cream
• Vanilla extract (or other flavorings such as hazelnut or caramel)

Instructions:

1. Whisk together 1 can of sweetened condensed milk with 1 ¾ cups of milk or cream.
2. Add 1–2 teaspoons of vanilla extract or flavoring.
3. Pour into a decorative bottle, and don’t forget to include instructions to keep it refrigerated!

For a dry version

What you’ll need:

• Dry milk- Can be non-dairy such as Almond, Cashew, Soy, Coconut or Oat
• Powdered Sugar
• Vanilla bean or powdered flavors such as peanut butter, cocoa powder, marshmallow powder or freeze-dried fruit,

Instructions:

1. Mix 2 cups of your choice dry milk and powdered sugar or other flavor.
2. Open the vanilla bean and scoop the contents into the mix.
3. Pour into a mason jar or other bottle with a tight cap.

4. DIY Fire Starters

A cozy gift for adventurers or those with fireplaces, fire starters are practical and easy to make.

What you’ll need:

• Pinecones, pine needles, dried flowers, dried fruit, cinnamon sticks
• Dryer lint, sawdust or wood shavings
• Wax (from old candles or paraffin wax like beeswax)
• String
• Mold or paper cupcake liners.

Instructions:

1. Melt the wax in a double boiler. (You can also mix in the microwave but do 30 seconds at a time to avoid overheating.
2. Put your dryer lint, sawdust or wood shavings in the bottom of the mold or cupcake liner with you string.
3. Pour some wax on top, making sure to have some of your string up for a wick.
4. Add your pinecones, pine needles, dried flowers, dried fruit, cinnamon sticks or others on top then pour more wax to the top of the mold or cupcake liner.
5. Set them aside to cool, make sure your string is accessible for easy lighting.

5. Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Nothing says Christmas like a warm cup of cocoa! This homemade mix is a winter favorite.

What you’ll need:

• Cocoa powder
• Powdered sugar
• Powdered milk
• Mini marshmallows
• Chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix 1 cup of cocoa powder, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 2 cups of powdered milk.
2. Add a small handful of chocolate chips and mini marshmallows to each serving jar.
3. Seal the jar and decorate with a festive ribbon or candy cane.

6. DIY Lip Scrub

Keep chapped lips at bay during the cold winter months with a natural lip scrub.

What you’ll need:

• Brown sugar
• Olive oil or coconut oil
• Honey

Instructions:

1. Combine 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and ½ teaspoon of honey.
2. Pour into a small container or tin.
3. Add a label and tie it with a small bow for gifting!

7. DIY Lip Balm

A nourishing lip balm is another thoughtful and useful DIY present.

What you’ll need:

• Beeswax pellets
• Coconut oil
• Essential oil (peppermint works well)

Instructions:

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of beeswax pellets with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over low heat.
2. Add 5 drops of essential oil and stir.
3. Pour into small tins or lip balm tubes and allow to set.

8. DIY Shower Melts

Shower melts are like bath bombs for the shower, making them a perfect quick and easy gift.

What you’ll need:

• Baking soda
• Citric Acid
• Water
• Essential oils

Instructions:

1. Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of citric acid and 1/4 cup of water to form a paste.
2. Add 10 drops of essential oil (eucalyptus and mint are great for relaxation).
3. Mold the paste into small shapes using an ice cube tray and allow to harden overnight. You can also use silicone molds for quick and easy shapes.

9. DIY Lotion Cubes

Lotion cubes are compact moisturizers that make skincare easy and portable.

What you’ll need:

• Beeswax
• Shea butter
• Coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Melt equal parts of beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil in a double boiler.
2. Pour the mixture into silicone molds and allow to set.
3. Package the cubes in small gift bags or tins.

10. DIY Salt Mixes with Herbs

For the gourmet cooks in your life, herb-infused salt is a flavorful gift that’s also versatile.

What you’ll need:

• Sea salt
• Dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder) If you do not have dried herbs you can cook in the oven at 180 degrees for 3-4 hours.

Instructions:

1. Combine 1 cup of sea salt with 2 tablespoons of your chosen dried herbs.
2. Blend in a food processor for finer seasoning.
3. Pour into glass jars and label them with serving suggestions.

11. DIY Chocolate Spoons

Chocolate spoons are a festive way to stir hot drinks, making them an innovative and sweet gift!

What you’ll need:

• Plastic or wooden spoons
• Melting chocolate
• Sprinkles or crushed candy canes or marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Dip the spoons into melted chocolate, coating thoroughly.
2. Add sprinkles or crushed candy canes and marshmallows before the chocolate hardens.
3. Wrap the spoons in clear plastic and tie them with a bow.

12. DIY Honey Straws

These are perfect for tea lovers and simple to make.

What you’ll need:

• Honey
• Plastic straws
• Heat sealer

Instructions:

1. Use a heat sealer to seal one end of each straw.
2. Fill the straw with honey using a syringe or funnel.
3. Seal the other end with the heat sealer.

Wrap Your Creativity in Holiday Cheer

These heartfelt, handcrafted gifts will not only bring joy to your loved ones but also keep your holiday budget in check. By gifting something made with care—and not bought off the shelf—you’re sharing a little piece of yourself this holiday season.

No need to overthink your holiday shopping this year; grab one of these ideas and get started. Have another DIY gift idea to share? Post it in the comments below!

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12 Easy DIY Christmas Presents on a Budget

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Spread holiday joy with these 12 budget-friendly DIY Christmas gifts, from bath salts to chocolate spoons. Thoughtful, affordable, and personal – start crafting