With Christmas just around the corner, handmade gifts are the ultimate expression of thoughtfulness. You’re giving not just an item, but a moment, a creative spark, a personal touch, with the person in mind. This year, instead of heading to the mall, why not gift something crafted with love—whether it’s a scented candle, a watercolor keepsake, or a crocheted accessory. You’ll be skipping long lines and you’d probably use the stuff that’s already in your pantry or art supplies with these simple projects.
1. Scented Candles (and Candle Alternatives)
Candles are magical. They light up a space, lift spirits, and infuse homes with scents that often brings you down the memory lane. My personal favorites are candles with scents often associated with autumn such as vanilla, orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and pumpkin latte because somehow these smells make me feel warm. Below are some quick DIY recipes if you want to explore this gift option:
- Basic DIY scented candles: Melt soy wax flakes, secure a wick in a jar (like those mason jars lying around), add 80–120 drops of your favorite essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, citrus are festive picks), let the wax set, trim the wick, and you’re done. Quick and serene. Watch this video by Raw Essentials:
- Trend alert: Candle Sand: A fresh, user-friendly way to make candles—pour colored wax beads into any heat-safe container, stick in a wick, and light. Safe, customizable, and ideal for upcycling jars.
- Here’s where I get my supplies locally when my kids and I made candles for homeschooling science and art lesson: Raw Essentials
2. Crocheted Goodies: Bags, Coin Purses, and Cozy Covers
Why crochet is cozy: Each stitch embodies time, care, and warmth—perfect for small gifts or thoughtful tokens.
- Crocheted Bag: Simple designs, ideal for beginners.
- Kitty Keychains: Cats are simply the most adorable creatures in the planet, don’t you agree? That’s why I chose this kitty keychain crochet idea to feature here, the project is simply cute!
- Seasonal cozies: Crochet mug cozies add charm and function—like wrapping a mug in a knitted “sweater.” Here’s one site I came across while browsing for cozies that you. might want to check as she included a patter and the project is cute: https://sarahmaker.com/crochet-can-cozy/
- Here’s a cute one from another maker (link and photo below): https://www.acrochetedsimplicity.com/crochet-mug-cozy/
3. Watercolor Postcards, Handwritten Cards & Framed Paintings
Why they’re enduring: Art and heartfelt words last, layering memory and beauty into simple things. My kids and I while they were still homeschooling would start painting Christmas cards this time of the year as a weekly project which we then give away to our relatives with hand-written notes. Their grandparents still keep the cards to this day!
- Watercolor postcards or prints: Easy to customize with festive motifs—star lanterns (locally called “parol”), bedazzled Christmas trees, winter scene, nativity scene, etc. Print your originals or mail them as handwritten delights.
- Framed paintings: Even small formats make love gifts to hang in the house as decor that could also go with your recipient’s Christmas decor.
- Acrylic pour artworks: This is another type of artwork that might just be fun to do as well and with materials that are quite easy to source out. Please read my blog below for a few basic pouring techniques for ideas:
4. Beaded or Braided Bracelets
Why they’re charming: Jewelry is personal, wearable, and quick to make—great for stocking stuffers. There are several kits for making them that are available online (shopping apps and websites) in case you want to skip the line in malls during the Christmas buying spree, like this one:
But if you already have the supplies in your stash, get creative and start assembling the bracelets. I personally find making these bracelets super fun and relaxing!
This Christmas, let your gifts be more than things—let them be expressions of time, imagination, and care. Handmade, from a glowing candle or a crocheted pouch to a brush-stroked postcard, these treasures bring joy not just in what they are, but in what they mean. Enjoy crafting! ❤
And ooh, this is just first part of a few series about gift ideas for Christmas that I plan to write in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
xoxo,
Grass
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