Homemade Gifts For Kids: 9 Amazingly Simple Ideas

Christmas is a time to celebrate with your loved ones, and what better way to do that than by letting your kids make some homemade Christmas Gifts?

When it comes to Christmas gifts, there’s nothing quite as special as giving something you’ve made yourself. 

And who doesn’t love a homemade gift? 

Look no further if you’re looking for easy Christmas gifts for kids to help make at home. 

Whether you’re a crafty mom or dad, these 9 Christmas gift ideas for kids will be sure to please. 

From easy-peasy ornaments to delicious treats, these DIY Christmas gifts are perfect for the kiddos in your life. 

9 Homemade Christmas Gifts for Kids to Make 

Here are 10 easy Christmas present ideas that you can make: 

1. Making Homemade Holiday Wreaths 

Handmade holiday wreaths are the perfect inexpensive homemade Christmas gifts for kids to construct. All your friends and family will love receiving one of these, which you may fashion into whatever form you choose. 

Making a Christmas wreath at home can be a fun and rewarding craft project.

Here are step-by-step directions to help you create a beautiful Christmas wreath:

Materials you’ll need:

1. 1. Wire wreath frame or a circular foam wreath base

1. 1. Greenery of your choice (pine, fir, cedar, holly, eucalyptus, etc.)

1. 1. Florist wire or green floral wire

1. 1. Wire cutters

1. 1. Decorative elements (pinecones, berries, ornaments, ribbons, etc.)

1. 1. Hot glue gun and glue sticks (optional)

Step 1: Gather your materials Ensure you have all the materials mentioned above. You can find the wreath frame and greenery at craft stores, nurseries, or even in your backyard.

Step 2: Prepare the greenery Trim the greenery into smaller sprigs or use individual branches. Aim for pieces that are about 6 to 8 inches in length to make it easier to work with.

Step 3: Attach the greenery to the wreath frame Take a sprig of greenery and place it on the wreath frame. Use the florist wire to secure the stem of the greenery to the frame. Wrap the wire around the stem and frame a few times to hold it firmly in place. Continue this process, overlapping the greenery as you go, until the entire wreath frame is covered. Make sure there are no empty spaces and the greenery looks even and full.

Step 4: Add decorative elements Now it’s time to add some festive decorations. You can use pinecones, artificial berries, ornaments, or ribbons to give your wreath a holiday touch. If you’re using a hot glue gun, dab a small amount of glue onto the back of each decoration and press it into the greenery. Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot glue. Alternatively, you can also use florist wire to attach the decorations.

Step 5: Check for gaps and fill in Inspect your wreath for any bare spots or gaps. If you notice any, add more greenery or decorations to cover them up and create a balanced look.

Step 6: Hang your wreath Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, use a loop of ribbon or a wreath hanger to hang your creation on the door, wall, or wherever you desire.

Step 7: Add a bow (optional) If you want to add an extra touch, you can make a bow using a festive ribbon and attach it to the bottom or top of your wreath.

Step 8: Display and enjoy Your Christmas wreath is now complete! Hang it up and enjoy the festive atmosphere it brings to your home.

Remember, you can get creative with your Christmas wreath by using different types of greenery, decorations, and colors that match your holiday theme. Have fun and let your imagination guide you!

2. Cardboard box piggy banks 

Making piggy banks out of recycled cardboard is another simple yet thoughtful Christmas present idea for your bundles of joy! 

Creating a cardboard piggy bank box can be a fun and practical craft, especially if you want to encourage saving money. They also can be cute homemade Christmas gifts for kids to enjoy all throughout the year!

Here are step-by-step directions to make your own cardboard piggy bank box:

Materials you’ll need:

1. 1. Cardboard box (you can use an empty cereal box, shoebox, or any other small cardboard box)

1. 1. Craft knife or scissors

1. 1. Ruler

1. 1. Pencil

1. 1. Acrylic paint, markers, or decorative paper (optional for decorating)

1. 1. Glue or double-sided tape

1. 1. Stickers, googly eyes, or other embellishments (optional for extra fun)

Step 1: Prepare the cardboard box Choose a suitable cardboard box for your piggy bank. Remove any stickers or labels from the box and make sure it’s clean and dry.

Step 2: Design the piggy bank shape Decide on the shape you want for your piggy bank. The classic piggy bank shape is like a rounded cube with a small slit on top for inserting coins or bills. Draw the outline of the piggy bank onto the cardboard box using a pencil and a ruler.

Step 3: Cut out the shape Using a craft knife or scissors, carefully cut along the outline you drew. Be cautious while cutting to avoid accidental injuries.

Step 4: Create the coin slot On the top of the box, draw a small rectangular slot where you will insert the money. Make sure it’s wide enough to fit coins and folded bills. Use the craft knife to cut out the slot.

Step 5: Decorate the piggy bank (optional) You can leave the cardboard box as it is, or you can get creative and decorate it to make it look like a pig. You can use acrylic paint to paint the box pink (or any other color you prefer), use markers to draw on facial features, or even glue decorative paper for a more colorful design. Add stickers or googly eyes for extra fun and personality.

Step 6: Assemble the piggy bank If you used paint or markers for decorating, make sure they are completely dry before proceeding. Then, fold along the edges of the box and use glue or double-sided tape to secure the sides in place, forming the piggy bank shape.

Step 7: Seal the bottom (optional) To make it more challenging to access the money inside, you can tape the bottom of the piggy bank shut. This way, you’ll have to break open the piggy bank when it’s full to retrieve the savings.

Step 8: Start saving! Your cardboard piggy bank box is now ready to use! Place it in a prominent spot in your room or on your desk and start saving your coins and bills.

Remember, you can personalize your piggy bank in any way you like, and you can get creative with the decorations. Happy crafting and saving!

3. Decorating Cookies

On the lookout for simple DIY holiday presents for kids? 

How about the timeless Christmas tradition of baking and decorating cookies?

Decorating Christmas cookies is a delightful and festive activity that brings joy to both the baker and those who get to enjoy the delicious treats.

Here are some creative ideas for decorating Christmas cookies:

1. Classic Royal Icing: Use royal icing as a base for your cookie decorations. It’s smooth and dries to a hard, glossy finish, making it perfect for detailed designs.

2. Christmas Tree Forest: Decorate sugar cookies with green royal icing to resemble Christmas trees. Add colorful sprinkles, edible pearls, or tiny star-shaped candies as ornaments. You can even dust some powdered sugar on top to mimic snow.

3. Ugly Sweater Cookies: Create cookies in the shape of ugly Christmas sweaters. Use different colors of royal icing to make festive patterns, such as snowflakes, reindeer, or Christmas lights.

4. Stained Glass Cookies: Make cut-out cookies and create “stained glass” designs using crushed hard candies in the center. When baked, the candy melts and creates a beautiful translucent effect.

5. Snow Globe Cookies: Cut out round cookies and decorate them with a winter scene using royal icing. To give them a snow globe effect, pipe a clear border around the edge and add “snow” with white sprinkles or sugar.

6. Reindeer Faces: Decorate round cookies with brown royal icing and add eyes, a red candy nose, and pretzel antlers to turn them into adorable reindeer faces.

7. Gingerbread House Cookies: Instead of making full-sized gingerbread houses, create smaller house-shaped cookies and decorate them with various candies and icing to resemble festive homes.

8. Candy Cane Stripes: Dip half of your cookie in white royal icing, then dip the other half in red. Drag a toothpick across the border between the two colors to create a candy cane stripe effect.

9. Santa Hats: Decorate triangle-shaped cookies with red royal icing for the hat and add a white border at the bottom. Use tiny white edible pearls to create the fluffy fur trim.

10. Hot Cocoa Mugs: Create rectangular cookies and decorate them with brown royal icing to resemble mugs of hot cocoa. Add mini marshmallows using white icing or actual mini marshmallows.

11. Snowflake Cookies: Use white royal icing to pipe intricate snowflake designs onto blue or gray cookies. You can even add edible glitter or silver sprinkles for extra sparkle.

12. Peppermint Swirls: Roll out your cookie dough and sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top. As you roll the dough, the peppermint candy will create a beautiful swirled effect.

13. Christmas Character Cookies: Decorate cookies to look like Santa Claus, snowmen, elves, penguins, or any other Christmas characters you love.

Remember to let your creativity flow, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, shapes, and decorations. Christmas cookie decorating is all about having fun and spreading holiday cheer!

4. Painting with Watercolors 

Using watercolors to create Christmas pictures is a fantastic and fun activity for kids, and the finished paintings can make lovely gifts for family and friends. 

Here are some creative and enjoyable ways to use watercolors for your kids to paint Christmas pictures as gifts:

1. Watercolor Christmas Cards: Have your kids paint small Christmas-themed pictures on blank cards using watercolors. They can create scenes like a snowy landscape, a decorated Christmas tree, or a jolly Santa Claus. Once the cards are dry, they can write heartfelt messages inside and give them as personalized Christmas cards to loved ones.

2. Watercolor Gift Tags: Cut out gift tags from sturdy watercolor paper and let your kids paint festive designs on them. They can use bright colors, glitter, and even add some holiday-themed stickers for extra flair. Attach the gift tags to presents for an extra special touch.

3. Watercolor Ornaments: Provide your kids with circular watercolor paper or pre-cut cardboard circles. Let them paint beautiful Christmas ornaments with watercolors. Once dry, punch a hole at the top and thread a ribbon through it to create unique and personalized ornaments that can be hung on the Christmas tree.

4. Watercolor Bookmarks: Cut out long rectangular shapes from watercolor paper and let your kids create beautiful bookmarks with Christmas-themed illustrations. They can paint snowflakes, reindeer, candy canes, or anything that reminds them of the holiday season. Laminate the bookmarks for durability.

5. Watercolor Gift Wrapping: Use plain white or brown gift wrapping paper and let your kids paint Christmas-themed designs all over it using watercolors. They can make patterns, paint Christmas trees, stars, or even write festive messages. Wrap presents with their special wrapping paper to make the gifts extra memorable.

6. Watercolor Winter Scenes: Encourage your kids to paint enchanting winter landscapes with snow-covered trees, twinkling stars, and cozy houses using watercolors. These beautiful scenes can be framed and gifted to family members to hang up during the holiday season.

7. Watercolor Stockings: Cut out stocking shapes from watercolor paper and let your kids paint them in vibrant colors. They can add patterns, polka dots, or paint them to look like classic Christmas stockings. Attach a ribbon loop to the top to hang them up as decorations.

8. Watercolor Christmas Collages: Provide your kids with different Christmas-themed shapes and illustrations cut out from watercolor paper or magazines. They can use watercolors to paint over the pieces and create beautiful Christmas collages on larger watercolor paper or cardboard.

9. Watercolor Calendars: Have your kids paint each month of the year with festive watercolor illustrations, including Christmas-themed pictures for December. Compile the paintings into a personalized calendar that they can gift to family members.

Remember to let your kids’ imaginations run wild and allow them to explore their creativity with watercolors. The process of creating these Christmas pictures will be as delightful as receiving the finished gifts!

5. Making Gingerbread Houses 

Creating an amazing Christmas gingerbread house is a festive and enjoyable activity that can be a centerpiece for your holiday decorations. Here are step-by-step directions to guide you through the process:

Materials you’ll need:

1. Gingerbread house template or pattern (you can find printable templates online)
2. Gingerbread dough (homemade or store-bought)
3. Parchment paper or non-stick baking mat
4. Rolling pin
5. Baking sheets
6. Royal icing (homemade or store-bought)
7. Pastry bags or plastic sandwich bags for piping
8. Candy and decorations of your choice (gumdrops, candy canes, pretzels, chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc.)

Step 1: Prepare the gingerbread dough Follow your chosen gingerbread dough recipe and prepare the dough. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to make it easier to work with.

Step 2: Print and cut out the gingerbread house template If you’re using a printable template, print it out and cut along the edges to create the individual pieces (walls, roof, etc.). You can also make your own template if you prefer.

Step 3: Roll out the dough Preheat your oven according to your gingerbread dough recipe instructions. Place a sheet of parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat on a flat surface. Roll out the gingerbread dough to an even thickness (usually around 1/4 inch) on the parchment paper or baking mat.

Step 4: Cut out the gingerbread house pieces Place the gingerbread house template pieces on the rolled-out dough. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to carefully cut out each piece. Transfer the cut-out pieces to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Bake the gingerbread pieces Bake the gingerbread pieces in the preheated oven according to your dough recipe instructions. They usually take around 10-15 minutes to bake, but keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Assemble the gingerbread house Prepare your royal icing. It should be thick and stiff enough to hold the gingerbread pieces together. Use a pastry bag or plastic sandwich bag with a small hole cut in the corner to pipe the icing onto the edges of the gingerbread pieces as you assemble the house. Allow each side to set before adding the next.

Step 7: Decorate the gingerbread house Once the gingerbread house is assembled and the icing has set, it’s time to have fun decorating! Use the royal icing to attach candies and decorations to the house. Get creative with your design and add details like windows, doors, a chimney, and any other festive elements you like.

Step 8: Let it dry Allow the gingerbread house to sit undisturbed for several hours or overnight to ensure the icing and decorations are firmly set.

Step 9: Display and enjoy Your amazing Christmas gingerbread house is now complete! Find a prominent spot to display it in your home, and enjoy the festive and delicious centerpiece throughout the holiday season.

Creating a gingerbread house can be a bit time-consuming, but the end result is well worth the effort. It’s a delightful tradition that brings joy and holiday spirit to your home, and a homemade Christmas gift that every kid can enjoy constructing! 

6. Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix 

The best hot cocoa mix recipe for gifts is not only delicious but also easy to put together and beautifully presented. 

Here’s a delightful hot cocoa mix recipe that will make a thoughtful and heartwarming gift for your loved ones:

Ingredients:

For the Hot Cocoa Mix:

• 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 cups dry milk powder
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for an extra festive touch)

For Packaging and Presentation:

• Small glass jars with airtight lids or decorative tins
• Cellophane bags or clear gift bags
• Festive ribbons or twine
• Gift tags or labels

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and dry milk powder until well combined.

2. Add the semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to the mixture and stir thoroughly. The chocolate will add extra creaminess and richness to the hot cocoa.

3. If you’re including mini marshmallows in the mix, gently fold them in, distributing them evenly throughout the mix.

4. Carefully scoop the hot cocoa mix into small glass jars with airtight lids or decorative tins. Fill them up to the top, leaving a little room for shaking.

5. Seal the jars or tins tightly to keep the mix fresh and prevent moisture from getting in.

6. For added presentation, place the jars or tins in cellophane bags or clear gift bags. Tie each bag with festive ribbons or twine.

7. Attach gift tags or labels with instructions for making the hot cocoa. You can include a note like, “Add 2 tablespoons of the mix to 1 cup of hot milk or water. Stir well and enjoy!”

8. Optionally, you can include a small decorative whisk or a candy cane as a stirrer to add an extra touch of charm to the gift.

9. To complete the gift, package the hot cocoa mix in a decorative gift box or basket along with a holiday-themed mug.

Tips:

• You can personalize the hot cocoa mix by adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or a hint of peppermint extract for a festive twist.
• If you know the recipient’s taste preferences, you can adjust the sweetness or richness of the mix accordingly.

This hot cocoa mix is not only delicious and comforting, but it also shows that you’ve put thought and effort into creating a special gift. Your loved ones will appreciate the gesture and warm up with joy when they enjoy a cup of this delightful hot cocoa. Happy gifting!

7. Making Custom Christmas Name Tags 

Making custom Christmas name tags adds a personal and festive touch to your holiday gifts and table settings. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or giving presents to family and friends, creating custom name tags allows you to make each person feel extra special. Here’s how you can make beautiful and unique Christmas name tags:

Materials you’ll need:
– Blank name tag cards or sturdy cardstock paper
– Scissors or a paper trimmer
– Hole puncher
– Ribbon or twine
– Festive stickers, rubber stamps, or holiday-themed embellishments
– Colored markers or calligraphy pens
– Glue or double-sided tape

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Prepare the name tag cards: Start by cutting the blank name tag cards from the cardstock paper if you don’t have pre-made name tags. You can create classic rectangular or square name tags or experiment with fun shapes like Christmas trees, ornaments, or snowflakes.

2. Decorate the name tags: Get creative with the decorations! Use festive stickers, rubber stamps, or holiday-themed embellishments to add Christmas flair to the name tags. You can include images of snowmen, reindeer, holly, or other festive motifs.

3. Personalize with names: Write or print the names of your guests on each name tag. If you have beautiful handwriting or calligraphy skills, you can use colored markers or calligraphy pens to add a personal and elegant touch. Alternatively, you can print the names using a festive font and glue them onto the name tags.

4. Add hole and tie: Punch a hole near the top of each name tag, and then thread a ribbon or twine through the hole. You can use a single color or mix and match different colors to complement your Christmas theme.

5. Attach to gifts or place settings: Once your custom Christmas name tags are ready, you can attach them to the gifts you’re giving or use them as place settings for your Christmas dinner table. Simply tie the name tags around gift boxes or gift bags with the ribbon or twine, or place them on top of each dinner plate to create a charming and organized table setting.

6. Optional extra touches: To make the name tags even more special, consider adding small decorative elements such as a sprig of holly, a jingle bell, or a mini ornament tied to the ribbon or twine.

7. Enjoy the festive spirit: Your custom Christmas name tags will add a heartwarming and personalized touch to your holiday celebrations. Your guests will appreciate the effort you put into making them feel cherished and included in the Christmas festivities.

Remember to have fun and let your creativity shine when making these custom Christmas name tags. The extra effort you put into these small details will make your holiday gatherings and gift-giving even more memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved.

8. DIY Christmas Ornaments 

Making homemade Christmas ornaments is a delightful and meaningful activity for kids, and giving them as gifts adds a personal touch that will be cherished by the recipients. Here are some creative and fun ideas for kids to make homemade Christmas ornaments as gifts:

1. Salt Dough Ornaments: Mix equal parts flour, salt, and water to create a salt dough. Kids can roll out the dough, use cookie cutters to create festive shapes (like stars, trees, and snowflakes), and then use a straw to make a hole at the top for hanging. Once baked and cooled, they can paint the ornaments with acrylic paints and add glitter or other decorations.

2. Popsicle Stick Ornaments: Using popsicle sticks, kids can create various shapes like snowflakes, reindeer, or Christmas trees. Glue the sticks together, paint them in festive colors, and add glitter, ribbons, and googly eyes to bring the ornaments to life.

3. Felt Ornaments: Cut out shapes from colorful felt and let the kids decorate them with fabric paint, sequins, and beads. Sew or glue two pieces together and add a ribbon loop for hanging.

4. Beaded Ornaments: Provide kids with a variety of beads in different colors and sizes. They can string the beads onto a pipe cleaner or craft wire to create beautiful beaded ornaments in various shapes like candy canes, stars, or angels.

5. Paper Mache Ornaments: Dip strips of newspaper into a mixture of water and flour or use paper mache paste. Kids can cover balloons, cardboard cutouts, or even old Christmas ornaments with the paper mache to create unique and textured ornaments. Once dry, they can paint and decorate them.

6. Pinecone Ornaments: Collect pinecones from the yard or a nature walk and let the kids paint them in festive colors. They can also add a dusting of white or silver paint to create a snowy effect. Attach a ribbon loop to the top for hanging.

7. Button Ornaments: Kids can arrange and glue buttons of different sizes and colors onto cardboard or wooden cutouts to make adorable button ornaments. Add a ribbon or twine loop for hanging.

8. Handprint or Thumbprint Ornaments: Using air-dry clay or salt dough, kids can make impressions of their hands or thumbs. Once dry, they can paint the prints to resemble Santa Claus, snowmen, or reindeer.

9. Cinnamon Ornaments: Mix together cinnamon and applesauce to create a dough with a lovely holiday scent. Kids can roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to make ornaments. Once dry, they can be decorated with paint or left natural.

10. Mason Jar Lid Ornaments: Use mason jar lids as a base for ornaments. Kids can glue festive paper or fabric to the inside of the lid and then add small decorations like mini figurines or jingle bells.

Remember to provide supervision and assistance as needed, depending on the age of the kids. These homemade Christmas ornaments will not only be treasured gifts but also cherished keepsakes that hold the memories of a special holiday season filled with creativity and love.

9. Making Homemade Playdough 

Making homemade playdough is a wonderful and thoughtful gift for kids, as it provides them with endless hours of creative and imaginative play. Homemade playdough is easy to make, safe, and can be customized with various colors and scents. Here’s why it’s a great gift and a simple recipe to make it:

Benefits of Homemade Playdough as a Gift for Kids:
1. Personalized Touch: When you make playdough at home, you can customize it to suit the child’s favorite colors or scents, making the gift more special and tailored to their preferences.

2. Non-Toxic and Safe: Homemade playdough typically uses child-safe ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought versions that may contain unnecessary chemicals.

3. Sensory Play: Playdough encourages sensory play, which is beneficial for children’s cognitive and fine motor skill development.

4. Creativity and Imagination: Playing with playdough allows kids to explore their creativity and imagination, fostering open-ended play and artistic expression.

5. Cost-Effective: Making playdough at home is cost-effective, especially when you need to make multiple gifts. Plus, it’s a fun and easy activity for parents and children to do together.

Homemade Playdough Recipe:

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3/4 cup salt
– 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
– 1 1/2 cups boiling water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Food coloring or liquid watercolors (optional)
– Essential oils for scent (optional)
– Glitter or small decorative items (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.

2. If you want scented playdough, add a few drops of essential oil at this stage. You can use scents like lavender, peppermint, or lemon, depending on the child’s preferences.

3. If you wish to add color to the playdough, mix a few drops of food coloring or liquid watercolors into the boiling water. You can create multiple colors by dividing the dough into portions and adding different colors to each.

4. Slowly pour the boiling water with added color (or plain boiling water if you’re not using color) into the dry ingredients while stirring continuously.

5. Add the vegetable oil to the mixture and continue stirring until it forms a dough.

6. Once the dough is cool enough to handle, knead it on a clean surface for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.

7. If you want to add some extra sparkle, mix in glitter or small decorative items like sequins at this stage.

8. Divide the playdough into portions and store each portion in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.

9. Create a personalized label or gift tag for the playdough container, and your homemade playdough gift is ready to be presented to the lucky child!

Kids will adore receiving this fun and creative gift. They can use it to sculpt, mold, and create to their heart’s content, fostering endless hours of imaginative play and enjoyment.

Content Takeaways 

It can be tricky shopping for kids, especially if you don’t know what they want. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on gifts – with a bit of creativity and some basic supplies. 

You can whip up some easy ideas for Christmas presents that your kids will love with these 9 ideas for Christmas gifts that you can make at home! 

Author Bio 

Lisa Sisson is the Marketing Manager at Find Me A Gift. Being a shopping fanatic, Lisa is always on the lookout for seeking trending products and gift ideas for her readers. She loves picking people’s brains to figure out what gifts would fascinate them and leave them awe-struck. When she’s out of office, you’ll find her baking biscuits for her family and friends.