Great Ideas for DIY Gifts, Decorations and Dessert
There’s just something about homemade that makes Christmas extra special, don’t you think? But “homemade” doesn’t have to mean complicated. Simple is best.
If you’re like me, coming up with ideas is half the battle. And that’s why I’ve put together this little guide to help you so that you can have a homemade Christmas without the stress. Simple ideas for gifts, decorations and desserts.
Be sure to read to the end of the post, where I’m also linking up posts from other great bloggers for even more wonderful ideas!
Homemade Food Gifts
Make Your Own Extracts for Cooking and Gift Giving – Vanilla extract is lovely, but if you’re looking for something extra special try lemon, mint, almond, chocolate, or even coffee extract!
Fermented Cranberry-Apple Relish – a perfect hostess gift!
Skin Care
Homemade Lotion Bars – the perfect stocking stuffer, and free printables for labels are included.
Make Your Own Soap – this is not as simple as some of the other ideas, and needs to be made several weeks in advance so that it can cure. But homemade soap makes a really special gift.
Put together a DIY Lip Balm Kit – the young girls on your list will love this!
This and That
Know an insomniac? They’ll definitely appreciate an Herb Sleep Pillow .
Here are 10 Easy Ways to Turn a Canning Jar into a Gift. Lots of great ideas here and there’s something for everyone – a coin bank, oil lamp, sewing kit, match holder, and more.
This tutorial on Glass Etching will help you to turn an old jar or bottle into a treasure!
Homemade Decorations
How to Make a Beautiful Homemade Wreath
Desserts
Kruschiki: the Ultimate Christmas Cookie
Grain-Free Cheesecake Cookies
Mini cheesecake cookies with blackberry topping (in front) and raspberry topping (in rear).
Grain-Free Chocolate Almond Cookies
Winter Squash Pie – this one will rival any pumpkin pie, I promise!
More Inspiring Ideas From Some of my Favorite Bloggers
Herbal Holiday Wreaths from Tessa at Homestead Lady
10 Really Last Minute Homemade Christmas Ideas from Teri at Homestead Honey
DIY Christmas Gifts from Chris at Joybilee Farm
Homemade Christmas Gifts from Annie at Montana Homesteader
The Ultimate Homemade Holiday: The Best DIY Gift Ideas from Meredith at Imaginacres
Homemade Wassail Apple Cider Marshmallows from Tessa at Homestead Lady
One More Special Treat
And last but not least . . . a beautiful story to read aloud with your family.
Why the Chimes Rang by Raymond Macdonald Alden
Have some ideas of your own? Be sure to link up below!
Shared at: 12 Days of DIY Christmas, Homestead Barnhop
Thank you for visiting Learning And Yearning. May "the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Num 6:24-26
tracy says
There is also IPhone app for that (What to get my boyfriend), its very nice. It asks you questions about relationship and his character and in the end it gives you suggestions, of course you can set the budget and also his birthday reminder. There is a bunch of pretty cool (also DIY) ideas.
Brittany says
I love the idea of a homemade christmas! I also am trying to incorporate more natural elements but hey, if my littlest makes me a reindeer out of a clothes pin…I will love it just as much. 🙂
Rhonda Crank says
What a great article. I saw so many thoughtful gift ideas. I can’t wait to get started making some. I bookmarked this post so I can come back again and again to go through the hop posts and keep getting ideas. Thanks for pulling it all together. It’s wonderful.
Gail Mills says
Susan,
You’re Christmas idea photos are beautiful. It’s a great resource. Were these pictures saved from years past, or have you decorated for Christmas early? I’m so proud of you!
Susan Vinskofski says
Thank you, Gail. I definitely have not decorated yet!!!