Simple DIY Holiday Gifts Kids Can Make

Affordable, heartfelt, and easy crafts that help kids give with love this season

The holiday season is the perfect time to teach our little ones about the joy of giving. And what better way to do that than with thoughtful, homemade gifts they can create themselves? Not only do DIY gifts make sweet keepsakes, but they also keep kids entertained, spark creativity, and take some pressure off your holiday shopping list.

Whether your child is in preschool or a pre-teen, these gift ideas are simple, low-mess, and budget-friendly. Many can be made with items you already have at home or can grab affordably from your favorite craft store (or even Amazon – I’ll link some of our favorite supplies below!). Bonus: they’ll make grandparents, teachers, and friends smile from ear to ear!

1. Scented Homemade Playdough Jars

Perfect for toddlers and young kids, this soft and scented dough is a delight to make and even more fun to gift. Wrap it in a mason jar with a cute ribbon and tag that says, “Have a Dough-lightful Holiday!”

You’ll need:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 2 tbsp cream of tartar
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 cups water
• Essential oils (like peppermint or cinnamon)
• Food coloring

Shop this idea:
Colorful Mason Jars with Lids
Kid-Safe Essential Oils Set
Holiday-Themed Ribbon Set

2. Personalized Mugs with Sharpie Art

All you need is a plain white mug, oil-based Sharpie paint pens, and an oven. Let your child decorate their mug with holiday doodles or write a sweet message. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes to set the design!

Tip: These are great for teacher gifts when paired with hot cocoa or tea bags.

Get the look:
White Blank Ceramic Mugs (Set of 6)
Oil-Based Sharpie Paint Pens

3. Holiday Sugar Scrub Jars

Perfect for older kids and tweens! Let them mix sugar, coconut oil, and a few drops of essential oil to create a soothing scrub. Add some food coloring for holiday cheer, red peppermint, green eucalyptus, or a wintery blue lavender.

Gift tip: Add a wooden spoon or small scoop to each jar for a polished look.

DIY essentials:
Coconut Oil for Skincare
Mini Wooden Spoons (Bulk Pack)

4. Painted Wooden Ornaments

Let your little artists paint their own ornaments. Use wood slice blanks or flat wooden shapes from the dollar store or online. Add names, dates, and glitter for a little extra sparkle.

Add a tag that reads:
“Handmade with love for your tree!”

Grab supplies:
Unfinished Wood Slice Ornaments
Child-Safe Acrylic Paint Set

5. DIY Snow Globes

Kids love shaking these magical jars! Fill a small mason jar with water, glycerine, glitter, and a tiny holiday figurine glued to the lid. Seal it tightly, decorate the lid with fabric and ribbon, and ta-da, your own winter wonderland!

What you’ll need:

• Small figurines (like mini trees or snowmen)
• Clear mason jars
• Glycerin
• Glitter
• Hot glue gun (parental help needed)

Helpful links:
Mini Holiday Figurines (Assorted)
Vegetable Glycerin (8oz)

DIY gifts made by your kids are more than just crafts, they’re tiny treasures filled with love. They remind us that it’s not about how much we spend, but how much heart we put into giving. So this year, gather the kids, turn up the Christmas playlist, and create some handmade magic together.

And don’t worry, I’ve put together a printable checklist of all these gift ideas, including a mini shopping list and gift tag templates you can use. Would you like me to send that over next?