Holiday Gift Guide for Everyone on Your List, DIY Style
The holidays look a little different this year, and with all the highs and lows 2020 has brought us, my family decided that we're not going to exchange gifts this year. Talk about a weight off my shoulders -- for the first time in a long time I won't be stressing over finding the perfect gift for my mom (aka, the woman who has everything), worrying about shipping delays, package thief's trolling my neighborhood, or fighting my way through crowded stores before the hottest items sell out. And I am here for it! BUT, I do still want to show my loved ones that I care for them, and for me that means putting my energy into a DIY (do-it-yourself) holiday gift.
Below are some of the DIY holiday gifts I'm making for family and friends this year, and I hope by sharing this list it inspires you to make your own DIY holiday gifts or spurs ideas to find the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list!
DIY Holiday Gift Guide
For the Self-Care Seeker
Self-care, self-love, being more mindful -- however you define it, has definitely been important this year. We can't pour from an empty cup, so I'm a big believer in taking care of #1 (i.e. you!). For the self-care seekers on your holiday gift list, try making one or all of these. And while you're at it, don't forget to make an extra batch for yourself!
Lip and Body Scrub
- Mix equal parts coconut oil and coconut sugar in a bowl
- Transfer into small containers and cap with a lid
Hydrating & Healing Honey Clay Face Mask
- Mix together 2T raw honey, 2T apple cider vinegar, 2T avocado oil and 5 drops each of sweet orange, cedarwood & frankincense essential oils.
- Add 1/4 cup bentonite clay and stir vigorously until completely smooth.
- Transfer to containers and seal with a lid.
Homemade Candle
What you need:
- container, such as an old candle holder, tea cup or recycled jar (must be heat-proof)
- wax (soy or paraffin are good options)
- fragrance and coloring (use only fragrance oils and liquid dies that are specific to candle making)
- wick
- double boiler
To make:
- Place wax in the top saucepan of the double boiler. Fill the bottom saucepan 1/3 of the way high with water and bring water to a boil.
- Stir the wax with a wooden stick until it melts completely.
- Add 1/2 oz. fragrance oil and 1/2 oz. coloring and stir to incorporate.
- Pour wax into the heat-safe container.
- Quickly insert a wick into the center.
- Allow wax to cool and harden for several hours. Then trim the wick leaving 1 inch for lighting.
For the Hostess with the Mostest
Even though the holiday celebrations will be limited to immediate family members this year (or whomever is in your quarantine bubble!), the hostess on your holiday gift list is sure to love a DIY gift that she can display for years to come.
Holiday Wreath
- Head to your local arts and crafts supply store and pick up an entwined bundle of twigs to use as the base of the wreath.
- Decide if you want to add ribbon, ornaments, pinecones, etc. to your wreath and grab those items as well.
- Don't forget a hot glue gun and wire to attach your embellishments!
- To make: shape the ribbon as you wish and tie to the base of the wreath with wire. Glue ornaments and other embellishments to the wreath.
Homemade Ornaments
The possibilities with ornaments are endless as you can make them out of pretty much anything from popsicle sticks, colored paper and even candy!
For the Foodie Connoisseur
Let's be honest, food is the way to anyone's heart, and that's especially true for the foodies in your life. Surprise the foodie connoisseur on your holiday gift list with one of these DIY foodie gifts.
Charcuterie Board
- The best thing about a charcuterie board is that there's no way to do it wrong. Decide whether you want it to be savory, sweet, or both, and then pick up the fixings from your local grocer.
- Assemble the fixings (this can be anything from cheeses, meats, veggies, crackers, chocolates, etc.) on a wooden board, and ta-da! your charcuterie board is ready. Wrap it up in plastic wrap and tie a bow on it to deliver to your foodie friend.
Christmas Cookies
- You can never go wrong with home baked cookies for the foodies on your holiday gift list. Whether you have several go-to cookie recipes that you make every year, or are a first-time cookie baker, freshly baked cookies never disappoint! Here's a list of 100+ cookies you'll want to make again and again.
I hope this inspires some DIY gift ideas for the people on your list this year. Leave a comment below and let me know what you're doing to make, or if you have an idea I haven't thought of here, let me know that too! Happy holidays, mindful snackers!