15 Christmas Gift Ideas to Make for Under £35
Christmas is a time for giving, and there’s something extra special about creating a gift with your own two hands. Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply want to give something personal and meaningful, DIY gifts can offer both charm and thoughtfulness. You don’t need to spend a fortune to give something meaningful. With a little creativity, you can make beautiful, memorable gifts that show just how much you care.
1. Homemade Scented Candles
Cost: £10-£15
Candles are a classic gift, and homemade scented candles add a personal touch that store-bought varieties can’t match. You can buy candle-making kits for around £10-£15, or use simple supplies like wax flakes, fragrance oils, and wicks, which are available from craft stores. Experiment with seasonal scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or pine for a cozy Christmas vibe. You can even customize the candles with decorative jars or labels, making them unique for each recipient.
DIY Instructions:
- Melt wax flakes in a double boiler.
- Add fragrance oils when the wax is fully melted.
- Attach the wick to the bottom of your jar with glue.
- Pour the wax into the jar, let it cool, and trim the wick.
2. Personalized Photo Frame
Cost: £5-£15
A customized photo frame is a thoughtful and personal gift that can showcase cherished memories. You can purchase plain wooden frames for around £5-£10 and decorate them with paint, fabric, buttons, or even decoupage techniques. Add a favourite photo of the recipient or leave the frame empty for them to fill with their own special moments.
DIY Instructions:
- Choose a plain wooden frame and sand it lightly if needed.
- Paint or decorate with fabric, buttons, ribbons, or paper cutouts.
- Insert a photo that reflects a special memory or moment.
3. Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Cost: £5-£10
Hot chocolate is a comforting winter treat, and a homemade hot chocolate mix in a jar makes for a charming and inexpensive gift. Layer cocoa powder, powdered milk, and mini marshmallows in a jar and add a festive ribbon and a little gift tag. You can also include instructions for making the perfect hot chocolate: just add hot water or milk!
DIY Instructions:
- Layer cocoa powder, powdered milk, sugar, and marshmallows in a jar.
- Add a cute ribbon and a small card with preparation instructions.
4. Baked Goods or Cookie Mix Jar
Cost: £5-£15
For those who love baking, a jar of homemade cookies or a DIY cookie mix in a jar is an ideal gift. You can bake a batch of your favorite cookies and package them up in a festive tin or gift box, or alternatively, create a cookie mix in a jar where all the dry ingredients are layered beautifully for the recipient to bake at home. For a fun twist, you could also include a small rolling pin or cookie cutters to complete the set.
DIY Instructions:
- For cookies: Bake your favourite cookies and package them in a box or tin with decorative wrapping.
- For cookie mix: Layer the dry ingredients in a mason jar with a tag for the baking instructions.
5. Knitted Scarf or Hat
Cost: £10-£25
If you know how to knit or crochet, a homemade scarf or hat is a thoughtful and warm gift perfect for winter. You can buy yarn in a variety of colours and textures for under £25 and create something unique. Knitting or crocheting may take some time, but the effort will be greatly appreciated by anyone who receives this cozy gift.
DIY Instructions:
- Choose a yarn and knitting or crochet pattern.
- Knit or crochet the scarf or hat in a size and colour that suits the recipient.
- Finish with a fringe or pom-pom for added flair.
6. Personalized Mugs
Cost: £5-£10
Personalized mugs are a practical yet fun gift idea. You can buy plain ceramic mugs for around £2-£5 and decorate them with porcelain pens or paint. Create custom designs, quotes, or even hand-drawn illustrations that hold meaning for the recipient. Once the paint has dried, bake the mug in the oven to set the design.
DIY Instructions:
- Use a ceramic mug as a base.
- Decorate with permanent markers or porcelain paint.
- Bake to set the design according to the instructions on your supplies.
7. Christmas Bath Salts or Sugar Scrub
Cost: £5-£10
Give the gift of relaxation with homemade bath salts or a sugar scrub. Bath salts are easy to make with Epsom salt, sea salt, and essential oils. Sugar scrubs, on the other hand, can be made with coconut oil, sugar, and your favorite scents. Package them in small jars or bottles and decorate with a ribbon or festive label for a spa-inspired Christmas gift.
DIY Instructions for Bath Salts:
- Mix Epsom salts with sea salt and a few drops of essential oils.
- Add dried lavender or other flowers for a decorative touch.
DIY Instructions for Sugar Scrub:
- Combine sugar with coconut oil and essential oils.
- Add a few drops of food colouring or glitter for a festive touch.
8. Photo Album or Scrapbook
Cost: £15-£30
A photo album or scrapbook is an incredibly meaningful gift, especially if you’ve curated it with special memories. You can buy a basic photo album for a small price and fill it with photos, quotes, ticket stubs, and other memorabilia. Personalize it further with decorative elements, like stickers or hand-written notes.
DIY Instructions:
- Select photos and mementos to include.
- Organize them in a scrapbook or photo album.
- Add creative decorations, journaling, or personal notes.
9. Embroidered Tea Towels
Cost: £5-£12
Hand-embroidered items like tea towels make for lovely and practical Christmas gifts. You can buy plain cotton tea towels for just a few pounds and embroider festive designs, initials, or little sayings. Embroidery is a relaxing and enjoyable craft, and it’s an excellent way to create a personalized gift that will be used every day.
DIY Instructions:
- Buy plain cotton tea towels.
- Use embroidery floss to stitch designs, words, or patterns.
- Add a personal touch with initials or a Christmas message.
10. Christmas-Themed Plant Pots
Cost: £5-£15
A potted plant is a wonderful gift, and you can easily make it extra special by decorating the pot yourself. You can paint or decoupage a simple flower pot with Christmas designs like snowflakes, holly, or stars. Pair it with a small plant, such as a succulent, and you have a gift that adds a bit of greenery and warmth to any space.
DIY Instructions:
- Decorate a terracotta or ceramic pot with paints, markers, or fabric.
- Add a small plant or succulent in the pot, and include care instructions.
11. Upcycled Sweater Mittens
Cost: £10-£20
Give new life to old sweaters by turning them into cozy mittens. This is a fantastic upcycling project, and the mittens are not only eco-friendly but also stylish and warm. You can easily find a pattern online, and if you don’t have an old sweater to repurpose, you can often find affordable woolen garments at thrift shops.
DIY Instructions:
- Use an old sweater or thick knit fabric to cut out mitten shapes.
- Sew the pieces together and add a soft lining, if desired.
- Add a fun button or embroidery for decoration.
12. Personalized Keychains
Cost: £5-£10
Keychains are a small yet meaningful gift that can be easily personalized. You can make them using materials like polymer clay, wood, or leather. Create something that represents the recipient’s interests or initials, making it a one-of-a-kind accessory. Keychains can also be decorated with beads, charms, or mini photos.
DIY Instructions:
- Choose your material (wood, clay, leather).
- Personalize with initials, names, or decorative designs.
- Add a keyring and any other embellishments.
13. Homemade Jams or Preserves
Cost: £10-£20
If you enjoy cooking, making homemade jams or preserves is a thoughtful gift that can be used all year long. Choose seasonal fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or citrus for a festive touch. Package the jars in pretty gift boxes or with decorative fabric tops and ribbons.
DIY Instructions:
- Cook your chosen fruit with sugar and pectin to make jam.
- Pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal them.
- Decorate with ribbons, fabric, and labels.
14. Decorative Wooden Coasters
Cost: £10-£20
Handmade wooden coasters make a charming and functional gift. You can buy plain wooden coasters from craft stores and decorate them with paint, wood burning, or decoupage. Customizing them with designs or personal messages adds a special touch.
DIY Instructions:
- Sand and paint plain wooden coasters.
- Add designs, patterns, or initials.
- Finish with a clear sealant to protect the design.
15. Christmas Stockings
Cost: £10-£20
Christmas stockings are a traditional part of holiday celebrations, and making your own adds a personal flair. You can sew them from felt or fabric, then decorate with sequins, embroidery, or fabric paint to make each stocking unique. Add the recipient’s name or a special design to make it even more special.
DIY Instructions:
- Cut out fabric pieces for the stocking shape.
- Sew the pieces together, leaving space for the top.
- Decorate with personal details or embellishments.
Conclusion
Making your own Christmas gifts is a wonderful way to show how much you care without stretching your budget. From cozy scarves to personalized mugs and hand-poured candles, these DIY ideas allow you to create something special and meaningful for your loved ones this holiday season. Best of all, you don’t have to spend more than £35 to make these thoughtful gifts—just a little creativity and effort can go a long way.
