10 Easy DIY Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends

Nothing says 'I've really thought about this present' like a homemade Christmas gift, does it? Whether it's an easy butter cookie you can make in your kitchen, a mimosa gift basket that requires minimal effort, or adorable Christmas stockings for Cricut. It really can be quite easy. This holiday, give a handmade Christmas gift you, your friends, coworkers and family will love with these 10 easy DIY Christmas gifts. 

1. Etched Cake Stand

Jazz up an everyday glass cake dome in minutes with whimsical etched and painted doodles. To create, dip a foam pouncer into etching cream and stamp circles around the glass dome. Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse. Apply a second coat, let sit 15 minutes, and rinse again. Using a white oil-based paint marker, draw your design. Let dry and gift! Via BHG.com

2. Shortbread Bourbon-Vanilla Butter Cookie

It doesn't get more decadent (or delicious!) than. Make a big batch and package them up into individual servings. Keep it classic or get creative and try a bourbon-vanilla. Via BHG.com

Ingredients

• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
• 1 10 oz package shortbread cookies, coarsely crushed
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste

Instructions 

• In a medium saucepan heat and stir first three ingredients (bourbon optional) over medium heat until milk is warm and sugar is dissolved. Stir in cookies; let stand 15 minutes.
• Transfer mixture to a food processor or blender. Add vanilla bean paste. Cover and process or blend until smooth, stopping to scrape container as needed. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Tips

• Scoop onto hot waffles, cobblers, or sautéed apple slices.
• Also layer between graham crackers when making s'mores.

3. DIY No-Sew Blanket Scarf

'Tis the season for cozy! Skip the store and DIY your own. All it takes is a few yards of flannel fabric and scissors. We'll show you how to trim the edges for the perfect frayed look. Via BHG.com

4. Merry & Bright Christmas Stocking Pattern, a Cricut Maker Project

Learn how to cut felt with a Cricut Maker and create some adorable Christmas stockings with this Christmas Stocking pattern for the Cricut. Via Polka Dot Chair

5. Simple DIY Embroidered Gift Tags 

These simple hand embroidered gift tags are super easy to make and significantly up the cuteness factor of your gifts! Via A Wonderful Thought

6. Mimosa Gift Basket

Your friends won't have to search for the perfect beverage to have on Christmas morning—they'll have the ingredients right in their present! This basket is packed with everything they need to whip up a classic mimosa. Via Diary of a Debutante

7. Easy DIY Flannel Throw Blankets

You can't go wrong with an easy flannel flow blanket which is perfect for staying warm on the couch. They are soft and cozy and the cheery patterns and trims make the stack look great even when they’re not in use! Via The Girl Inspired

8. Reusable Handmade Christmas Centerpiece

This is the perfect gift for friends and family who want easy stress-free holiday decorations. In fact, you can set-up this Christmas banner stand in less than 2 minutes. Move the centerpiece wherever you want or wherever will make for fun family photos!  Headed to Grandma's house for dinner?  Use the Celebration stand and Christmas banner on your kitchen island for breakfast and then take it with you for Christmas with the entire family. 

The Christmas Centerpiece ships in one box and contains:

• 1 Celebration Stand
• 1 Christmas banner
• 1 bow tie

SHOP Holiday Banner and Stand, Made in The USA. 

9. Snow Globe Cookie Jar

Skip the same-old tin and give cookies in a festive (airtight!) jar instead. Via Woman’s Day

Instructions

• Use a fine-tipped brush to paint small white dots on the outside of a glass jar (1.6-quart Hermetic Storage Jar)
• Fill bottom of jar with snowball cookies. Place small plastic trinkets inside for a snow globe-inspired vignette.
• Tie gift tag to jar with ribbon.

This Christmas gift ideas wouldn’t be complete without a Christmas gift checklist. This free Christmas Gift List will help you stay organized and save money as you track ideas, your budget, and easily see what's left to buy.

10. DIY Christmas Breakfast Gift Basket

When wrapped beautifully in a wicker basket, the most important meal of the day doubles as the perfect gift, complete with pound cake that’s fresh out of the oven, a jar full of seasonal preserves and a pound of savory coffee. Via DIY Network

Summary

This year more than ever, you might be looking to add a personal touch to your Christmas gift ideas. Maybe the recipient is someone you haven't been able to see, or someone you want to show has been in your thoughts. Or maybe you've got a bit more time on your hands and want to use it to make something creative. Whatever the reasoning, enjoy making these handmade Christmas gifts, perfect for giving in 2020.