I’m not sure why, but I haven’t been feeling my customary Christmas excitement and fun for the last few years. I miss it, and to find it again, I’ve decided to put my heart into it and make homemade gifts for my family and friends. There’s a sort of fun craft I’ve made over the years and some new ones I wanted to try. I’ve started with the soap and will work my way through this list until a week before Christmas, when I’ll put the baskets all together. I’d love it if you joined me! If you have some other gifts in mind, please share them in the comments. I’ll add photos of the finished projects to this post as I get each item made.
Have fun!
1. Oatmeal & Honey Soap
This handmade soap is a luxurious blend of moisturizing honey and exfoliating oatmeal—perfect for soothing dry winter skin. Its rich lather and nourishing ingredients make a thoughtful and practical gift.
Learn how to make Oatmeal & Honey Soap: The Nerdy Farm Wife
2. Fluffernutter Fudge
Who wouldn’t love the nostalgic combination of peanuts and marshmallows in creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate? This recipe is easy to follow and ideal for gifting in decorative tins or jars.
Get the full recipe here: Whole-Fed Homestead
3. Homemade Marshmallows
Soft and fluffy, these homemade marshmallows are the perfect complement to a steaming cup of hot cocoa—or delicious all on their own! They’re surprisingly simple to make and can be flavored and shaped for a festive touch.
Find the recipe here: Whole-Fed Homestead
4. Wool Dryer Balls
Reduce static and drying time while giving the gift of sustainability. Wool dryer balls are an eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets and can be scented with essential oils for a personal touch. Pair them with a laundry basket for a complete household gift.
Find DIY instructions: Wool Dryer Balls Tutorial
5. Beeswax Mason Jar Candles
These all-natural beeswax candles bring a warm, golden glow to your loved ones’ homes. Not only are they simple to make, but they also add a cozy ambiance to any room.
Follow this guide to make your own: The Prairie Homestead
6. Beeswax Food Wraps
Help your friends and family ditch single-use plastic with reusable beeswax wraps! These wraps are perfect for storing leftovers or packing lunches, making a unique, eco-friendly gift.
Make your own with this guide: DIY Natural
7. DIY Hot Chocolate Kit
What’s cozier than curling up with a cup of homemade hot cocoa? This DIY kit includes all the ingredients for a rich, chocolatey drink and can be customized with marshmallows, peppermint sticks, or cinnamon. Package it in a cute jar or festive box for the perfect gift.
Check out the tutorial here.
8. Carrot Cake Jam
Bring the delightful taste of carrot cake to life in a jar! This spiced, fruity jam combines carrots, pineapple, and warm spices for a gift that feels like a homemade hug. Perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with cream cheese on crackers.
Learn how to make Carrot Cake Jam here.
These thrifty and thoughtful gifts are sure to make your loved ones feel cherished this holiday season.
Happy gift-making!
5 thoughts on “Thrifty Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas”
Hi Lyn and Dave here we are in the south of England with a large allotment to grow our produce mild all year round we love all what you do ❤️
Hi Lyn and Dave,
Thank you so much for following us here at Little Mountain Ranch! We are so grateful that you are here!
I LOVE these ideas! I will be working on some of them for fun gifts. I also like to give gifts, like my homemade chocolate truffles and caramels, to thank local stores/companies for their good customer service. It’s fun to do this with coworkers as well. Enjoy the holidays, and Merry Christmas.
Love, Aunt Tracy
Great ideas!! You’re so clever and I always love reading your email updates. Thanks for linking to this post! I can’t wait to make carrot cake jam ❤️
Hi Rachelle,
Thank you so much for your kind words! It is comments like these that make me enjoy doing what I do.