- Jenica Barrett
DIY Christmas Gift Ideas
The holiday season is a great time of year to let your crafty side go wild and make all your gifts! Homemade gifts can range from the super complex to the last minute emergency gifts you whip up the night before.
If you are wanting to give thoughtful gifts this Christmas, making something yourself is a great place to start! Something homemade can carry a lot more love and meaning than many of the gifts under the tree. These gifts will also cost a lot less to make yourself than buying the plastic packaged alternatives. Have a favorite homemade gift? Share it in the comment section below!

1. Reusable Beeswax Wraps
Your friends and family are sure to be impressed if you show beeswax wraps off at your holiday dinner! This project will take a little more time and planning than those listed below so prepare for that. It is also a great idea to make an event out of it and invite a friend over to help out. They can walk away with some gifts for their loved ones too! For those of you that have family that haven't jumped on the zero waste game yet, these can be a great intro to waste reduction in the kitchen as well.
2. Peppermint Lotion Bars
With the cold winter months making cracked skin an issue, these lovely lotion bars will be a crowd pleaser. When I made them I put them in heart molds for Valentine's Day, but you can use a holiday themed mold like a snowflake too!

3. Cookie in a Mason Jar
This is one of those utterly simple but very classic DIY gifts. It's something yummy that the recipient will get to enjoy - but isn't forced to consume a batch of cookies right there on the spot. You can make versions that are gluten-free, nut-free, and include instructions for vegan alternatives too!
4. Lip Balm
Lip balm is a great addition to another gift or slipped into a stocking. They can easily be made in large batches and can be adjusted to be vegan, scent free, colored, or sparkly!

5. Body Butter
Similar to the lotion bars, you can easily whip up some body butter or lotion as a stocking stuffer. By adding different essential oils and dyes, you have endless possibilities for scents and colors!
6. Bath Salts
If you have kiddos, these bath salts are a fun gift for them to make for family. Gather up some supplies and let the kids create personalized bath salts for grandma and grandpa.
7. Coffee Body Scrub
One of the easiest gifts on this list, coffee body scrub can be whipped up minutes before your holiday party. Put it in a basket with lip balm and lotion bars and you'll have yourself a lovely care package!

8. Cotton Produce Bags
This is a fun gift if you're feeling crafty and have some basic sewing abilities. If you don't have a sewing machine on hand, reach out to neighbors to see if you can borrow one! You can easily find secondhand fabric at many thrift stores or craft stores too.
9. Cough Vapo Rub
This amazing cough vapo rub is an incredible gift during the winter months! Pair it with a cute set of HankyBooks, tea and some homemade cough drops to create a Get Well Gift Box.
Not sure if you want to make all your gifts yourself? Check out my list of 50 Zero Waste Gift Ideas for some more inspiration! And remember, the best gifts are those that are gifted with thought and love.