30+ FREE Handmade Holiday Gifts (Easy DIY Gift Ideas)

30+ FREE Handmade Holiday Gifts (Easy DIY Gift Ideas)

Looking for thoughtful, creative gifts that won’t cost a dime? You’re in the right place! 

In this roundup, we’ve gathered 30+ handmade gift ideas that are completely free to make, using supplies you probably already have around the house. 

From heartfelt DIY crafts to clever upcycling projects, these ideas prove that the most meaningful gifts don’t have to come with a price tag. 

Whether you’re crafting for friends, family, or coworkers, you’ll find inspiration here to make your holiday—or any special occasion—extra memorable.

It's that time of year to start creating those amazing homemade gifts and the sooner you begin, the less expensive they will be.

There's something for all the special people on your list!

If you have a little time to make these handmade Christmas gifts, you have time to ask neighbors, family and friends if they have materials you can have, without the extra cost of buying supplies.

Get some wood scraps, markers, paint and glue and you can make a thoughtful holiday gift for everyone on your list.

Hopefully these creative ideas will spark other ideas in your mind too!

PRACTICALLY FREE GIFT IDEAS:

I'm saying these are practically free gift ideas...obviously they take some supplies.

I'm assuming that you have access to home office type stuff; scissors, paper and paints or markers, etc.

Crafts on this list, if supplies are purchased, are very inexpensive...but look and ask around to see if you can source what you need to make these fun handmade gifts for FREE!

How to Make Dorodango (Japanese Shiny Mud Ball Art)

Learn the art of Dorodango, Japanese shiny mud balls.

This amazing polishing technique can turn a ball of dirt into a ornament worthy of the mantle, handmade gifts and a gorgeous conversation starter.

Let me show you how to take mud from your own backyard and transform it into a beautiful shiny orb, worthy of adoration using simple materials you can source from your yard.

Let's get started!

How to Make a Paper Basket DIY (Easy Recycled Craft)

A paper basket is adorable, cost effective, recyclable and so easy to make--you probably already have some paper laying around! 

Make this cute paper basket with just one square piece of paper...or double them up for a color block look! This is one of the creative ideas for wrapping up a beautiful handmade gift...but the baskets could be filled with origami birds, again made from paper.

I've made these fun baskets for years and they are always a hit, just one square piece of paper is all it takes!

How to Make Photo Transfer Candle (Tracing Paper DIY)

Learn how to make image transfer candles using tracing paper...this craft does involve a pillar candle, tracing paper and a marker...but they are very inexpensive and chances are good you already have some around the house.

This fun DIY is an easy way to make a personalized candle using a plain candle and creativity and it's a great gift idea.

These pillar candles make great handmade gifts, centerpieces and look amazing! Click for the full tutorial.

How to Make Watercolor Bookmarks (Beginners Tutorial)

Learn how to paint watercolor bookmarks easily for the the perfect diy bookmark.

These make a great unique gift in addition to a favorite book! I'm using watercolors and watercolor paper for this craft...if you don't have any, you can use brown paper bags and markers!

Let me show you how to create these awesome watercolor effects effortlessly!

How to Paint Pour on Rocks!

Painting rocks is so much fun--they are the perfect canvas for all kinds of art.

Paint pouring on rocks is super duper fun--it's easy and requires no artistic skill level or age range. This craft is a great handmade gift idea, and just needs rocks and some acrylic craft paint. (If you don't have paint, you could use nail polish or even melt crayons on the rocks)

Learn how easy it is to paint pour on rocks and do it as a last Summer craft with the kids, with friends for a crafter-noon or as a date night craft.

Cereal Box Refillable Notebooks

These awesome notebooks hold paper folded in half--and they are made of old cereal boxes. The biggest part is the elastic...1/4" flat elastic from Walmart is under $3, so if you can't find anything around the house, you can purchase some and make several. 

I asked my neighbors if they had any cereal boxes, because I don't buy cereal in boxes very often. I got exactly what I needed! Any lightweight cardboard box will work if it's big enough, check the cupboards and rock what you've got!

Hanging Scroll Wall Art

Get creative with this scroll art! I used some scrap wood in the garage, but you can upcycle a wood ruler or yard stick...or even use multiple layers of cardboard glued together. 

Have the kids draw a picture, paint their hands and stamp them on paper, or paint your own creation and then finish it off as the perfect gift.

Handmade Envelopes

Handmade cards and envelopes can add the perfect touch to top a gift, give a gift card or just write a heartfelt letter. Honestly, so many of us just need a sincere card with a heartfelt message.

Could include a gift card, but we are focusing on FREE gift ideas.

Wood Slice Lettering

This darling sign with hand lettering can be created with wood scraps from the burn pile...just add some watercolors, markers or even food coloring. Then add some hand lettering. 

No burn pile? Look for scrap pallets, wood slices and blanks--ask friends if they have any scrap--or just make a lovely sign on kraft paper.

Glitter Jars

This fun craft needs some clear glue, glitter and a jar. Most likely you have some of those things already. If not, head to your dollar store and pick up a couple things. It's surprisingly relaxing to watch the spinning glitter dance and swirl.

Glitter jars are a beautiful way of gifting a "make your own glitter jar" kit as well! Just send the supplies and the instructions.

Coffee Filter Flower

Color some coffee filters with food coloring and make a giant flower for a wreath--just add staples. This gorgeous flower used 115 coffee filters, but 100 would work too--and can be purchased at the dollar+  store easily. 

If you have lots of scrap paper, wrapping paper, kraft paper or scrapbook paper, you can cut them into circles and make it with that. Look around and use what you already have.

Leave them natural and have a fabulous flower in white. Perfect for January decor.

How to Make Origami Corner Bookmarks (Easy Paper DIY)

Origami paper corner bookmarks are super easy to make and perfect for teaching a large group.

Just a few easy steps and folding to make a little DIY origami corner bookmark to keep track of reading all during the school year.

These easy corner bookmarks are a perfect gift, easy crafts for a school class or youth group, and all you need are some squares of paper.

This is a great craft for older kids to make for their siblings too!

Handmade Notepad

When I was little I loved drawing flip books! Make your own notepad as the perfect gift. Invite the recipient to make a flip book or make one for them. 

A notepad is pretty useful too! Just needs paper--and some mod podge, which is available at the dollar store.

Personalize Galaxy Profile Notebook

Create personalized notebooks for each person on your gift list. Use markers to color a galaxy or leave it blank for the gift recipient to embellish. 

This notebook just needs paper and one stitch with the sewing machine. Don't have a sewing machine? Ask a neighbor, friend or call your local library.

Rock Pet Magnets

Rocks are a fun gift! Make cute little rock pets or add magnets for the perfect tool. Add eyes or don't!

This fun craft is practically free! It's a fun craft for kids to make for all their siblings too--pet rocks for everyone!

Rolled Paper Frame

This is the most tedious craft I've ever made, but it's gorgeous! Use scrap paper--old magazine pages or junk mail and roll them tight with some colored paper...or paper you color. 

Then hot glue them on a frame, ornament, or even as a necklace. Just fyi: this takes FOREVER!

Start now, pick a small frame and you'll have a perfect handmade gift for the holidays!

Rocket Jet Pack

Do you have a little one in your life that has a wonderful imagination? 

Make them a set of jet packs! My son has loved Mandalorians (specifically Boba Fett) since before he could speak. We whipped up these jet packs with old soda bottles, felt, webbing, cardboard, hot glue and staples...and a little spray paint 

This can be altered and adapted to what you have! They will love to put it on and zip around the house!

Jeweled Button Christmas Tree

Make a stunning decoration piece with some old buttons. 

I inherited a few button boxes in my days, so this one was easy for me. 

Packs of buttons can also be found at the dollar store. Find a simple frame, add some burlap and boom--perfection!

No buttons? Use colored sticker dots, paint sample cards or scrapbooking paper cut into small circles!

Hand Lettered Wrapping Paper

Make even the wrapping paper special by adding some hand lettering on it with a marker!

Get kraft paper or a paper grocery bag and write messages on it with marker.

Then wrap up the gift in a fun way!

Dot Painted Mandala Rocks

Again, rocks are an easy gift to give. Add a little paint in bright colors and they are perfect. Cheapest paint is Plaid Apple Barrel Paint at Walmart, around a dollar a bottle. 

You could use acrylic paint pens or even old nail polish if you don't have paint. 

Get a few colors and mix them to create more!

Galaxy Painted Pen Holders

Save those soup cans and turn them into pen holders! Add some paint or spray paint for the perfect galactic finish.

This easy DIY gifts idea just needs a little paint and some splatter. 

If you don't have paint, you could use scrapbook paper and cover the cans with decorative paper.

If you don't have paper, you could cover the cans with old book pages, perfect for book lovers!

DIY Cloche Cover

Make a fancy cookie cover with something you probably already have! Click for more details!

This cute terrarium or cookie cloche is adorable, and the top can be made various other ways with just a little creativity.

Candy Wrapper Bracelet

Did you make starburst or gum wrapper bracelets before? I loved making these! Save those candy wrappers for the perfect upcycled gift.

Use candy wrappers for fun and creative handmade gifts...make bracelets, necklaces and more!

Skittles Flower Headband

More candy wrapper crafts! Make a flower headband using an old skittles bag. 

The ideal gift is something useful and this headband is perfect!

It's super cute and useful...plus it's made from trash...and elastic (you could use an old headband from the bathroom drawer)

Junk Bots

My littlest boy (who is now 17) used to collect pieces of metal that he found while we went on walks.

 We used scrap pieces of wood and make these little junkbots using his treasure trove of metal. 

We hung them on the Christmas tree as ornaments too!

Phone Charging Station

Make a phone charging station as a great gift, using something you probably already have!

The best part is that it's easy to make from your recyclables and can be decorated with washi tape, acrylic paint pens or just markers!

Cereal Box Pocket Notebook

Use an old cereal box and a sewing machine to make a little pocket notebook. This would make a great stocking stuffer too!

This darling notebook is a beautiful way of upcycling something that would typically be tossed.

The best part, is that a hair band is holding it closed, easy peasy!

Boba Fett Stenciled Shirt

I love using my Cricut for custom shirts, but you can do it without a fancy machine too! You will need freezer paper, it's about $6 at Walmart and will last you forever. 

Just use a hobby knife to cut out your desired design. Then iron the shiny side onto the shirt...and this shirt we found "slightly irregular" at the dollar store. 

Then use the freezer paper as a stencil and add paint--a shirt is always a useful gift!

Great for tote bags, pillowcases, cosmetic bags, shirts and more!

Wire Wrapped Pendants

Find an old rock and wrap it into a pendant! This is actually petrified wood, but any rock will work! You just need some wire for wrapping. 

This wire is very thick, but thinner wire will work too, just as more wraps. 

If you don't have wire, you could use string!

Glass Gem Marble Magnets

Make glass gem magnets using paper, glass marble gems and magnets from the dollar store. 

You'll also need some glue, I love E6000, it's $5 at Walmart and will last for many projects...but mod podge works too!

3 Ways to Make Handmade Cards

And of course, handmade cards! A card is just the thing to bring a smile to someone else's face if you can't see them in person. 

Here's 3 ways to make a handmade card to get you started. 

That's it!

Who says the best gifts have to cost a fortune? 

We’ve rounded up 30+ easy DIY gifts that are totally free—all you need is a little creativity and the stuff you already have at home! 

From clever DIY crafts to heartfelt cards and notes, these ideas prove that the most meaningful gifts come straight from the heart (not your wallet). 

My favorite things to craft come in on time and under budget, these creative ideas check all the boxes!

Get ready to wow your friends and family without spending a dime!

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