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Bring the perfect gift to your next gathering. Photo: iStock
Simple DIY homemade candle
Live Simply walks you through making homemade soy or beeswax candles in about 20 minutes, using natural ingredients like lavender and rosemary essential oils.
This project is beginner-friendly, customizable (choose your favorite scent or go unscented) and perfect for giving a warm, personalized token of thanks during the holidays. Because it’s handmade and natural, it shows thoughtfulness without adding clutter.
Reinbeers
We like this easy — and adorable — way to dress up some root beer (or real beer) for the holiday season from Life of a Modern Mom. Some pipe cleaners, googly eyes and a red pompom nose make this a fun project that the kids can help with.
Peppermint sugar scrub
This peppermint sugar scrub from Lollyjane is one of hundreds of sugar scrub recipes on the internet, all with ingredients ranging from just sugar and olive oil to more complex creations. Scrub away rough winter skin with this delicious recipe that leaves skin smelling minty fresh and soft.
Cookie-in-a-jar mix
It can be feast or famine when it comes to holiday cookies. Sometimes, you have three plates of cookies from neighbors and friends; other times you’d kill for some fresh-baked goodness. These cookie jars from Cul-de-sac Cool let the recipients make fresh-baked cookies at their convenience. Free printable labels can be found at the link.
Merry wine labels
Not into the whole crafting thing or finding yourself short on time? Get these festive labels from Etsy and you’ll have beautifully embellished bottles of wine or bubbly to present to your friends with minimal effort. Now that’s something to drink to!
DIY snow globes and terrariums
Create magical winter landscapes with a tutorial from The Lemonista. Mason jars, plant embellishments and plastic figurines make for a craft where kids (and adults) can make their own self-contained winter wonderland. These gifts make beautiful displays on fireplace mantles; smaller jars can be hung from the Christmas tree.
Hot cocoa and snowmen
Building snowmen and enjoying a cup of hot cocoa are holiday memories in the making. A craft from Mod Podge Rocks finds a whole new way to combine the two. Small mason jars filled with mints, marshmallows and cocoa mix make a cute but easy gift that the kids can help put together.
More holiday hosting and gift ideas: |
Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and was updated with new projects and imagery on Nov. 4, 2025 by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson. All other information received a thorough fact-check.
