20 Handmade Christmas Gift Trends
Everyone loves knowing that someone is thinking of them during the festive season. There's something truly special about receiving a gift that’s been thoughtfully crafted—one that takes time, effort, and extra care to create.
If you're looking to give more than the usual homemade Christmas cookie or gingerbread house, consider handmade gifts that are designed to last. Each of these unique, carefully crafted items can be enjoyed well beyond the holiday season and are perfect for a variety of occasions, making them gifts that keep on giving long after the holidays have passed. Read on to see which of these 20 gifts are the right ones to give your loved ones this season.
1. Engraved/Monogrammed Items
According to Save my Cent, 62% Americans prefer personalized items as gifts during special occasions. By engraving or monogramming an item, you’ll instantly give it an exclusive personal touch while also giving the gift of something your loved one will cherish. Items such as leather goods, jewelry, or journals are easy, unique options that they’ll be able to reach for over and over again each time they leave the house.
2. Customized Portraits
Perfect for family and friends, this type of gift lets them know you’re thinking about them on a personal level. This idea is especially great if you’ve spent a memorable vacation such as a trip to Europe or a milestone like a graduation together. Portraits breathe additional life into the moments and can be better visualized in someone’s living room rather than staying locked away on the camera roll in their phone.
3. Handmade Name Art
If you’re feeling crafty, why not blend personalization and your artistic skills to create an art display showcasing your loved one’s name? Unique baby names are also surging globally, as per the BBC. If you’re looking to give a gift with their name pre-printed, there’s now a higher chance you may not find theirs directly in the store. Plus, even if their name may be there, the spelling could be displayed in the incorrect variation.
4. Coffee Cup Cozies
Give the gift of a warm hug to them and their morning cup of joe with coffee cozies. Coffee cozies protect your hands from burning on a hot coffee cup and they add a little extra style to an otherwise plain coffee mug. This is a great option if you’re participating in a Secret Santa this year or as a group gift for friends and family.
5. Upcycled Creations
From an old piece of furniture to outdated clothing, breathing new life into the old is not only trending, but it’s also becoming a staple in many business owner plans. In fact, fashion designers have seen quite the surge in upcycling fabrics in order to create a new seasonal collection. If your loved one has an old item they’ve loved to literal pieces, it may be worth giving it a well-deserved makeover.
6. Natural Bath and Body Products
Create the feeling of a spa from home with natural products they’ll be able to cherish every time they’re looking for a little R&R. Handmade spa candles, epsom salts, essential oils, and scrubs are all good options for those who are craving a day to themselves.
7. Holiday Ornaments
If your child is planning on giving gifts for the holiday season, then DIY holiday ornaments could be a great arts and crafts project for them to take part in with you. Whether it’s making snowmen from fabric pieces and gluing them together or painting a plain plastic bulb, the gift becomes a one-of-a-kind piece that can be hung on the tree each holiday season.
8. Hand Knitted Items
Pillows, blankets, dishtowels, hats, or sweaters just to name a few, are all items that can make great gifts all year long. Put your knitting skills to use by making a custom item they’ll love and use years down the line.
9. Clay Pots
Show off your pottery-making skills to make pots for everyone this holiday season. You can even top it off with a fresh plant resting inside its new home as a way to make a two in one present. If they’re not a plant-lover, other clay items such as cups, bowls, or trays wrapped in a big bow could be great alternatives.
10. DIY Craft Kits
For those that love crafting themselves or want to start their journey in the practice, giving craft kits as a present is only a unique item for them, but you’re also giving the gift of an experience that can be shared with others. These types of kits can vary such as origami kits, pottery kits, bagel–making kits. Pressed flower kits, etc.
11. Time Capsule Boxes
If they have small children in the household, a time capsule box could be a heartfelt option to place precious memories the family can look back on several years from now. It can also be great for other major life moments such as a wedding or special anniversary.
12. Kitchen Pottery
If you can always find them in the kitchen, reverse the roles by bringing a new dish as the gift and filling it with something tasty. A new serving platter, for instance, could be topped off with an assortment of holiday cookies or other baked goods.
13. Custom Spice Blends
Spice blends are easy to make and can be completely customizable to the flavors your friend or family member enjoys. It’s a creative approach in showing how much you know about them. Present the spices with a luxurious touch such as having them packaged in glass jars with handwritten labels or ribbon.
14. Embroidered Clothing
Initials, special dates, or meaningful designs can reflect the person in a specialized way with an embroidered touch. Clothing items such as hats, scarves, denim or sweaters are all great options for a gift that can be elevated with the work of embroidery.
15. Unique Tech Cases
For tech enthusiasts, give a gift that stays as close to them as their devices. Customized phone cases, laptop sleeves, tablet covers, and earbud cases are both practical and personal. Whether hand-painted or embroidered, these unique creations combine the art of personalization with everyday functionality, making them gifts that can be carried and cherished everywhere.
16. Pressed Flower Art
Preserving flowers in their intricate detail and vibrant colors offers a unique way to decorate and refresh any space. Perfect for nature lovers or sentimental occasions, pressed flower art combines creativity with thoughtfulness. It’s an especially meaningful way to preserve a wedding bouquet or an arrangement that celebrates a cherished milestone, turning fleeting moments into lasting keepsakes.
17. Handmade Wreaths
Perfect for the holidays or as a year-round decorative piece, handmade wreaths bring a personal touch to doorways, walls, or tables. They’re ideal for marking special occasions or celebrating the changing seasons. Personalize them with the person’s favorite flowers, colors, or even scents if fitting.
18. Soft Toys
Handmade soft toys make heartfelt and delightful gifts, perfect for children, adults, and pets alike. Whether it’s a cuddly teddy bear, a whimsical animal, or a character with a personalized touch, soft toys bring warmth and charm to any occasion. Soft toys can be designed in several ways such as sewing, hand stitching, knitting etc.
19. Personalized Jewelry
Personalized jewelry is a timeless option no matter the occasion. From a necklace with initials, a bracelet engraved with a meaningful date, to a custom-made ring that reflects personal style, personalized jewelry carries emotional significance that goes beyond mere fashion.
20. Custom Patches
Custom patches are ideal for self-expression, allowing the recipient to customize their style effortlessly. Easy to make or order, custom patches are a thoughtful yet budget-friendly option that suits any age or interest. From vibrant, playful motifs to minimalist monograms, these small but impactful gifts are a unique way to show you care.