18 Holiday Gifts Kids Can Make
These homemade gifts don't suck. Gather your crew and get to work making these functional, on-trend and really awesome DIY presents.

Store-bought gifts are fine, but there’s something extra special about the ones kids make themselves. These DIY ideas are thoughtful without being complicated, creative without being chaotic, and actually nice enough to give (and keep). From quick crafts for toddlers to projects older kids will be proud to wrap up, this list is full of handmade gifts that feel personal, practical and genuinely delightful.
Clay ornaments
You can’t go wrong with an ornament gift. Kids love using craft clay (it’s not as messy as you think), so grab the cookie cutters and bright pens for decorating. Get the instructions here.

Duct tape tray
Kids can make a cool catch-all to gift with colourful duct tape. It’s perfect for housing keys, glasses and loose change. This one has Grandpa’s name written all over it. Get the instructions here.

Embroidered patches
The awesome thing about making your own embroidered patch is you can design it however you want. Use your kid’s drawings as the inspiration or let them trace a design. Little makers will be so chuffed with their newfound stitching skills. Get the instructions here.

Fabric-covered pots
Mod Podge rules! Go old-school with these quick and easy fabric-covered pots. It’s a great way to upcycle yogurt containers and is an impressive gift for kids to make. Get the instructions here.

Sparkly hair pins
Bring the bling with these simple DIY hairpins. They’re quick to make and will be well received by pint-sized BFFs. Get the instructions here.

Dip-dyed macrame mobile
Your grandma’s fave craft from the ’70s is back in a big way. A few simple knots are all you need to learn to make this dangling masterpiece. It’s fun to dunk in paint, too. Get the instructions here.

Cork mousepad
Want to make dad a gift he’ll actually use? This DIY mousepad is so easy to make—and will let Pops know how awesome he really is. Plus, kids love to colour, so put those skills to good use. Get the instructions here.

Owl eye mask pillow
Make this adorable eye mask pillow out of felt and ribbon. The receiver will appreciate the care and will for sure get a hoot out of it (ha, see what we did there?). Get the instructions here.

Pasta necklace
Forget those hokey pasta necklaces of the past. This geometric pendant is so in. Get the instructions here.

Photo collage
You know all the doting aunts and uncles in your family will flip for this adorable, kid-crafted picture frame. Using just a few craft supplies and a big imagination, kids can make it in any size or configuration. Get the instructions here.

Plastic lapel pins
Flair-obsessed kids can make trendy lapel pins at home with the magic of the oven. It’s a great gift to pass out to classmates and friends. Get the instructions here.

Craft stick frames
What grandparent doesn’t want more and more pics of their grandkids? Make them a cute frame to hang from the tree. Better start eating those ice pops. Get the instructions here.

Splatter paint shoes
For the fashionistas on their list (hey, big sister), these cool kicks fit the bill. Transform basic canvas shoes into trendy splattered sneakers. It may not feel like a craft but it’s still creative and budget-friendly. Get the instructions here.

Tassel necklace
This craft is quick and easy and can be made from dollar store supplies. It’s a great starter project for kids wanting to make their own jewelry. Grandma is stylin’ with this around her neck. Get the instructions here.

Decorated tea towel
We can get behind a crafted gift that’s cute and useful! Kids will feel so proud of their work, while the receiver will love putting their custom tea towel on display. Get the instructions here.

Mason jar terrarium
Who wouldn’t appreciate a custom bitty garden gnome poking out of a succulent? This one comes together quickly with impressive results every time. Get the instructions here.

Toddler painting
Babies and toddlers want in on the gift-giving action, too. They can create a mess-free abstract post-modern masterpiece with this simple hack. Plus, they’ll be happily occupied so you can finally drink that cold coffee. Get the instructions here.

Painted wooden spoons
Let’s face it, not all handmade gifts from kids are that useful, let alone stylish. But these DIY painted wood spoons almost look like they came from an Etsy shop. They’re super easy to make, even for little hands. Get the instructions here.

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