Is there anything sweeter than a handmade holiday gift? Making DIY gifts is a great way to spoil those you love with truly one-of-a-kind items, show off your maker skills, and avoid the hectic atmosphere of big box stores. Here are some of our favorite handmade gift ideas for everyone on your list this holiday season.

Cross Stitch Bookmark

If there’s a bookworm in your life, consider finishing some cross stitch as a bookmark and gifting it alongside a gorgeous book, like this special edition of Anne of Green Gables. You can get creative with the cross stitch pattern, but we love the bookish one featured in this finishing tutorial!

Watch the tutorial on finishing a cross stitched bookmark here.

Needlepoint Pillow

Have a stash of needlepointed canvases you’re yet to frame or finish? Turn one into a custom-made pillow! If you aren’t done stitching your own canvas, you could also try up-cycling some thrifted needlepoint, as the author of this tutorial did.

Find the tutorial on finishing a needlepoint pillow here.

Petite Knit Sophie Scarf

I’ve knit many Sophie Scarfs in my life, for myself and my loved ones. This is a quick and simple knit, but is still a luxurious gift if you choose to use a cashmere yarn. 

Get the knitting pattern here.

Embroidered Napkins

We love these easily adaptable DIY embroidered napkins. You can thrift some vintage napkins for extra flair, and when it comes to adding your embroidery - the sky's the limit! Lean into a holiday theme, or you can personalize napkins with your recipient’s initials or an illustration of your choosing. 

Get the tutorial for DIY embroidered cocktail napkins here. 

Crochet Stuffies: Otto Bear and Loretta Chicken

Spoil the children in your life by crocheting them some adorable stuffed animals. We may be a little biased, we think the Otto Bear and Loretta Chicken patterns designed by Yan Schenkel of Pica Pau are simply the cutest. 

Get the amigurumi patterns here.

Crochet Coasters

If you’re looking for less of a crochet commitment than stuffed animals, but something equally sweet, consider making coasters. With easily customizable colors, these work up quickly and are a great stash buster. They also make a lovely hostess gift alongside a bottle of wine or a non-alcoholic aperitif. 

Get the crochet pattern here.

Hand Sewn Ornaments

What’s not to love about these hand-sewn ornaments? They’d look lovely on a tree, atop a gift, or strung along some twine as a DIY garland alternative. 

Get the ornament pattern and tutorial here. 

Rib Knit Watch Cap

A cozy cap is a necessity during the winter season. So why not make this accessory extra special for your loved ones by hand knitting hats out of super soft baby alpaca? The pattern includes instructions for five sizes, and you can get multiple hats out of one cone of yarn, so everyone on your list is covered!

Get the pattern and yarn here.

Handmade Seasonal Cards

If you’re a paper-crafter, you may be making some handmade holiday cards this season. We love the designs Kristina Werner has been crafting in her 2024 Holiday Card Series on YouTube!

Watch the tutorial here.

We hope you're feeling inspired to get making! If handmade holiday gifts aren't in the cards for you this year, check out our Beginner Craft Kits. They're great for gifting, and there are options for creative kids and adults alike.