Author: Beth
Handmade special keepsakes are hands-down the BEST gift a child can give! This list of 15 DIY Christmas gifts that kids can make includes easy and festive Christmas activities and ideas for kids that can be wrapped up as the perfect gift for loved ones. I’ve organized this list into toddler, preschooler, and big kids DIY Christmas gift ideas for easy navigating so you can set your child up for success. So start crafting, wrapping, and, best of all — saving money with these simple and sweet DIY Christmas gifts that kids can make with everything you already have at home!
RELATED: Your kids will love this easy Christmas art activity that uses tissue paper and glue to make bright and colorful ornaments!
Table of Contents:
- How do you make easy homemade Christmas gifts for kids?
- What can kids learn from making DIY Christmas gifts for the holiday?
- Why are homemade gifts so great?
- 5 simple DIY Christmas gifts for toddlers
- 5 simple DIY Christmas gifts for preschoolers
- 5 simple DIY Christmas gifts for big kids
- DIY Christmas gifts that kids can make are THE BEST
- Empower your child with skills to thrive.
- FAQs for simple DIY Christmas gifts for kids
DIY Christmas gifts that kids can make are easier (and not always as messy) as you think. There are so many adorable ideas for DIY Christmas gifts that your kids can make! Don’t feel stressed out by the need to order a last minute craft kit or specific art supplies to make a DIY Christmas gift.
Get creative with what you have — it’ll turn out better, pinky promise! Use easy art activities, or even better — festive Christmas tree crafts or gingerbread activities, to inspire a DIY Christmas gift that kids can make for their loved ones.
Some of our favorite craft activities can even double as the sweetest little DIY gifts:
- Painting activities
- Pipe cleaner crafts
- Pom pom crafts
- Popsicle stick crafts
TIP: Have you child sign their name on their gift, find a fun frame (you know you have extras in that storage box in the basem*nt), wrap it up in a fun gift bag and VOILA! Your child’s DIY gift is done. Best part — it didn’t cost a penny!
RELATED: Use a DIY Art Cart to keep your craft supplies organized and accessible for your kids.
Kids learn so much from making their gifts for the holidays! Experts have found that teaching kids about giving is so important for building positive and healthy relationships.
When kids are allowed to create something of their own AND provide it as a gift, it can help with:
- Boosting creativity
- Building their self-esteem
- Creating a connection with loved ones
- Developing fine motor skills
- Improving independent play skills
- Learning about giving
- Supporting decision-making skills
- Teaching gratitude
RELATED: Practice and strengthen fine motor skills with this cute Christmas Sticker Cup activity!
Why are homemade gifts so great?Fact: homemade gifts are SO much better than buying “things”! And let’s be honest, most grandparents can buy what they need, when they need it. It is much more sentimental and special for family members to receive a one-of-a-kind keepsake, rather than a new shirt or set of baking pans.
As a major plus, spending time making DIY Christmas gifts that kids can make is an activity in and of itself. When your child is committed to an activity, it can help to boost their self-esteem and independence.
Grandparents don’t care what they get. But anything they receive made by your little one’s little hands will be their favorite gift this year!
RELATED: Use our list of 30 Family Activities on Christmas Break to make more special memories together!
5 simple DIY Christmas gifts for toddlersThese are the CUTEST DIY Christmas gift ideas for toddlers, check them out below!
Fingerprint Christmas Painting for Kids
Our fingerprint Christmas paintings make the BEST holiday gift!
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DIY Dotty Tote Bags
These DIY dotty tote bags are fun to create and make quite a fashion statement.
Hand-Shaped Ring Dish
These sweet little hand-shaped ring dishes are the perfect way to create a special (and functional) dish to hold important jewlery.
Decorated Candles
Toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids will love decorating candles that can be used as a Christmas gift.
Handprint Snowman Ornament
Make and gift a keepsake with this personalized snowman ornament from your child’s handprint.
Check out all of these easy and fun DIY Christmas gift ideas for preschoolers!
Fridge Magnet
Teach your preschooler a lesson in magnification as they create the cutest little magnets that can be used on the fridge all year long.
Salt Painted Christmas Tree
Have fun salt painting these Christmas trees! Kids will love to see the paint run along the salt.
Salt Dough Ornament
These salt dough ornaments are such a classic! Preschoolers love shaping and decorating these special ornaments to give to their loved ones.
Simple Sugar Scrub
A fun sensory activity that makes the perfect holiday gift!
Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments
These cinnamon applesauce ornaments smell amazing and make the perfect gift for teachers or family!
Big kids will love making these fun DIY holiday gifts for family members!
Yarn Star Ornaments
Design and decorate your own star ornaments using yarn and pipe cleaners.
DIY Fabric Gift Wrap
Forget about all that wrapping paper that ends up in the trash. This reusable DIY fabric gift wrapping “paper” is such a cute and creative way to wrap gifts for many years to come.
Reindeer Painting
Kids will have fun making this adorable reindeer painting! A great mixed-media art project that will have kids painting with watercolors, acrylic paint, and using oil pastels.
Washi Tape Christmas Cards
We love Washi tape for both decorative and functional uses! Strengthen fine motor skills while making beautiful Christmas cards using this festive tape.
Paper Quilled Christmas Lights Craft
This vibrant and intricate Christmas lights craft makes a beautiful and thoughtful gift that can be used as holiday decorations for many years.
Keep your kids busy, teach them the gift of giving, and save money with these DIY Christmas gifts that kids can make. Creating homemade gifts for loved ones will help to build your child’s confidence, develop fine motor and creativity skills, and leave grandparents with the most special handmade gifts this season!
24 low-prep activities and relatable conversation starters that equip kids for life.
- Order theeasy-to-followactivity cards.
- Build the foundation forsocial-emotional learning.
- Notice ashift in self-confidence and self-regulationas you and your child implement what you practice.
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What easy Christmas gifts can kids make?
Kids can make ornaments, paintings, and holiday decorations for easy DIY Christmas gifts.
Why are DIY gifts good for kids?
Handmade gifts are good for strengthening fine motor skills, teaching about the importance of giving, and developing confidence and independent play skills.
How do I make an easy DIY Christmas gift?
You can make an easy DIY Christmas gift using art supplies you already have, wrapping it up, and having your kids sign their names for a personal touch.
