Christmas is right around the corner, and if you’re trying to stay on budget this year, DIY gifts may be the perfect solution. Handmade presents are often more thoughtful and far more affordable than buying something last-minute, handing out gift cards, or giving Christmas cash. If you’re looking to save money while making the season meaningful, keep reading for creative DIY holiday gift ideas that won’t break the bank.
How to Save Money on Christmas Gifts (Before You DIY Anything)
Even before you start DIYing, it’ll be helpful to begin with a plan. If you are on a budget, it’s essential to be mindful of how much you’ll spend on the materials you’ll need to make your gifts. Here’s how to save money on Christmas gifts before you start making them:
- Set a Budget for Materials — It’s helpful to set a maximum amount that you want to spend on the materials needed for your homemade gifts. To keep things fair when gifting to multiple people, you may want to split your budget per person. For example, if your total budget is $500, allocate an amount for each recipient so you stay on track.
- Decide What You’ll Make — You don’t have to make everyone the same thing, but it’s helpful to narrow down exactly what your DIY Christmas gifts will look like.
- Make a Shopping List — From here, figure out exactly what materials you’ll need for your projects. Many creators online break down materials for specific DIY projects, which helps prevent overspending or impulse purchases when it’s time to shop.
- Check What You Have at Home Before You Start Shopping — Chances are you already have several materials at home that you can use for your DIY gifts. Get creative and repurpose old items you aren’t using anymore, or go through your crafting, woodworking, and other supplies that may be useful.
- Compare Prices From In-Person and Online Retailers — Once you have your budget and review what you already own, you can figure out where you want to shop. When you’re on a budget, affordability is essential. Your phone or computer can help you compare prices on retailer websites or apps. You can also use comparison tools and apps. Shopping second-hand is another great way to save!
DIY Christmas Gift Ideas on a Budget
Okay, let’s get into the good stuff, the actual gifts. Here are some affordable DIY Christmas gift categories that you can get creative with:
DIY Gifts Under $25
If keeping costs low is your highest priority, then these ideas will work well for you. Here are some options for DIY gifts under $25:
- Jar Gifts — Think cocoa mixes, spice blends, bath salts, or mini craft kits, which are easy to personalize later.
- Paper & Print-Based Gifts — Cards, bookmarks, simple art prints, folded ornaments, or scrapbook-style keepsakes.
- Upcycled Projects — Decorated jars, repurposed containers, painted frames, or thrifted items with a makeover.
- Simple Home Scents — Basic candles, simmer-pot mixes, scent sachets, or essential oil blends.
- Mini Crafts — Small crochet items, embroidered patches, stickers, clay trinket dishes, or tiny paintings.
- Fabric & Sewing Basics — Hair scrunchies, coasters, reusable wipes, or simple pouches made from leftover fabric.
- Food-Based Gifts — Homemade treats, spice blends, flavored sugars, or recipe cards paired with ingredients.
Okay, now let’s get a little more specific. We’ve broken down gift ideas based on interests and included estimated costs:
DIY Christmas Gifts for the Bookworm in Your Life
This person is always reading or listening to an audiobook!
- A Homemade Bookmark — You can use felt, fabric, cardstock, wood, twine, and ribbon. Decorating can be as simple as a pen on paper, or you can get more creative with paint, stamping, papier-mâché, or embroidery. Estimated cost: $1–$5.
- Artwork or Decoration Based on Their Favorite Book — If you don’t have the best drawing or painting skills, consider a collage. An ornament of their favorite book or author is another option to consider! Estimated cost: $3–$10.
- A Book Bag — Several different kinds of fabric can be used to make a book bag, and you don’t need amazing sewing skills. Estimated cost: $5–$15.
- A Homemade Book Nook — Book nooks are decorative pieces that sit on bookshelves. You can use cardboard, paper, clay, lights, and miniatures—the possibilities are endless. Estimated cost: $25–$50.
DIY Holiday Gifts for the Host
This person is one of the chicest people you know, who loves to host and appreciates timeless décor.
- Coasters — Coasters can be made with cardstock, tile, cork, or wood—just make sure to add non-slip backing. Estimated cost: $10–$30.
- Homemade Trinket Dish — Air-dry clay or resin can be used to create a chic trinket dish. You can also thrift something and personalize it! Estimated cost: $5–$12.
- Personalized Vase — Get creative—wine bottles or other unconventional items can be turned into a unique vase with paint or materials like Mod Podge. Estimated cost: $10–$25.
- Natural Decorations/Art — Fruit and plants can be dried to create beautiful natural décor, like orange garlands. Estimated cost: $3–$8.
- Personalized Candles — You can paint or glue decorations onto a candle, or make one yourself using inexpensive wax melts or kits. Estimated cost: $5–$15.
- Upcycled Frames — Thrifted or old frames can be transformed with paint, fabric, or embellishments for a stylish gift. Estimated cost: $2–$20.
DIY Holiday Gifts for Your Favorite Nerd
This is for the nerdest person you know and love:
- Homemade Chess Pieces or Checkers Set — This can be incredibly personal, simple, and fun. Air-dry clay, wood, or resin all work here. Estimated cost: $5–$20.
- Art Based on Their Favorite Movie, TV Show, or Video Game — Try drawing, painting, or collaging to bring their fandom to life. Estimated cost: $3–$10.
DIY Christmas Gifts for Your Favorite Plant Parent
This person is an okay-to-great plant parent (their plants are either dying or thriving—there is no in-between).
- A Homemade Terrarium — You’ll need potting soil, small plants, and a vessel for the terrarium. Simply arrange, wrap, and gift! Estimated cost: $10–$25.
- Seeds of Their Favorite Flower or Plant — Find seeds of your loved one’s favorite variety and wrap them in a festive bag—easy and personal. Estimated cost: $2–$6.
- Planters — Almost anything can be turned into a planter. Paint or glue onto one you already own, thrift, or buy. Estimated cost: $2–$20.
DIY Holiday Gifts for Someone Who Needs Self-Care
These gifts are for someone who desperately needs a spa day at home.
- A Body Scrub — Whip up a simple sugar or salt scrub using ingredients you already have at home; just jar it, label it, and gift it for an instant spa moment. Estimated cost: $2–$6.
- Simmer Pots — Combine dried fruit, spices, and herbs in a small jar for a cozy simmer-pot mix that fills their home with comforting holiday scents. Estimated cost: $2–$8.
- Eye Mask — Sew or glue together a soft fabric pouch, fill it with rice or lavender, and you’ve got a soothing eye mask they can chill or warm. Estimated cost: $3–$15.
- Personalized Mug — Grab a plain mug and decorate it with paint pens or decals for a thoughtful, everyday item that feels truly personal. Estimated cost: $3–$15.
DIY Christmas Gifts for the Sport Fanatic
Go sports! This person is a sports fanatic and can never have too many items from their favorite team or player.
- Art Based on Their Favorite Sports Team — Create a print, mini canvas, or collage featuring their team colors. Estimated cost: $3–$10.
- A Christmas Ornament Based on Their Favorite Sports Team — Paint or decorate a simple ornament with the team logo or colors. Estimated cost: $2–$15.
- Sport Coasters — Use tile, cork, or wood to make coasters that show off their team spirit, practical and fun. Estimated cost: $15–$25.
DIY Holiday Gifts for a Foodie
This person shows love through cooking and feeding their friends and family, or they always have the best recommendations for new restaurants and fancy wine.
- A Recipe Book — Gather family favorites or your personal recipes and bind them into a cute DIY cookbook they’ll treasure. Estimated cost: $3–$20.
- Cookie Mix in a Jar — Seasonal and cozy—perfect as a Christmas gift that anyone will love. Estimated cost: $3–$15.
- Spice Mix — Blend your favorite spices into taco seasoning, chai spice, or a BBQ rub and package it in a small jar for a flavorful handmade gift. Estimated cost: $2–$15.
DIY Holiday Gifts for the Traveler
You’ll be lucky to have this person home for the holidays, and if not, you’ll see them in January when they pop in for a week or two.
- A Luggage Tag — Craft a sturdy tag out of leather, vinyl, or laminated cardstock so their bags stand out wherever they go. Estimated cost: $5–$15.
- A Travel Journal — Personalize a small notebook with maps, stickers, or prompts to inspire them on their next adventure. Estimated cost: $5–$20.
- A Passport Cover/Protector — Sew or assemble a simple cover from fabric or faux leather to keep their passport safe and stylish. Estimated cost: $8–$20.
DIY Christmas Gifts for a Pet Lover
This person loves their pets more than anything, and that’s totally normal.
- Personalized Ornaments of Their Pets — Paint or print their pet’s likeness onto an ornament for a sweet keepsake they’ll hang every year. Estimated cost: $2–$15.
- Collars, Hats, Sweaters, etc. for Their Pets — Knit, sew, or embellish small accessories that make their furry friend look extra adorable for the holidays. Estimated cost: $5–$15.
Time-Saving Strategies for Holiday Hours
Many people find themselves in a time crunch even when shopping, and of course, making your gifts can be more time-consuming than simply buying them. Here are some tips to help you save time and make sure your gifts are done on schedule:
- Plan DIY Projects Around Shorter Store Holiday Hours — As Christmas gets closer, many stores reduce their hours. Plan ahead, grab your supplies early, and take advantage of extended retail hours when they’re available.
- Get Materials in Person When Possible — Shipping delays are common in December, so picking up what you need in-store can save you days of waiting (and a lot of stress).
- Set Up a Realistic Calendar for Your Projects — Break your DIY list into small steps and block out time for each one. A few minutes of planning now can save hours later.
- Set Time Aside for Wrapping — Wrapping always takes longer than expected, so schedule dedicated time for packaging and finishing touches.
- Batch Similar Tasks Together — Painting, cutting, gluing, or mixing ingredients in batches helps you move through gifts much faster.
- Choose DIYs That Use Overlapping Materials — Selecting projects that share supplies (like jars, ribbon, or paint) saves both time and money.
- Prep Ahead When Possible — Cut fabric, print labels, gather jars, or mix dry ingredients early in the month so assembly is quick when you’re ready.
- Keep a Backup DIY Gift Idea in Mind — If a project takes longer than expected, having a simple alternative ensures you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Borrowing a Christmas Loan for the Holidays
Many people turn to a Christmas loan when they need funding for the holidays. There are options out there, even if you don’t have the best credit. However, CreditNinja recommends only turning to loans for emergencies. You should also be aware that there are alternatives to borrowing if a holiday loan isn’t the right option for you.
Where Can I Get a Christmas Loan?
You can get a Christmas loan from the following:
- Banks and Credit Unions — Banks and credit unions provide funding for the holidays, but you’ll likely need good or excellent credit.
- Online Lenders — Online lenders like CreditNinja offer fast and flexible funding for borrowers without perfect credit scores. Once approved, you could have the holiday funding you need as soon as the same day.*
- Buy-Now-Pay-Later Considerations — If you can’t afford to pay for holiday gifts upfront, consider buy-now-pay-later options. However, keep in mind that these have to be repaid fairly quickly (often weekly), compared to loans that are typically repaid monthly.
Ways to Avoid Borrowing: Generating Low-Effort Holiday Cash
If you don’t want to take out a loan for holiday cash, here are some alternatives:
- Selling Unused Items — Go through your home and list anything you no longer use on Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or local resale apps. It’s a quick way to declutter and earn a little holiday cash at the same time.
- Taking on Small Side Gigs — Simple gigs like babysitting, pet sitting, or doing a few delivery shifts can help you earn extra money fast. Even a few hours a week can make a noticeable difference during the holidays.
- Cashback Apps — Use cashback apps or browser extensions when buying supplies or everyday essentials so you earn a little money back on every purchase. It’s an easy, passive way to pad your holiday budget.
- Using Rewards Points or Gift Card Discounts — Redeem credit card points, store rewards, or discounted gift cards to cover part of your shopping costs. This helps stretch your budget and reduce how much cash you actually spend.
Final Thoughts and Helpful Resources
There are tons of budget-friendly DIY gifts you can make for your friends and family, and no matter what they’re into, you’ll find plenty of options to create something special. Just be sure to plan ahead so the process stays fun and stress-free. If you feel like you need to borrow funds to complete your DIY projects, lenders like CreditNinja could help with same-day funds.* However, keep in mind that loans like ours are best reserved for emergencies, and there are plenty of ways to stay on budget without taking on additional financial responsibility. Remember, the holidays aren’t about how much you spend; they’re about the thought and care you put into each gift.
