Homemade Holidays
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Collapse ▲Homemade Holidays: Simple Gifts That Come from the Heart
The holiday season is a time for giving, but meaningful gifts don’t have to be expensive or complicated. This year, we’re sharing a 5‑day Homemade Holidays series highlighting easy, budget‑friendly gift ideas that can be made at home—often with ingredients or supplies you already have.
Homemade gifts are special because they’re personal, practical, and made with care. They also offer a great opportunity to spend time with family, involve kids in the giving process, and reduce holiday stress.
Day 1: Why Homemade Gifts Matter
We kick off the series by focusing on why homemade gifts are such a great option during the holidays. Making gifts at home can help stretch your budget, reduce waste, and allow you to customize gifts for the people you care about. From edible treats to handmade décor, homemade gifts can be both meaningful and easy to create.
Tips for Saving Money
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Set a per-gift budget before you start and choose projects that fit within that limit.
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Buy ingredients and supplies in bulk and make multiple gifts at once to lower the cost per item.
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Reuse jars, containers, and ribbon you already have at home for packaging.
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Choose gifts with simple ingredients to avoid extra trips to the store.
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Keep gifts uniform (same project for multiple people) to save time and money.
Ideas for Involving Kids
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Let kids help measure, mix, and package ingredients for edible gifts.
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Have children decorate labels, tags, or gift containers to add a personal touch.
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Choose age-appropriate projects such as dry mixes, ornaments, or felt crafts.
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Turn gift-making into a family activity by setting aside a specific “craft night.”
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Encourage kids to help choose who will receive each homemade gift.
General Gift-Making Guidance
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Read through recipes or instructions completely before starting to ensure you have all supplies.
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Label gifts clearly with instructions, ingredients, and any allergy information.
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Keep food safety in mind when making edible gifts—use clean tools and proper storage.
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Choose projects that match your skill level and available time.
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Remember that homemade gifts don’t need to be perfect—the thought and effort matter most.
Day 2: Soup & Chili Dry Mixes
Dry soup and chili mixes make comforting winter gifts that are simple to assemble and shelf‑stable. Ingredients can be layered in jars or bags, paired with cooking instructions, and customized for different tastes or dietary needs.
You can find a recipe for just about any mix you can think of online or you can make your own. Here are a few favorite recipes, with printable gift tags.
Day 3: Hot Chocolate Bombs & Cookie Dough Mixes
Sweet treats are always a holiday favorite. Hot chocolate bombs and cookie dough mixes are fun to make, easy to package, and great gifts for families, teachers, and neighbors. These gifts can also double as a holiday activity to enjoy together.
Day 4: Sugar Scrubs
Homemade sugar scrubs are a simple self‑care gift made with just a few ingredients. They can be customized with different scents, colors, and containers, making them a thoughtful and affordable holiday gift.
Day 5: Dry Clay Ornaments, Infusers & Felt Gifts
We wrap up the series with creative keepsakes. Dry clay ornaments and infusers can be shaped, decorated, and even scented, while felt gifts offer endless possibilities for handmade décor and small gifts. These projects are especially meaningful for children and families to make together.
Final Thoughts
Homemade gifts don’t have to be perfect—they just need to be thoughtful. Whether you’re gifting a jar of soup mix, a sweet treat, or a handmade ornament, these ideas offer affordable ways to give from the heart while creating memories along the way.