DIY gifts: the pleasure of giving something with intent
Honesty hour: who hasn’t had at least one or two things offered by someone in a past Christmas, which have never been used or even appreciated that much? Whether it’s a boring book, a piece of clothing that you never got the time to return, or a gadget you’ve barely used, it’s easy to look around and find a couple of examples. And, if it happens to you, it’s likely it happens to others as well.
This Christmas, make the gifts yourself! More importantly than the monetary value, the essence of DIY (Do It Yourself) presents is the level of care that goes into them. And being so personalised, odds are they’ll be a success. Moreover, DIY gifts are often a more sustainable option, using fewer resources and contributing to less waste in this season so favourable to overconsumption.
11 DIY Christmas gifts to surprise someone
We present you eleven ideas for DIY Christmas gifts, personalised and sustainable, to surprise your loved ones, with no harm to the planet or your wallet.
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Homemade jam, compote, and chutney
Who doesn’t like the occasional sweet treat, especially during wintertime? If you know someone who can’t resist a fruit jam or a delicious chutney, maybe you’ve found the perfect gift for them. Think of an exquisite tomato jam, a red berry compote, a pumpkin jam with tropical fruits, or an exotic lemon and ginger marmalade. When it comes to chutney, the classic mango chutney can never go wrong, but you can also improvise with an apricot chutney, or even an apple and tomato mix. Use one of those glass jars you have stored in the pantry, adorn it with a bow and you’re good to go.
- Difficulty: easy
- Price: €€€
- Why it is a good choice: a versatile treat that can be used in other sweet and savoury recipes.
- How to make it even more special: write a personalised card.
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Flavoured olive oils
A real foodie will always appreciate excellent olive oil – the liquid gold of the Mediterranean. You can flavour olive oil with spices, herbs, or chillies – not for the faint of heart. While a bottle of good quality olive oil would already be a great gift, a flavoured olive oil elevates it to the next level.
- Difficulty: easy
- Price: €€€
- Why it is a good choice: suits anyone who is a fan of Portuguese gastronomy.
- How to make it even more special: add a label with the ingredients and usage suggestions.
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Homemade bonbons and truffles
What if, instead of the typical box of chocolates that is always a Christmas hit, this year you ventured into the kitchen and gifted a box of homemade chocolates? We suggest some delicious combinations of chocolate and nuts, or even some pralines. If you tend to gravitate more towards truffles, don’t hesitate and make some chocolate and nuts truffles, cocoa and avocado, or whatever bold recipe you can think of. Then, put the lovely homemade bonbons or truffles in a beautiful box, adorn it with a satin bow, and this DIY gift is ready.
- Difficulty: medium
- Price: €€€
- Why it is a good choice: a sophisticated and original gift for the sweet tooth.
- How to make it even more special: package in decorative boxes and finish with a ribbon.
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Homemade biscuits
If it is in your household’s tradition to bake biscuits for Christmas, this year you can turn these into lovely DIY gifts and surprise those who deserve it the most with a box filled with delicious biscuits and cookies, simple or decorated, sandwich biscuits or cookies. The theme? Think candy canes, Father Christmas hats, Christmas trees, stars, boots, and all things Christmas.
- Difficulty: easy
- Price: €€€
- Why it is a good choice: traditional gift that appeals to kids and adults.
- How to make it even more special: place the cookies in decorative tins or boxes with Christmas themes.
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Aromatic candles
Aromatic candles are a very fun to make DIY gift, and a really nice one to both give and receive – who doesn’t like a candle with their favourite scent?
You’re going to need:
- Unscented candle, wax, or refined paraffin (easily found in some pharmacies or online shops)
- Food colouring in the colour of your preference
- Essential oil with the essence of your choice
- Candle wick with metallic support (available in candle making shops and online shops)
- Cooking oil (for greasing)
- Mould (optional) or glass jar
Start by melting the unscented candle (in pieces), wax or paraffin in a pan. Stir with a spatula until the wax is liquid and add a few drops of the food colouring until you get the desired colour. Remove from the water bath and when it starts to cool down, add some drops of the essential oil (if the wax is too hot, the oil will evaporate). Grease the mould and candle wick with the oil, place the wick on the bottom of the container, and pour the wax into the container to your desired height. You may need to use tweezers to position the wick in the centre of the candle. Allow it to cool completely – at least five hours – and on the next day unmould the candle carefully. If using a glass jar instead of a mould (or a beautiful bowl, or a cup) you do not need to grease it with oil.
- Difficulty: medium
- Price: €€€
- Why it is a good choice: a practical gift for those who love to receive products for the home that provide comfort and well-being.
- How to make it even more special: add a tag with the fragrance’s name and a special message.
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Homemade soaps
Making soaps is an art. It involves a lot of technique and components that must be handled very carefully, such as caustic soda (highly corrosive). But there are ways to make custom soaps at home without using potentially dangerous chemicals.
You’re going to need:
- 300 g glycerine base for soap (opaque or transparent) – available online and in some organic shops
- Dye for glycerine soap
- Essential oil of choice
- Other natural ingredients of choice (honey, lavender seeds, dried lavender flowers, lemon zest, orange zest, dehydrated herbs, etc.)
- Moulds
Grate the glycerine with a cheese grater and melt it, stirring with a spatula until it is completely liquid. Add the dye, stirring constantly. Add drops of essential oil to taste. Now it’s time to add the other ingredients (if you want to add honey to your homemade soap, do so when the glycerine is liquid and before removing it). Pour the liquid soap into a mould covered with cling film and allow it to cool for a day. Remove the soap from the moulds and film. If you do not have moulds, you can use a square, rectangular or circular container, and cut the soap with a knife that has been dipped in hot water – or with a soap cutter.
Wrap your homemade soaps in baking paper and secure with a bow or string. Don’t forget to put a label with the ingredients that make up this DIY gift to avoid allergic reactions.
- Difficulty: difficult
- Price: €€€
- Why it is a good choice: an original gift for those who like eco-friendly self-care products.
- How to make it even more special: wrap in greaseproof or decorative paper, tie with a bow or string and include a label with the ingredients to avoid allergic reactions.
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Natural body scrubs
Can you believe it is possible to reduce waste, save money, and make natural gifts, all at the same time? Here’s proof: natural homemade body scrubs. If you have low, wide jars or empty cream and lotion plastic containers, you’re already halfway there. Then, stick a label on the side of the jar where you can describe the ingredients used in the scrub. Finally, decorate the lid of your jar with a ribbon or some string. The only thing missing is these five recipes for natural scrubs you can make at home.
- Difficulty: easy
- Price: €€€
- Why it is a good choice: DIY gift made with natural ingredients.
- How to make it even more special: decorate the bottle with ribbons or stickers and insert a card with instructions.
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Basket of delicacies, sweets, snacks and other delights
And what about people who don’t have time to cook biscuits and jams, or to make candles and soaps? In this case, the best option is to put together a Christmas basket full of delicacies. Include one or two delicious jams or compotes, a good quality floral honey, some artisanal sheep or goat cheese, a gourmet charcuterie selection, a bottle of good wine. It can also include chocolates, biscuits, or nuts.
- Difficulty: easy
- Price: variable
- Why it is a good choice: in a single gift, you’ll be offering various experiences for the senses.
- How to make it even more special: include a card with suggestions for using and tasting the products.
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Coffee kit
Some people just can’t start their day without a hot mug of coffee. For them, this is probably the ideal gift. Surprise them with a personalised, handmade coffee kit. Choose specialty beans, such as medium-roast Colombian, intense coffee beans (60% robusta, 40% arabica) or ground coffee from Vietnam and add other ingredients such as sugar flavoured with vanilla or cinnamon, hazelnut syrup or caramel – so that whoever receives the gift can be their own barista! Add some biscuits or chocolates to the kit (made by you using the tips above) and wrap everything up in a themed box or basket.
- Difficulty: easy
- Price: €€€
- Why it is a good choice: perfect DIY gift for true coffee lovers and to warm the coldest days.
- How to make it even more special: add recipe suggestions for brewing the perfect coffee.
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Memory Box
A memory box is a meaningful gesture that can be cherished for years. Think of someone special in your life with whom you’ve shared many adventures or moments you hold dear. Start by personalising a wooden, cardboard, or even a repurposed tin box, decorating it with paint, wrapping paper, or cut-out designs. Inside, include photographs, notes, stories, or special memories you’ve shared. For an extra touch, add small symbolic items, like a keepsake from a trip you took together or something that holds significance for your relationship.
- Difficulty: easy
- Price: €€€
- Why it is a good choice: an emotional DIY gift.
- How to make it even more special: include a handwritten letter or an invitation to the next adventure together.
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Hand-painted cushion
If you have a knack for drawing, personalise a cushion (or a t-shirt, for instance) with hand-painted designs. You can choose a cotton one in any color you like or buy a cover to repurpose an unused cushion you already have at home. Choose plain covers or cushions and use fabric paints to create patterns such as snowflakes, Christmas trees, or quotes. For something more timeless, go for stripes, polka dots, flowers, or any pattern that suits the person’s tastes and home décor. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to fix the paint and ensure it withstands use and washing.
- Difficulty: medium
- Price: €€€
- Why it is a good choice: combines art, décor, and functionality in one gift.
- How to make it even more special: wrap it in tissue paper or a beautiful fabric bag.
One DIY Christmas gift is worth a thousand throwaway items
Creating a gift for someone is an opportunity to show them how special they are, that their personality counts, that time has been invested in preparing the perfect present. So, there’s nothing like Christmas, a time of gratitude, love and friendship, to express to your family and friends how much you appreciate them – through DIY Christmas gifts. By choosing to create something with your own hands, you give two valuable gifts: one to someone special and another to the planet. Merry Christmas!
