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Christmas is just around the corner! There is still some time left for us to make gifts for our loved ones.

Handmade gifts can hold such deep meaning to the recipients of them. Knowing that someone created something with you in mind is a wonderful feeling.

Fortunately, it’s not too late to make a few easy projects for friends and family this Christmas.

In this post, we’ll cover 12 beginner-friendly creative projects that make wonderful gifts during the holiday season.

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Part 1: Handcrafted Goodies

1. Handmade Candles

Candlemaking is a hobby that’s surprisingly easy to take up. All that’s required is some kitchen experience and a few affordable tools.

I purchased this beeswax candlemaking kit from Amazon. It comes with enough beeswax and tins for 12 small candles and all the accessories needed for candlemaking.

This kit is perfect for crafting all-natural, allergen-free candles. It comes with 6 pure essential oils that blend wonderfully with the beeswax.

I got started after watching this video on beeswax candle making. It explains everything you need to know as a beginner, including the specific temperature needed to melt wax and when to add fragrance.

2. Pajama Pants

If you’re new to sewing, pajama pants are a great starter project. Many fabric stores sell patterns for them such as this Simplicity pattern. Select your size and fabric, and you’re off to the races!

You’ll likely need 2-3 yards of fabric for pajama pants. The pattern you select will tell you the exact yardage needed.

Holiday flannel fabrics are currently on sale at many craft stores, so it’s a great time to try this one!

3. Dog Pajamas

If you know someone with a dog, there’s a high chance that spoiling their pup on Christmas will bring them tremendous joy.

I’ve made multiple pairs of PJs for our dog using this dog pajama pattern on Etsy. The instructions are very clear and even outline how to make sizing adjustments for your dog.

The finished product is a cute, handmade onesie to keep a furry friend warm during winter. You can even make a matching set of pajama pants for the owner for an extra special gift.

4. Crocheted Housewares

As a housewarming gift, I had a lovely friend give me a set of crocheted dish towels, coasters, and trivets that I find myself reaching for often. And she made each of them using only fundamental crochet techniques.

This blog post from Spruce Crafts has 23 free and easy crochet patterns that make wonderful gifts. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can crochet a few items and make a handmade gift basket.

5. Amigurumi

Amigurumi is the art of making crocheted stuffed animals. It requires more technique than starter crochet projects, so I’d recommend it for those who have the basics down. The result is a cute and memorable trinket that someone will love for years.

This book is a fantastic beginner’s guide to amigurumi. It teaches basic stitches and techniques and has plenty of beginner patterns to choose from.

If you are looking for a free pattern, Stringy Ding Ding has a free pattern for the amigurumi hamsters pictured above.

6. Knitted Scarves

Scarves are the perfect project for learning how to knit. Once you learn how to cast on and stockinette stitch, you’ll be off to the races.

Perhaps the best part about knitting a scarf is that it can be done while watching TV or listening to a podcast. Knitting becomes second nature once you have some rows under your belt.

7. Handwritten Letters

As someone with friends and relatives across the country, few things warm my heart more than receiving letters from them.

It goes to show that sometimes the simplest acts bring the biggest smiles. If you want to do something simple but meaningful this Christmas, mail a few letters to those you love and miss. Your words will be cherished for years to come.

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Part 2: From the Kitchen

Perhaps the most common love language of all is food. The effect that a warm meal or freshly baked batch of cookies can have on a day is truly wonderful.

With only a few hours spent in the kitchen, you can make plenty of scrumptious Christmas gifts. Below, I’ve listed my favorites.

8. Spiced Simple Syrup

For many of us, our morning cup of tea or coffee is a vital ritual during these cold, dark days. Winter spices can add a festive touch to our drink of choice.

Simple syrups can be easily made in large batches to give as gifts. I used this pumpkin spice simple syrup recipe to make my own. To give it more of a wintery feel, I added powdered cinnamon and cardamom to the blend.

If you need containers for your syrups, these amber glass bottles do the trick.

9. Spiced Tea & Coffee Blends

There are plenty of delicious recipes for chai-spiced coffee and tea. You can also opt for superfood spice blends for your health-conscious friends and family members.

Making spiced tea and coffee blends is even easier than making simple syrup. All you have to do is mix your favorite ground coffee or tea leaves with your spices of choice.

10. Baked Goods

Who doesn’t love fresh baked goods?

Hot sourdough loaves. Peppermint brownies. Pumpkin pie. Gingerbread cookies. There’s something for everyone.

Baking on a cold winter’s night is such a lovely way to warm your home and your soul. Treat yourself and your loved ones to your delicious creations for a sweet and memorable Christmas.

11. Dog Biscuits

Remember what I said about spoiling your friend’s dogs?

If PJs are too daunting, dog biscuits can be made in 30 minutes with only a few ingredients. I used this recipe to make peanut butter pumpkin dog treats.

When cooking treats with peanut butter, be sure to use all-natural peanut butter without xylitol, as it’s extremely dangerous for dogs. Always triple-check the ingredients.

12. Body Butter

Yes, surprisingly enough, you can make bath products in the kitchen with only a few simple ingredients.

Body butter works tremendously well for combatting winter dry skin. This is one great recipe for non-greasy, homemade body butter. A healthy twist on regular body butter is to add magnesium for medicinal effects.

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That’s a wrap!

I hope you feel inspired to handmake a gift or two this holiday season.

Remember, there is no shame in starting with an easy project this year and saving challenging projects for years to come. Don’t psyche yourself out of trying with a project that’s too advanced.

I wish you the loveliest of Christmases in a few weeks time. Enjoy the time with family and the beauty all around. You have earned some joy and rest.

Until next time,

O&K