Christmas craft ideas for gifts give your hands something to do on long winter evenings. Then, in December, you have a stack of presents ready to wrap.
I picked projects that use paper, felt, wood, clay and yarn. None need a big workshop. A kitchen table, good scissors and some patience cover most of them.
Each of these 20 Christmas craft ideas for gifts lists the main supplies and a few steps. Choose by skill, by time or by the person you have in mind.
Good to know: Buy supplies for three or four projects at once. Felt, floss and twine carry over between many of them.
In this post: 20 ideas
- Embroidered winter cottage hoop
- Star clay ring dishes
- Beaded snowflake ornaments
- Block printed tea towels
- Paper quilled Christmas tree
- Felt mitten ornaments
- Painted wood slice coasters
- Blue mosaic trivet
- Chunky crochet basket
- Pressed fern frame
- Plaid fabric book cover
- Painted wooden village houses
- Macrame keychains
- Felt poinsettia brooch
- Paper star mobile
- Embroidered linen handkerchiefs
- Button Christmas tree art
- Painted rock village
- Woven yarn bookmarks
- Decoupage keepsake box
1. Embroidered winter cottage hoop
An embroidery hoop with a red cottage and snowy pines turns into wall art the day you finish it. The wooden hoop works as the frame, so there is nothing else to buy. It is one of the most popular Christmas craft ideas for gifts among new stitchers.
Trace the design onto linen with a water soluble pen. Fill the cottage with satin stitch and the trees with fishbone stitch. French knots make good snow. Trim the fabric at the back and glue a felt circle over it for a neat finish.
Gift tip: Add the year in tiny backstitch near the bottom. It turns the hoop into a dated keepsake.
2. Star clay ring dishes
Star shaped ring dishes hold rings, earrings and small clips by the sink or bed. White clay with gold edges looks clean and bright. Clay dishes rank high among Christmas craft ideas for gifts, because one block makes several.
Roll air dry clay to about a quarter inch thick and cut stars with a cookie cutter. Press each star into a small bowl, so the edges curve up. Let them dry for two days, then sand them smooth. Paint the rims with gold leaf paint and seal with gloss varnish.
3. Beaded snowflake ornaments
Wooden bead snowflakes hang on a tree, a window or a gift tag. White beads on wire show up well against green branches. Kids and adults can both make these Christmas craft ideas for gifts in under 20 minutes each.
Twist three pieces of craft wire together at the center to make six arms. Thread wooden beads onto each arm, leaving a little wire at the tips. Bend the tips into small loops, so the beads stay on. Tie a twine loop to one arm for hanging.
Save money: A bag of 500 wooden beads makes a dozen snowflakes for the price of one shop ornament.
4. Block printed tea towels
White tea towels printed with red pine trees look festive in any kitchen. A hand carved block gives each print a slightly different edge, which shows it is handmade. These Christmas craft ideas for gifts suit hosts and new homeowners.
Carve a pine tree into a soft lino block with a basic cutter. Roll fabric ink onto the block and press it firmly onto washed cotton towels. Repeat in rows, then let the ink dry overnight. Heat set it with a hot iron, so the print survives the wash. Woodblock printing has a long history if you want design ideas.
5. Paper quilled Christmas tree
A quilled tree in green and cream paper strips looks detailed but uses basic shapes. A light oak frame turns it into a piece for a shelf or mantel. Patient crafters love this one.
Roll paper strips around a quilling tool, then pinch them into teardrops and leaf shapes. Glue the shapes onto card stock in rows, starting at the bottom. Add a small quilled star at the top. Quilling needs only paper, glue and a slotted tool to begin.
Good to know: Use a needle tip glue bottle. A small drop holds each coil without soaking the paper.
6. Felt mitten ornaments
Tiny felt mittens with stitched snowflakes make a sweet set of ornaments. Red, green and cream felt suit a traditional tree. They are Christmas craft ideas for gifts that also work as tags on bigger presents.
Cut two mitten shapes for each ornament from wool blend felt. Stitch a snowflake on the front piece in white floss. Join the edges with a blanket stitch and add a pinch of stuffing. Sew a loop of striped twine to the cuff.
7. Painted wood slice coasters
Four wood slice coasters painted with a deer, a fox, an owl and pine trees make a woodland set. The bark edge keeps a natural look. Outdoor lovers often rank these first among Christmas craft ideas for gifts.
Buy dried wood slices about 4 inches wide and sand the tops smooth. Paint each animal with acrylics, or use a photo transfer gel if you prefer. Seal with three coats of water based polyurethane. Stick felt dots on the base, so they do not scratch tables.
Gift tip: Stack the four coasters and tie them with twine. A small pine sprig under the knot finishes the look.
8. Blue mosaic trivet
A blue and cream mosaic trivet protects the table from hot pans. The star pattern follows a classic quilt block design. Mosaic projects are Christmas craft ideas for gifts that take a weekend but last a lifetime.
Glue small ceramic tiles onto a square of plywood in your pattern. Let the glue set overnight. Spread grout over the tiles, wipe the extra with a damp sponge and let it cure. Glue cork to the back to protect counters.
9. Chunky crochet basket
A chunky cream crochet basket holds yarn, toiletries or small toys. Bulky cotton cord works up fast, so you can finish one in an afternoon. These Christmas craft ideas for gifts suit anyone with a shelf to tidy.
Work a flat circle in single crochet with a large hook, adding stitches each round. When the base is wide enough, stop increasing so the sides rise. Add two small handles near the top. Fill it with yarn or soaps before you give it.
10. Pressed fern frame
A double glass frame holds pressed ferns so light passes right through them. A red velvet ribbon tied at one corner adds a holiday detail. Nature lovers keep these Christmas craft ideas for gifts on display all year.
Press ferns between sheets of paper inside a heavy book for two weeks. Arrange them on the back glass with tweezers. Lay the front glass on top and close the frame. A drop of clear glue on each stem stops it from sliding.
Good to know: Keep the frame out of direct sun. Strong light fades pressed leaves over a few months.
You may also like19 Christmas Party Decoration Ideas for Tables and Photo Corners11. Plaid fabric book cover
A tartan fabric book cover protects a favorite paperback and hides its title on the train. A sewn ribbon bookmark keeps the page. Readers count these among the most useful Christmas craft ideas for gifts.
Measure the closed book and add 4 inches on each side for flaps. Hem the short ends, then fold them in to form pockets. Sew a ribbon into the top seam as a bookmark. The cover slips on and off, so it fits many books of the same size.
12. Painted wooden village houses
Three small wooden houses in red, white and green build a village for a mantel. Tiny bottle brush trees between them finish the scene. These Christmas craft ideas for gifts come out each December for years.
Cut house shapes from a 2 by 4 board, or buy blank wooden houses at a craft store. Paint each one a different color and add white windows and doors. Glue the houses and trees onto a thin wooden base. Display them with these Christmas mantle decor ideas.
13. Macrame keychains
Macrame keychains in cream, sage and burgundy make quick gifts for friends and coworkers. Each one needs about a yard of cotton cord. These Christmas craft ideas for gifts take 15 minutes once you learn the knot.
Fold four cords through a key ring with a lark’s head knot. Tie square knots down the length until it reaches about 3 inches. Comb out the ends into a fringe and trim them straight. Make a batch in one color, or mix all three.
Save money: One spool of 3 mm cotton cord makes about 30 keychains.
14. Felt poinsettia brooch
A red felt poinsettia brooch pins onto a coat, a scarf or a hat. Gold beads in the middle catch the light. This is one of the Christmas craft ideas for gifts that fits inside a card.
Cut six to eight red petals and four green leaves from stiff felt. Stitch them in layers onto a small felt circle. Sew gold seed beads into the center. Glue a pin back to the reverse and mount the brooch on a plain card.
15. Paper star mobile
Folded paper stars in cream and gold hang from a wooden hoop as a mobile. It moves gently near a window or over a bed. New parents love it, and it ranks among the prettiest Christmas craft ideas for gifts on this list.
Fold each star from a square of heavy paper, then glue the points together. Use fishing line to hang five to seven stars at different lengths. Tie the lines to a wooden embroidery hoop. Add three top cords that meet at a ring for hanging.
Gift tip: Pack the mobile flat with each star wrapped in tissue. Then add a card that shows how to hang it.
16. Embroidered linen handkerchiefs
White linen handkerchiefs with a holly sprig in one corner make a classic gift. A stack of three tied with green velvet looks neat. These Christmas craft ideas for gifts suit grandparents and anyone who likes old fashioned things.
Buy plain hemstitched handkerchiefs or hem linen squares yourself. Stitch the holly leaves in green satin stitch and the berries in red French knots. Press each one with a damp cloth before you fold it.
17. Button Christmas tree art
Green buttons in many shades form a Christmas tree on linen. A wooden star on top and a rustic frame finish the piece. Kids enjoy these Christmas craft ideas for gifts, since sorting buttons by shade is fun.
Stretch linen over the frame backing and draw a triangle in pencil. Glue or sew the largest buttons at the bottom, then work up with smaller ones. Add a brown button or a strip of felt for the trunk.
More for kids: Little ones who like this project will also enjoy these pretzel craft ideas.
18. Painted rock village
Smooth stones painted as tiny snowy cottages make a small village for a windowsill or plant pot. Each house has lit windows and a white roof. These Christmas craft ideas for gifts cost almost nothing, since the rocks are free.
Wash and dry flat stones from a garden or beach. Paint the house shape first, then add roofs, doors and windows with a fine brush. Dot snow along the roofs with white paint. Seal each stone with a clear spray varnish.
19. Woven yarn bookmarks
Striped yarn bookmarks are woven on a small frame loom. Red, green and cream stripes suit the season. Book lovers rank these among the best Christmas craft ideas for gifts for readers.
Warp a small loom with cotton thread. Weave rows of yarn, changing colors every few rows for stripes. Leave the warp ends long at the bottom and knot them into a tassel. Each bookmark takes about an hour.
20. Decoupage keepsake box
A wooden keepsake box covered in chickadee paper holds letters, photos or small treasures. Vintage bird prints with berries and pine look right for winter. This is one of the Christmas craft ideas for gifts that families pass down.
Paint the inside of the box first. Brush decoupage glue onto the outside and smooth printed paper over it. Trim the edges with a craft knife after it dries. Seal with two or three thin coats of glue.
Good to know: Use thin paper, like napkins or rice paper. Thick paper wrinkles at the corners.
How to choose Christmas craft ideas for gifts
Match the craft to the person first. Readers like bookmarks and book covers. Cooks use tea towels and trivets. People who decorate a lot will enjoy the village houses and paper stars.
Next, match the craft to your skill. Beginners do well with beads, buttons and painted rocks. Embroidery, quilling and mosaic need more patience.
| Craft | Time needed | Skill level |
|---|---|---|
| Beaded snowflakes | 20 minutes | Easy |
| Macrame keychains | 15 minutes | Easy |
| Painted rock village | 1 hour | Easy |
| Button tree art | 1 hour | Easy |
| Clay ring dishes | 1 hour and 2 days drying | Easy |
| Felt mittens | 30 minutes each | Medium |
| Woven bookmarks | 1 hour each | Medium |
| Embroidered hoop | One weekend | Medium |
| Quilled tree | One afternoon | Medium |
| Mosaic trivet | One weekend | Medium |
Easy Christmas craft ideas for gifts with kids
Kids can paint rocks, glue buttons, bead snowflakes and decorate tea towels with a stamp. Let them sign or date the back of each piece. Grandparents keep these much longer than shop gifts.
Keep wire cutters, craft knives and hot glue with adults. For more child friendly projects, see these Women’s Day crafts for preschoolers.
Supplies to buy for handmade Christmas gifts
A small stock of basics covers most crafts on this list. Buy them in October, when craft stores restock for the holidays.
- Wool blend felt in red, green and cream
- Embroidery floss, needles and a 6 inch hoop
- Cotton cord and yarn in three colors
- Air dry clay and acrylic paint
- Decoupage glue, brushes and clear sealer
- Kraft boxes, tissue paper and twine
Save money: Check thrift stores for frames, wooden boxes and buttons. They often cost a fraction of new ones.
How to package Christmas craft ideas for gifts
Handmade pieces look best in simple packaging. Kraft boxes with tissue suit ornaments, dishes and coasters. Cellophane bags show off houses and snowflakes.
Add a tag with care notes. Painted items need a gentle wipe only. Fabric gifts need washing notes, and pressed leaves need a spot away from the sun. Place the gifts under a tree dressed with these indoor Christmas decorations.
Common mistakes with Christmas craft ideas for gifts
Rushing the drying time ruins many projects. Clay, varnish, grout and glue all need a full day or more. So plan the slow crafts for November.
Another mistake is picking a craft that is too hard for the time you have. Try one test piece first. In my experience, the first piece is always the slowest, and the rest go much faster.
More ideas: For more homemade options, see these DIY Christmas gift ideas.
FAQs about Christmas craft ideas for gifts
What are the easiest Christmas craft ideas for gifts?
Beaded snowflakes, macrame keychains and painted rocks are the easiest. Each takes under an hour and needs few tools.
Which crafts can I make in bulk?
Keychains, snowflakes, felt mittens and ring dishes are quick to repeat. Make one, then cut or prep the rest in a batch.
What crafts make good gifts for adults?
Embroidered hoops, mosaic trivets, block printed towels and keepsake boxes suit adults. They are useful and look polished.
How early should I start making craft gifts?
Start in early November. Slow projects like mosaic, clay and embroidery need extra drying or stitching time.
Can I sell these crafts at a holiday market?
Yes, most of these sell well at markets. Keychains, ornaments and coasters are popular small buys.
Written by Stephanie Fallis
Mom and homemaker who shares budget friendly DIY projects, decorating tips and gardening ideas for busy families.
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