Mia
Every December, there’s a special kind of magic that happens – fairy lights twinkling, the scent of cinnamon wafting through the windows, everyone slows down just a little to cherish warm, cozy moments at home. And for those who are giddy at the thought of making your own cards to give as gifts, homemade ornaments, or any type of craft using ribbons, glitter, and a hot chocolate on the side, this list of do it yourself will feel like a holiday gift to you.
Making your own holiday décor has something to offer other than a hobby; it is a mood, a ritual, and a little pocket of calm among the chaos that us parents know too well. And it doesn’t matter if you are a life-long lover of everything DIY or if you are someone who normally glues their fingers together while trying to make something homemade, all of these diy holiday craft ideas are going to be easy, low-stress, and fun to make.
Before you jump in start creating, remember this: homemade doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to feel like you.
1. Washi Tape Tree Cards
This is one of those crafts where you sit down thinking, “I’ll just make one,” and before you know it, you have made ten. Lay down strips of various colorful washi tape on cardstock that fits together in a small Christmas tree shape, and finish off with a little star sticker.
What makes these fun is how quickly they come together — great for adding to gifts, slipping into envelopes, or even hanging as mini wall art.
2. Craft Stick Christmas Trees
If you grew up doing school crafts, this will hit you with a wave of nostalgia. Take simple craft sticks, glue them into triangle tree shapes, paint them, and decorate with beads, buttons, or tiny pompoms.
They look adorable on gift packages or as tiny ornaments. Plus, they’re a great “lazy day” craft because you can do the whole thing while binge-watching holiday movies.
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3. Calm & Cozy Yarn Trees
Making things out of yarn is always relaxing; there’s just something about shapeshifting yarn into a cone or cardboard triangle that calms your racing mind. These tiny trees could easily be made in all solid colors, ombré, or even with sequins for extra sparkle.
Cluster a couple up on a shelf for a Scandinavian cozy Christmas feel.
4. Pipe-Cleaner Candle Décor
Don’t worry — these aren’t real candles. Roll sheets of paper into tubes and create little faux flames using yellow pipe-cleaners. The end product is delightfully whimsical, while still being very surprisingly elegant.
They’d also make the best centerpieces, or for anywhere you’re trying to achieve that candle feel with the worry of kids or pets knocking your work over — thankfully no open flames.
5. Mason Jar Potpourri Gifts
Nothing completes a cozy Christmas home like dried oranges, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Put a few of these ingredients in mason jars, tie them with twine, make a handwritten tag, and your home will feel like a winter market in no time at all.
These would also make beautiful gifts when you’re in a sense crunching time — you’d still look thoughtful while hardly spending any time crafting!
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6. Candy Cane Thumbprint Cards
This craft gives you that sweet “homemade school project” charm but in a grown-up way. Dip your thumb in paint and stamp red and white alternating shapes to form candy canes.
Add a small message like “Sweet holiday wishes!” Hand them out or tie them to cookie boxes.
7. Bottlebrush Tree Display
Bottlebrush trees are tiny, fluffy, and ridiculously adorable. Display them on wooden blocks, candlesticks, or inside glass domes. Mix and match colors — icy blues, soft pinks, classic greens.
They create a full festive scene with almost no effort.
8. Doily Wall Christmas Tree
Surprisingly elegant and incredibly inexpensive, this idea uses paper doilies arranged on a wall in a large triangular form.
You can play around with sizes and patterns, layering smaller doilies toward the top to give the tree dimension. It’s the perfect craft if you want a statement piece without buying a big artificial tree.
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9. Personalized Embroidered Socks
Here’s a craft that doubles as a heartfelt gift. Grab plain socks and stitch initials, tiny stars, or snowflakes using embroidery thread.
This one is slow, steady, and meditative. The end result feels more personal and luxurious than most store-bought Christmas gifts — especially when folded nicely inside a small gift box.
10. Ribbon Bow Garland
This is one of the simplest crafts on this list. Create simple bows using different textured ribbons — velvet, satin, gingham — then tie or glue them to a long string or twine. Place it on a mantle, headboard, window, or even stairs. Instantly softens up the room and gives it a “holiday postcard” feel.
11. Oversized Brush-Stroke Wreath Card
Using brown kraft paper, you can make a giant card, and the front of the card can fit a giant circle decorated with a scrub brush dipped into green paint to represent a wreath. The wreath can be decorated with little white dots to represent snow and add a small ribbon bow. The results are rustic, imperfect, and beautiful; one you might actually want to keep, rather than toss out like the other cards.
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12. Sports-Themed Mason Jar Gift
This one is for the sports lover in your life. Paint a mason jar like a baseball or football and fill with treats or popcorn and add a small themed tag. It is fun, unexpected, and a good reminder that holiday crafts don’t all need to be red or green or covered in glitter.
13. Bow-Covered Christmas Sweater
Ugly sweater party? Saved.
Grab a plain sweater, stick on multiple gift bows (use fabric glue or adhesive bows), and suddenly you’re festive without trying too hard.
It’s funny, it’s cute, and it takes exactly seven minutes.
14. Waldorf Paper Stars
One of the most beautiful diy christmas craft ideas you can make with just translucent craft paper. Fold and layer the paper in a geometric pattern to form glowing window stars.
When sunlight hits them in the morning, they look magical — like stained glass.
15. Sock Snowman Décor
Acquire a white sock, stuff it with rice or other stuffing. Tie sections off for the head and body, and dress them with scraps of fabric, or adorn them as you like and you have a cute new snowman.
These little snowmen have an adorably homemade look that has a lovely nostalgic feel. Set them along shelves or give them to a friend who appreciates cute decor.
Tips for a Smooth Crafting Session
Here are some tips to have fun while crafting:
- Be sure to keep your supplies in sight – the more visible they are, the better your chances of crafting.
- Have a few projects going all at once, switching back and forth as you feel the creativity.
- Create a “crafting soundtrack”, that consists of old Christmas music, acoustic music, or even your favorite movie.
- Don’t stress if something looks imperfect. Homemade should look homemade.
- If you’re gifting your crafts, add handwritten notes. They go a long way.
Why DIY Crafts Make the Holidays Feel Fuller
Beyond the fun and the pretty décor, there’s a quiet emotional value in making things by hand. You slow down. You create moments with yourself or the people around you. You make things that carry memories, a smudge of paint here, a crooked tree there — and those imperfections make the craft more warm, more human.
That’s really what the holidays are about.
Final Thoughts
Whichever ones you opt to create, or all of them, these DIY Christmas crafts are meant to be easy, enjoyable, and completely doable (even if you are new to craft!). You don’t need any special supplies or capabilities beyond the average person who dabbles in a craft — just some time, curiosity, and the attitude to let some holiday magic happen.
So pour your warm drink of choice, prep up your supplies, and allow your imagination to wander. Handmade decorations aren’t just things to fill your home + life with — they fill your December with stories that you will remember forever
