10 DIY Christmas Gifts Anyone Would Be Excited to Open

hot honey
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: Kellie Gerber Kelley

Looking for a unique Christmas gift that won't break the bank, but is sure to get a smile? This year, skip the same-old, store-bought stocking stuffers and spread some holiday cheer with a homemade present your friends and family will love. It's never too early to start brainstorming gifts for everyone on your list. Plan ahead and put together a DIY present that's sure to be a hit. While store-bought gifts always please, it's the handmade presents that are the most heartwarming.

From projects that take just a hot minute and a trusty glue gun to homemade apple butter and warm-smelling candles, we've pulled together some of our favorite DIY ideas to gift this year. And, yes, we promise they are easier to pull off than they look! Ready to get started? Grab your hot glue gun and a little bit of creativity, because you're sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

01 of 10

Recipe Tea Towels

Here's a sentimental Christmas gift everyone will love. Handwritten family recipes turned into tea towels make the ultimate keepsake.

02 of 10

Hot Chocolate Bombs

Hot Chocolate
Getty Images/Kseniya Ovchinnikova

Hot chocolate bombs are a fun way to deliver a perfect cup of holiday cheer. They can be personalized with fun add-ons of your choice, like mini marshmallows, roughly crushed peppermint sticks, or salted caramel pieces. Get the directions here.

03 of 10

Magnolia Wreath

Making Magnolia Wreaths: Finish with Red Velvet Bow
Ralph Anderson

Wreaths give a great first impression of holiday cheer. Save money by making your own magnolia wreath that's just as beautiful as the store-bought version. Here's a tutorial.

04 of 10

Slow-Cooker Apple Butter

Slow-Cooker Apple Butter
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Your slow cooker will help homemade Christmas gifts come together even easier.

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Apple Butter

05 of 10

Mason Jar Snow Globe

Make a Mason Jar Snow Globe
Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

There's no such thing as too much holiday decor. This elegant, easy-to-make snow globe can also be made with any trinket of your choice. Follow our step-by-step instructions.

06 of 10

Hot Honey

hot honey
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: Kellie Gerber Kelley

Hot Honey will be a unique idea against the lineup of usual holiday gifts. Present it in a cute jar jazzed up with a pretty bow.

Recipe Hot Honey

07 of 10

Cheese Straw Sampler

Cheese Straw Sampler
Photo: Iain Bagwell

Cheese straws are the crowd-pleasing, quintessential food gift. Surprise recipients this year with variations on the delicious traditional recipe, like Bacon-Smoked Paprika Cheddar and Pimiento Cheese. Download our custom gift tag that identifies the different flavors.

Recipe: Olive-Blue Moons
Recipe:Bacon-Smoked Paprika-Cheddar Bars
Recipe:Pecan-Rosemary-Cheddar Buttons
Recipe:Pimiento Cheese Squares
Recipe:Parmesan-Basil-Cheddar Stars

08 of 10

Ready-Made Appetizer

Pear Preserves
Jennifer Davick

'Tis the season for entertaining. Help out the busy holiday hostess by giving a premade appetizer. Pair a jar of our Caramelized Ginger Pears with a round of Brie. Add a festive plate and cheese knife, and all there's left to do is serve and enjoy.

Recipe: Caramelized Ginger Pears

09 of 10

Winter Spice Sugar Scrub

This seasonal gift idea is made with all of the holiday fragrances that we love – cinnamon, orange, and clove. Simply mix sugar and coconut oil, add your fragrance, and gift a ribbon-tied jar to your hostess. It's easy to double or triple this recipe for multiple gifts, or try switching up your essential oils to make Peppermint Sugar Scrub or Gingerbread Sugar Scrub for a little variety.

10 of 10

Pound Cake Truffles Sampler

Pound Cake Truffles Sampler
Iain Bagwell

Put together an assortment of homemade truffles that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Mix and match flavors like Bourbon-Pecan and Chocolate-Espresso. Download our custom gift tag that identifies the different treats.

Recipe:Bourbon-Pecan Pound Cake Truffles
Recipe:Raspberry Pound Cake Truffles
Recipe:Chocolate-Espresso Pound Cake Truffles
Recipe:Candied Ginger Pound Cake Truffles

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