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  4. 21 DIY Christmas Gifts Anyone Would Be Excited to Open

21 DIY Christmas Gifts Anyone Would Be Excited to Open

Southern Living May 2021 Cover
By Southern Living Editors Updated August 31, 2021
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hot honey
Credit: 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.

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No-Sew Flannel Drink Sleeve

No-Sew Flannel Drink Sleeve
Credit: Southern Living

Spread holiday cheer to everyone on your list with homemade presents. Get the full tutorial here.

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Recipe Tea Towels

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

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Hot Chocolate Bombs

Hot Chocolate
Credit: 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. 

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Gingerbread Sugar Scrub

Gingerbread Sugar Scrub
Credit: Southern Living

This jolly gingerbread DIY project couldn't be simpler to pull together. Watch the full tutorial here.

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Button Picture Frame

Button Picture Frame
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Just a little glue and some colorful buttons can bring a favorite photo to life this holiday. Get the instructions or watch the full tutorial here.

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Cozy Chai Candle

Chai Candles Still
Credit: Southern Living

Give the warm, seasonal smells of cinnamon and spice with a homemade chai-scented candle. Tie the finished product with a ribbon for a pretty presentation. Get the full tutorial here.

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Infused Olive Oils

Infused Olive Oils on window ledge still
Credit: Southern Living

The chefs on your list will love these gourmet-infused olive oils. Try flavors like rosemary, sun-dried tomato, lemon, and chili. Get the full tutorial here.

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Magnolia Wreath

Making Magnolia Wreaths: Finish with Red Velvet Bow
Credit: 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. 

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Lavender Lotion Bars

Lotion Bars
Credit: Southern Living

These lotion bars are easy to make, great for giving, and the perfect solution to keeping skin silky-smooth. Get the directions here. 

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Slow-Cooker Apple Butter

Slow-Cooker Apple Butter
Credit: 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

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Clamshell Angel Ornament

Clamshell Angel Ornament
Credit: Laurey W.Glenn

This build-your-own ornament will give a Christmas tree a personal touch while also adding coastal style. Get the step-by-step instructions here.

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Mason Jar Snow Globe

Make a Mason Jar Snow Globe
Credit: 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.

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Hot Honey

hot honey
Credit: 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

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DIY Desk Calendar

DIY Desk Calendar
Credit: Southern Living

Already looking ahead to the New Year? Create a personalized desk calendar. The best part is that it's evergreen so it can be used year after year. Get the full tutorial here.

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Peppermint Sugar Scrub

Peppermint Sugar Scrub
Credit: Southern Living

This simple peppermint sugar scrub is begging to go in your next holiday basket. Watch the full tutorial here.

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Cheese Straw Sampler

Cheese Straw Sampler
Credit: 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

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Ready-Made Appetizer

Pear Preserves
Credit: 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

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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.

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Pound Cake Truffles Sampler

Pound Cake Truffles Sampler
Credit: 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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Homemade Bacon Salt

Homemade Bacon Salt
Credit: Southern Living

No matter the season, bacon is always a crowd-pleaser. Watch the full tutorial here.

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Yard Yahtzee

Yard Yahtzee
Credit: Southern Living

For a family that loves playing games together and spending time in the backyard, this outdoor Yahtzee set will get plenty of use. Get the directions here. 

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    1 of 21 No-Sew Flannel Drink Sleeve
    2 of 21 Recipe Tea Towels
    3 of 21 Hot Chocolate Bombs
    4 of 21 Gingerbread Sugar Scrub
    5 of 21 Button Picture Frame
    6 of 21 Cozy Chai Candle
    7 of 21 Infused Olive Oils
    8 of 21 Magnolia Wreath
    9 of 21 Lavender Lotion Bars
    10 of 21 Slow-Cooker Apple Butter
    11 of 21 Clamshell Angel Ornament
    12 of 21 Mason Jar Snow Globe
    13 of 21 Hot Honey
    14 of 21 DIY Desk Calendar
    15 of 21 Peppermint Sugar Scrub
    16 of 21 Cheese Straw Sampler
    17 of 21 Ready-Made Appetizer
    18 of 21 Winter Spice Sugar Scrub
    19 of 21 Pound Cake Truffles Sampler
    20 of 21 Homemade Bacon Salt
    21 of 21 Yard Yahtzee

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