Brand-new gift sets, foodie gifts, beauty gifts, and the like are sure to bring joy this year, but if you're planning to give something with a personal twist, handmade gifts are *the* way to go. The possibilities are truly endless when you employ your creativity and craft items that your gift recipients have maybe seen (or received) before – hats, cards, coasters, picture holders, and more await.
Check out these entirely homemade gifts that will spark your next holiday idea! Some components of these handmade gifts can even be thrifted, saving you some cash along the way.
Here are the best handmade gift ideas to give your loved ones this holiday season.
Anete Lusina / PEXELS
1. Start simple and make them a personalized card.
Nothing communicates your love, time, and effort behind a gift more than personalized cards. Even if you can’t DIY the gift itself, having a handmade card (with a thoughtful message inside) as a prelude to the unwrapping ritual will touch everyone’s heart. Make sure to craft yours on some hardy cardstock so they feel *extra* special. Peep some of these stellar holiday card ideas for inspiration!
@miascozycorner i inadvertently seem to have to fallen into a purple theme?? #christmascrafts#diychristmasdecor#diychristmasornaments#claycreations#tiktokdiy#christmas♬ original sound - mia 🍒
2. Sculpt some cutie gift toppers.
Handmade gift wrapping elements will also step up your holiday game. These darling little gift toppers that @miascozycorner made out of polymer clay are sure to inspire your own designs! Decorate the shapes you make with paint pens and coat them in Liquitex for durability, then attach them to your gift box or bag using some cute ribbon or yarn.
Riley Williams
3. Use air-dry clay to make picture holders.
Clay is your BFF for making handmade gifts. This idea from @rileyrosestudio lets your giftee display pictures, memories, cards, or even recipe cards in the form of their favorite food! Go for a trendier take by sculpting an olive or tomato out of air-dry clay, or opt to craft something as intricate as a burger or pizza slice – no matter what shape it is, they’re sure to love it. Riley usesgesso to prime her air-dry clay pieces, then an acrylic sealant to make sure those lovely designs stay put.
Meredith Holser
4. Make an orange garland for them.
A dried orange garland takes an entire day (and sometimes more) to make, so your recipient should definitely feel special knowing you put hours of love into this handmade gift. Though they look intricate, you only need to follow a few steps (and have few materials: orange slices, twine, and a thick yarn needle) to achieve the cozy garland. Luckily, there are tons of citrus garland tutorials on social media to assist in your creation. B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith, tied cutie little pink ribbon bows on her homemade garland.
Krissy Derrick
5. Craft a candle holder using clay.
You could use a pottery kitlike these convenient ones to make anything, really, but this wavy candelabra from @modeletto.store will make one of the most unique handmade gifts! Don’t forget to *also* gift somecandlesticks alongside it.
Mariam Antadze / PEXELS
6. Make coasters out of air-dry clay and gift them alongside thrifted glassware.
To make some handmade coasters, roll out some air-dry clay, let it dry, and coat it with gesso before you get to painting! The canvas is yours with this gift idea, but here are a few concepts to get the creative juices flowing: smiley faces, rainbows, spirals, initials, and fruits or vegetables. Ensure that your hard work stays in place with a sealant that’ll repel moisture. Some thrifted glassware pieces to give alongside your handmade coasters would be the absolute cherry on top!
Meredith Holser
7. Create a collage out of old magazines.
Magazines are really not hard to come by, and if you're looking for a sustainable gift, you can find some especially unique ones at re-sell bookstores or thrift stores to make your own collage. Some of the best ones to start with are Vogue and National Geographic. There are a lot of different techniques and themes you could run with, so we recommend doing some visual research on Pinterest beforehand to nail down your collage's concept. Maybe it's full of imagery that reminds you of your relationship, or a jumble of words that form a sweet poem – it's really up to you! Just have glue, an X-Acto knife, and a cutting board on-hand for the process. Complete this artsy handmade gift by signing your work and framing the collage in a nifty frame.
Meredith Holser
8. Thread a handmade necklace using thrifted or secondhand beads.
Got a necklace you don’t love? Deconstruct that baby using small wire cutters or scissors so that you can use the leftover beads and charms to make something entirely new! If you don’t have them on-hand already, you will need some beading cord, bead clamps, jump rings, clasps, and pliers.
Brit + Co
9. DIY your very own body care line.
Making your own body scrubs or balt salts is *a lot* easier than you’d think. Some recipes only call for ingredients you’d find in your kitchen! Make a range of self-care products at home, then package them up in thrifted jars with ribbon and a handmade tag to really impress.
Ron Lach / PEXELS
10. Repurpose cans and tins by pouring candles into them.
Fish tin candles are in, but you can really use any vessel to pour your own candles in. All you need is some candle wax, wicks, and a scent of your choice to create something super unique! Try your first handmade candle with an empty, clean tinned fish tin, then get adventurous with soda cans or crushed tomato cans to bring out that Tomato Girl energy for your gift recipient.
Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS
11. Make a batch of jam.
If foodie gifts are their thing, then there’s no better item to give than, well, food! We have an amazingly tasty fig jamrecipe, but you can take the reins on what fruity flavor you’ll whip up. This is a convenient handmade gift, too, because the result won’t go bad or spoil before the big day.
Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS
12. Make a batch of spice mix.
In the same vein of shelf-stable foodie-snacky gifts, spice mixes are always a good idea, and really easy to make at home. Mix together some cajun seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, ranch, or everything bagel seasoning in no time before packing it up in small thrifted jars to gift!Roman Odinstov / PEXELS
13. Make a batch of chili oil.
Chili oil is very buzzy at the moment, but instead of dropping a bag on a single jar, make your own at home to yield a few! Our recipe uses neutral oil, star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, Sichuan peppercorns, salt, chili flakes, garlic and soy sauce.It only takes a moment to make, but you’ll want the mixture to sit for a week or so, that way the nuanced flavors can all sink in. You could even gift a few recipe cards (like these delectable feta fried eggs) alongside a jar, since chili oil is exceptionally yummy on a ton of dishes.
Anete Lusina / PEXELS
14. Knit or crochet a hat, scarf, or another garment you know they’d like.
Having knitting and/or crochet skills is invaluable when it comes to gifting season. You can easily find patterns online for creating beanies, blankets, scarves, leg warmers, balaclavas, mittens, and more, so your giftee can stay stylishly warm beyond the holidays in a bespoke garment that *you* made!
Damir / PEXELS
15. Make magnets out of air-dry clay for their fridge.
Again, air-dry clay rules the world of handmade gifts. For a smaller project, make some fridge decorations by painting on air-dry clay shapes. You can make hearts, stars, foods, faces, animals, and more! To make your designs magnetized, super glue some small magnet tabs on the back of them.
小龙 魏 / PEXELS
16. Paint a glass bottle with your own design to gift a plant cutting.
You can easily thrift a glass vessel (or use one you already have), paint a unique design on it using glass paint, then fill it with a little bit of water to gift a small plant cutting! This way, you’re giving them a stylish home decor piece along with a heirloom piece of nature that they’ll admire every day as it grows.
Brit + Co
17. DIY an ornament (or a few) for them.
Tree ornaments are 100% on-theme for the holidays, so if you feel a little lost on what to gift, try DIY-ing some ornaments of varying styles! We have some DIYs for punnyones and minimalistones, but there are also a ton of other tutorials on social media that can guide you in the direction you want to take.
Mati Mango / PEXELS
18. Burn a CD full of tracks they’d like.
It may seem a little old-school now, but the gift idea of burning a CD will appeal to every gift recipient that’s old enough to remember portable CD players. They can play it in their car or through their at-home speaker system to jam out. Just grab a pack of blank CDs that come with covers, and let the nostalgic process take you away.
In addition to making your own playlist to gift, you should definitely consider designing an album cover and tracklist for that personalized touch – platforms like Canva are a great option for doing this. The music-lover in your life will surely appreciate the time you took to craft each and every detail of the CD – and maybe they’ll even discover some new tunes along the way!
Brit + Co
19. Bake them a big batch of cookies.
You just can’t go wrong with sweets during the holidays! Whatever form they come in – vegan, gluten-free, paleo – cookies are sure to satisfy your giftee. We have a ton of recipes you could check out (I highly recommend the Taylor Swift chai cookies), but if you already have a method to your madness, whip up whatever dessert recipe you have in mind. Just make sure they’re fairly fresh when you hand them over.
If you don’t have a neat cookie tin on-hand, run to your nearest thrift store. It’s guaranteed that you’ll find a cute one to house your cookies!
Brit + Co
20. Decorate a plant pot with pops of color.
If your gift recipient has a green thumb, it’s not a bad idea to gift them a few plant-related things. Luckily, handmade gifts have a stake in this – just grab a terracotta pot (you can easily thrift one or find one for cheap at the dollar store) and some chalk pens, then decorate the exterior however you like.
To get some ideas flowing, you could include illustrated motifs of your relationship with this person, write their name out in bubble letters, or just doodle random designs. Matching their interior design aesthetic is definitely recommended.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
December always has a way of sneaking up on us with a frenzy of cute holiday decorating, festive gatherings, and dreaming up the best gifts for our besties. If this month has you feeling more frazzled than festive, don’t worry—we’ve got you (and them) covered.
Charles Chocolates
Charles Chocolates Winter Fleur de Sel Collection
We partnered with Charles Chocolates, the award-winning artisanal chocolate brand, to create a gift guide filled with unique and just-a-little-bit bougie finds, because everyone deserves to treat themselves once in a while, holiday season or not! From a plushy robe and scented candles to a box of the most creative handmade chocolates, including a chocolate box you can actually eat, these picks are perfect for everyone on your list — and maybe even a little treat for yourself.
Score a FREE Charles Chocolates Bar when you spend $25 or more!The Coffee Lover
Brit + Co
Charles Chocolates Winter Collection Edible Chocolate Box
These coffee-lover gifts, including a colorful French Press and adorbs mug, are sure to perk up your day — and theirs! Pair your morning cup with a delicious piece of handmade chocolate for the ultimate sensory experience. You can literally eat the box in this Winter Collection from Charles Chocolates filled with Fleur de Sel Caramels, Peanut Butterflies and Milk Chocolate Caramels. SO good!
Featured:
- Charles Chocolates Winter Collection Edible Chocolate Box
- Bodum x World Market 8 Cup French Press Coffee Maker
- Handheld Electric Rechargeable Milk Frother for Coffee
- Rika Mug
- Williams Sonoma Coffee Scoop With Clip
The Cozy Homebody
Brit + Co
Charles Chocolates Holiday Collection
For the pal who loves to stay in and get cozy, here’s a cute kettle for steeping her favorite tea, some cozy wears, and Charles Chocolates Holiday Collection with flavors like Pecan Fleur de Sel Caramel, Cinnamon Spice Truffle, Orange Zest Truffle, and Maple Truffle. Charles Chocolates are all natural so it’s real chocolate vs. a sugary (read: cheap) substitute. The flavors are so unique and fun to taste-test. It’s the perfect gift for when you’re feeling indoorsy!
Featured:
- Charles Chocolates Holiday Collection
- Willow Kitchen Digital Gooseneck Kettle
- Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe
- Free People Ruffle Sock Pack
- Slip Contour Sleep Mask
- Olive Candle
Your Holiday Crush
Brit + Co
Charles Chocolates Peppermint Bark
Sneak a fancy chocolate bar, like Charles Chocolates Peppermint Bark Bar, made with homemade peppermint candy, in your S.O.’s stocking, plus some essentials for the camper, music lover, and beanie wearer!
Featured:
- Charles Chocolates Peppermint Bark
- Wren Off-Road Camp Mug
- Marine Layer Corbet Quilted Full Zip Hoodie
- Carhartt Beanie Hat
- Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag
- Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker
The Sweet Tooth
Brit + Co
Charles Chocolates Bittersweet Chocolate Santa
Sweet tooth be gone with Charles Chocolates Bittersweet Chocolate Santa Clause. This thing is not small, weighing in at 3 lbs. of deliciously rich chocolate. Adults will actually enjoy this vintage-style Santa as much as kids! Pair with a bottle of wine dressed in an adorable bow, a cake stand candle (so cute!), darling dessert plates, and/or a baking lover’s cookbook! Toss some mint chocolate almonds in stockings too!
Featured:
- Charles Chocolates Bittersweet Chocolate Santa
- PB Stewart Plaid Wine Collar
- Charles Chocolates Mint Chocolate Almonds
- Peachymart Cute French Style Dessert Plates
- Mini Cake Stand Woody Winter Woods & Vanilla Glass Candle
- Crumbs: Cookies and Sweets from Around the World
Your Jewish Bestie
Brit + Co
Charles Chocolates Hanukkah Collection Edible Chocolate Box
There’s a lot of talk about Christmas this time of year, but not all of our friends celebrate. And this year, Hanukkah starts on Christmas day so we can celebrate together! Gift your bestie who celebrates the Festival of Lights with this Hanukkah Collection Edible Chocolate Box filled with flavors like Fleur de Sel Caramel, Passion Fruit Heart, Espresso Caramel, and Meyer Lemon Yankee. They might also enjoy a new cookbook celebrating their heritage, cozy slippers, jewelry, and an artful wine decanter for the holidays. Candle-lighting matches are a perfect stocking stuffer or White Elephant gift too!
Featured:
- Charles Chocolates Hanukkah Collection Edible Chocolate Box
- MOMA Bilboquet Wine Carafe & Decanter
- The Jewish Holiday Table Cookbook
- Tenn Prairie Striker Match Holder
- Rhinestone Bow Earrings
- Maeve Faux-Fur Open-Toe Bow Slippers
Score a FREE Charles Chocolates Bar when you spend $25 or more!
Kitchen renovations are no joke – they're a major investment, so you’ll want to think twice before committing to fleeting trends — especially for big-ticket items like cabinets, countertops, and appliances. I’ll admit it: I’m still without a backsplash five years later because I can’t commit! While it’s perfectly fine to follow your heart if you love a particular look, kitchens can quickly feel outdated when you lean too heavily on short-lived fads. To help you create a timeless, stylish space, we’ve rounded up outdated kitchen trends to avoid — and easy ways to modernize if your kitchen is stuck in the past.
Scroll to see if you have these outdated kitchen trends in your house right now!
1. All-White Kitchens
The all-white kitchen craze has officially run its course, often feeling cold and sterile — like say a doctor’s office. Today’s kitchens are all about warmth and character, with palettes in soft neutrals, earthy greens, or bold, moody shades like oxblood and midnight blue. Choose a color that speaks to you for a timeless, inviting space you'll love for years to come.
2. Granite Countertops
This early 2000s trend has been overdone and feels so dated now. Marble, sleek quartz, even butcher block are more classic choices.
3. Ornate Cabinetry
The color and detail of this traditional kitchen feels drab and dated. Instead, look for flat-panel or Shaker-style cabinets with clean, minimal lines.
4. Farmhouse Decor
This kitchen is a lesson is don'ts. The grey vinyl flooring (especially hideous!), farmhouse stools, and white cabinetry hail from a decades-old trend that needs to disappear in 2025.
5. Glass Mosaic Tiles
Glass mosaics, popular in the 2000s and 2010s, tend to lean toward a transitional aesthetic, which is the opposite of an organic, minimalist, or vintage-inspired design kitchen are craving now. The grout lines are bit difficult to clean too between all the tiny tiles. Zellige tile or a slab of marble are a more sophisticated look for today's kitchens.
6. Black & White
The stark contrast between black and white can come across as harsh and overly dramatic, a look that peaked in the 2010s. The farmhouse sign doesn't help warm it up either. Soften the look with earthy, natural tones.
7. Subway Tile
Subway tile is classic, so there’s no need to rip it out if it still brings you joy. However, the white subway tile paired with dark grout has overstayed its welcome. This overdone trend became so ubiquitous that it lost its charm and individuality, leaving kitchens looking more cookie-cutter than full of character.
8. Industrial Lighting
This nod to the past needs to, sorry, stay in the past. Look for organic, natural forms and lighting that reflects your kitchen's unique aesthetic.
Shutterstock
9. Tuscan Style
This rustic kitchen feels dated with its heavy, ornate features like dark wood cabinetry and trim. Go for clean, brighter spaces.
Shutterstock
10. Tile Countertops
Natural stone, marble, and wood are trending for 2025. Grout-filled countertops like this one are not. Time to go!
11. Moroccan Mosaic Tile
Kitchens are becoming elegant places to cook, eat, and gather. This busy design can look cheap. The white mid-century Eames-style chairs, sorry to say, are also out.
12. Barn Doors
Using barn doors between the kitchen and other spaces is a look that is officially out. They proved to be not that functional and the look is now dated and too kitschy. Buh bye!
Check out our online newsletter for more home decor inspo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Every January, I commit to a Whole30 month and throughout the year follow the low-carb program for a week or even a day. This year, 2025, I'm going to try to adhere to a low-carb diet all year long. My body just doesn't react well to carbs and it's generally a healthier way to live. I recently tried True Story's Whole30 Approved Bundle, which has been a great starter kit to get back in the swing of a low-carb routine, especially at lunchtime when I don't have time to cook from scratch.
Now there are tons of Whole30 recipes that you can enjoy without breaking the rules. The creativity of these dinner recipes make you feel like you're not giving up on dairy, grains, sweets or fun, but instead are venturing into a style of cooking that's healthy and *delicious.* Enjoy the adventure and experiment with these versatile mains that you can add to your monthly cooking routine.
Easy Paleo Chili Recipe
Make this easy Whole30-compliant dish that's full of healthy veggies (no beans!) and so simple to make. (via The Endless Meal)
Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs
For an easy dinner, try these meatballs without breadcrumbs made from ground beef or pork. Just add a veggie and your favorite sauce! (via Where Is My Spoon)
Sweet Potato Toasts
Sweet potatoes are low in calorie and high in fiber and a good swap for your toasty cravings. There are endless topping combos to turn them into a delicious and savory meal. (via Feel Good Foodie)
Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus
This Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus recipe is Whole30 approved and ready in less than 30 minutes! (via The Girl On Bloor)
Creamy Chicken Mushroom
Serve over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash, this Creamy Chicken Mushroom recipe is made with garlic chicken thighs and a delicious mushroom sauce that's made creamy with healthy cashew butter. (via The Endless Meal)
Chicken Artichoke
This chicken smothered in a creamy spinach and artichoke cream sauce is Whole30-compliant and so delicious! (via Clean Cuisine)
Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup
If you’re looking for a soul-soothing dish that’s still diet-friendly, you’ve come to the right recipe. (via Brit + Co)
Whole30 Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Hearty comfort food isn’t always compliant with the latest food trends, but this loaded baked potato soup just happens to be Whole30 approved. (via Brit + Co)
Whole30 Animal Style Burgers
Crunchy lettuce leaves replace traditional buns to make burgers that are Whole30 compliant. You’ll be able to stop your drive-thru dreams after just one bite. (via Brit + Co)
Chicken, Pesto, and Sun-Dried Tomato Egg Pizza
Whole 30 Salmon Avocado Salad
Whole30 Broccoli Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes
Whole30 Chicken, Lime, and Avocado Soup
Whole30 Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Whole30 Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken
Make this sesame chicken at home in your Instant Pot so you don’t give in to your take-out cravings. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)
Taco Salad Bowl + Sautéed Plantains
Dig into this hearty salad served with sautéed plantains and a homemade Whole30-compliant taco seasoning for a totally satisfying dinner. (via The Real Food Dieticians)
Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat
Roasted sweet potatoes, eggs, and the toppings of your choice (bacon and avocado, for example) create a hearty base for your day. (via Brit + Co)
Hashbrown Egg Cups
Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas
Tangy, spicy sheet-pan shrimp fajitas can be wrapped in lettuce taco “shells.” (via Brit + Co)
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
This Greek-inspired whole chicken cooks fast and tasty in an air fryer. Add roasted potatoes for a complete meal! (via Vikalinka)
Green Egg Shakshuka
If you’re not famished after work, treat yourself to a pan of mixed greens topped with baked eggs. (via Brit + Co)
Spring Chicken Salad
Chicken, potatoes, and greens are always a choice grouping. Here, the addition of a pesto dressing transforms them into a vibrantly flavored dish. Use snap peas instead of English peas to keep things Whole30-compliant. (via Brit + Co)
Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie
Topped with a creamy cauliflower-potato mash, Whole30 shepherd’s pie is just one way to satisfy your comfort food cravings. (via Brit + Co)
Halibut en Papillote
Instant Pot Salmon Dinner
Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and orange-covered salmon cook up all at once in an Instant Pot within minutes so hanger doesn’t have time to strike. (via Brit + Co)
Keto Vegan Alfredo Zoodles
We think Whole30 will forgive us since alfredo sauce isn’t something people tend to binge on. Top it with shrimp or chicken for extra oomph. (via Brit + Co)
Whole30 Mashed Potatoes With Mushroom Gravy
Make a big batch of this and serve it alongside a steak. (via Brit + Co)
Sweet Potato Egg Boat
Don’t knock it till you try it. Egg, bacon, avo, and sweet potatoes surprisingly go very well together. (via Brit + Co)
Paleo Dressing
This bowl combines roasted root vegetables and sausage for an earthy, filling combo. Serve it with some cauliflower rice for a complete meal. (via Brit + Co)
Whole30 Chicken Salad
This easy grilled chicken salad, ideal for the nights when you want to quickly throw something together, happens to be Pinterest’s top recipe. (via Brit + Co)
As you already know if you've made it this far, getting through a month of healthy meals is all about the meal plan! We hope you've found some inspiration for easy, flavorful, colorful, and tasty meals that we imagine might land in your regular meal rotation beyond your Whole30 month? Find more inspiration in our weekly newsletter or enjoy a free month of our on-demand baking and cooking classes.
Main image via The Endless Meal