DIY junkies, this is the most wonderful time of year. December arrives with a flurry of pretty paper snowflakes, bedecked wreaths and twinkling lights, and suddenly there are a million DIY projects you’ve just got to try. Since we can’t show up in person to lend you a hand (although that would be awesome), we’ve hunted down some quick ‘n’ easy holiday DIYs that are sure to “wow” without taking an entire weekend to create. Break out your Santa hat and get ready to wrap, bake, glue, glitter, Sharpie and/or washi tape these festive projects.
1. Sweet Cinnamon Candles: For your BFF who loves a new candle each season: Get her a cinnamon version made by Y-O-U. She’ll feel special. (via Treasures and Travels)
2. Five Gorgeous Holiday Garlands: The only trouble here is deciding which garland to make first. (via A Beautiful Mess)
3. DIY Copper Stocking Rack: No fireplace? No problem. You can put this dowel rod stocking rack together in minutes if you’re handy with a miter saw. (via The Merry Thought)
4. Candy Cane Mini Donuts: Umm, yum. Store-bought cake donuts, icing and candy cane crumbles are a match made in heaven. Just warm up the icing a bit, pour it over each donut and bedeck (generously) with candy cane bits. (via Paper & Stitch)
5. Gingerbread Man Piñata: It’s not a party without a piñata. Kids will love this little gingerbread guy. Even we think he’s pretty squeal-worthy. (via Studio DIY)
6. Paper Stars: You’d pay a fortune for the designer version of these brilliant twinklers. Put your paper-folding skills to work and craft three different paper star designs in just a few simple steps. (via Kate’s Creative Space)
7. Ornament Cluster Gift Topper: Ornaments aren’t just for trees. Here’s proof. (via Homey Oh My!)
8. Festive Ornament Wreath: Dealing with ornament overload doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply glue the balls in rows around a wreath to make one gorgeous statement piece for your home. (via Lemon Stripes)
9. Neon Pinecone Place Card Holder: Welcome each guest to your table with a cheerful pinecone place card holder. (via Camille Styles)
10. Silver Glitter Ornaments: Okay, we admit it: We’re suckers for glitter. Trimming your tree with all the proper fixings might be an art form, but we still think any tree loaded with these silver glitter ornaments would dazzle. (via Valley & Co Lifestyle)
11. Winter Wonderland Snow Globe Necklaces: There’s a snowglobe fanatic in every family. And now you know exactly what to gift to that one special person. (via Flamingo Toes)
12. Holiday Throw Pillows: Pillows help keep things cozy during a season that’s all about coziness. You can DIY these with iron-on transfer paper — and yes, that means there’s no sewing involved. (via Style Me Pretty)
13. Gold Initial Mug: Impress your friends with your hand-lettering skills and DIY a personalized mug. While you’re playing Santa, take the time to fill the cup with a mini fir, some flowers or chocolates. (via House of Earnest)
14. Washi Tape Christmas Tree: O washi tape, O washi tape… how lovely are thy (non-shedding) branches. Opt for a washi tape tree and you’ll never pick up a pine needle again. (via Homey Oh My!)
15. Curated Gift Boxes: It’s not just what’s in the gift, but how it’s wrapped that counts. This photo provides lovely inspiration for packing the perfect present. Hand-pick some gourmet chocolates and a good selection of beauty products, then top it all off with a bright bouquet. What lady wouldn’t love to be on your gift list? (via Design Love Fest)
16. Confetti and Glitter Gift Wrap: Ace your gift-wrapping skills with two accessories: confetti and glitter. (via Brit + Co)
17. Easy Slice ‘n’ Bake Vanilla Christmas Sugar Cookes: Have you had a sugar cookie day yet? It’s time. Here’s a slice ‘n’ bake recipe that’s SO simple and SO delicious, you might just plan another baking day in the near future. Psst: There’s a secret ingredient in this to-die-for buttercream frosting. (via Half Baked Harvest)
18. Pom Pom and Posie Wreath: Most holiday decorations look out of place after December, but this colorful wreath will brighten your home throughout the winter without wearing out its welcome. (via Nest of Posies)
19. Snowy Chocolate Pinecones: Kid-friendly and impressive. Move over, Oreos — you’ve got some competition. (via Handmade Charlotte)
20. Embroidery Hoop Wall Tree: We totally heart this retro embroidery hoop tree. Follow the link to find out how we’re getting our DIY on this season. (via Brit + Co)
21. Bottle Brush Trees: Turn your home into a winter wonderland with some bleached bottlebrush trees. (via A Beautiful Mess)
22. Mini Fir Trees in Paper Bags: Put a bag on it. Yes, a paper bag. These mini fir trees are all dressed up and ready for gifting. (via Atelier Rue Verte)
23. Simple Gold Triangle Garland: Looking for some festive decor that won’t go out of style when the New Year arrives? This fun geometric garland has got ya covered. (via Almost Makes Perfect)
24. Homemade Wrapping Paper: The best way to do gift wrap? DIY it. Ace the holiday gift-wrapping game with a bit of creativity… and a colorful topper. (via Shop Walk in Love)
25. Painted Ornaments: You could use any color scheme when painting these paper mache ornaments, but this candy-colored bunch looks pretty enough to eat. (via Oh Happy Day)
26. Gold Leaf Pinecone Garland: Use a little glitter to make this garland the main attraction. String it up by the fireplace or drape it down the center of the table to add some holiday sparkle to your next shindig. (via The Sweetest Occasion)
27. DIY Stockings: Personalize your stocking with all your favorite trimmings. If these aren’t enough, we’ve got 6 more embellishment ideas — perfect for DIYing a whole family of stockings. (via Glitter Guide)
28. Merry and Bright Holiday Wall Art: Yeah, that couch is cozy. You’ll be spending a lot of time here, so throw some chestnuts on the fire and make the area extra-festive with some wall art. (via Paper & Stitch)
29. Monogrammed Ornament Gift Tags: Glitter? Check. Coordinating ribbon? Check. Personalized ornament gift tag? Check. You’ve officially mastered the art of wrapping. (via Sugar & Cloth)
30. DIY Handwarmers: Making someone a handwarmer is like giving the gift of a warm blanket. Only this one can fit in your pocket. (via Rae Ann Kelly)
31. Washi Tape Snowflakes: You’ve heard us raving about the washi tree, but now it’s time to meet the washi snowflake. We’re in love. (via KNOT Magazine)
32. Giant Ornament Balloons: You won’t want to put these balloon ornaments anywhere near a prickly pine tree, but they’re definitely a festive addition to any party. String up a bunch of them to make one gigantic garland. (via Studio DIY)
33. DIY Ornaments: Store-bought ornaments are nice and all, but there’s just something special about crafting some of your own each year. Get a little creative with paint and paper and transform some ordinary ornaments into something memorable. (via KNOT Magazine)
34. Holiday Photo Backdrop: Holiday parties mean mistletoe, trying to decide if you really like eggnog and of course, tons of photos. A holiday photo backdrop this stunning will leave a memorable impression on every guest. (via Lovely Indeed)
35. Fabric and Lace Wrapping: Turn your fabric and lace scraps into gift wrap for a present that’s undeniably cute. (via A Beautiful Mess)
36. Pom Pom Garland: This year, trimming the tree can be as simple as draping a few yards of pom pom trim around the branches. Show of hands: Who wishes they’d thought of this last year? (via Glitter Guide)
37. Jumbo Gingerbread: We’re pretty sure the official rules of the holidays state that it’s not officially the holidays until you’ve baked at least one gingerbread boy. This giant version is only the coolest cookie ever. (via Sweetopolia)
38. Holiday Door Banner: Decking out your door can be a snap. Skip the wreath this year and go for a banner. You’ll make your door stand out from all the others on the street. (via A Beautiful Mess)
39. Hot Chocolate Bar: We love hot cocoa for so many reasons. It has a dress code: your comfiest pjs and the fluffiest socks you can find. It also has a soundtrack: anything with an acoustic guitar or banjo. Follow the link for some free printables and get ready to cap off your holiday festivities with a hot chocolate bar. (via Yellow Bliss Road)
40. Printable Gift Wrap: If you’re one of those “wait, Christmas is WHEN and I have HOW much to do??” types, this printable paper will save you from your procrastination problems. Besides being incredibly convenient, the dotted wrappers are just so darn cute. (via Glitter Guide)
What is the most fab holiday DIY you’ve done this season? Tell us about your fav festive projects below!