15 Easy Christmas Gifts Kids Can Make for Family

Finding a Christmas gift that feels meaningful doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Some of the sweetest presents are the ones children make themselves, complete with colorful fingerprints, wobbly handwriting, and little details that make each gift unique.

These easy Christmas gifts kids can make are designed for parents, grandparents, siblings, friends and other special people in their lives. You’ll find keepsakes, useful homemade presents, and simple DIY gifts for different ages. Most use affordable supplies you may already have at home, and younger children can participate with an adult’s help.

Whether you’re looking for a Christmas gift a preschooler can make or a more detailed project for an older child, these ideas can turn an ordinary afternoon into a memorable holiday tradition. Looking for even more ways to make December special? Explore these Christmas activities for kids for festive games, countdown traditions, science experiments, and family fun.

1. Personalized Photo Frame

A handmade photo frame turns a favorite family picture into a thoughtful keepsake. Children can decorate a plain wooden frame with paint, colorful paper, buttons, or small craft shapes.

You’ll need:

• A plain wooden or cardboard photo frame
• Washable paint or markers
• Child-safe glue
• Decorative paper, stickers, or buttons
• A favorite printed photograph

How to make it:

1. Cover the work surface and let your child choose the frame’s colors.
2. Paint the frame or decorate it with small paper shapes.
3. Add the recipient’s name or a short message on the frame, if there is space.
4. Allow everything to dry completely before inserting the photograph.

Gift idea: Add a picture of the child with the person receiving the gift. Grandparents and other relatives may especially appreciate this personal touch.

2. Handmade Bookmark

A handmade bookmark is a practical little present for someone who loves reading. Children can personalize it for a parent, grandparent, teacher, or older sibling.

You’ll need:

• Thick cardstock
• Colored pencils or markers
• Scissors
• Ribbon or yarn
• A hole punch, used with adult help

How to make it:

1. Cut the cardstock into a long rectangle with rounded corners.
2. Let your child draw a favorite animal, flowers, stars, or a Christmas picture.
3. Write the recipient’s name or a short message on the back.
4. Punch a hole near the top and tie on a short piece of ribbon or yarn.

For a more durable bookmark, an adult can cover it with clear contact paper or have it laminated.

3. Christmas Coupon Book

A homemade coupon book gives children a way to offer their time and helpfulness as a gift. It costs very little and can be adapted to the recipient’s age and interests.

You’ll need:

• Paper or cardstock
• Markers and crayons
• A stapler or ribbon
• Stickers for decoration

How to make it:

1. Cut several small cards of equal size.
2. Help your child write or draw one helpful activity on each card.
3. Decorate the cards with festive pictures.
4. Stack the coupons and bind them with ribbon or a staple.

Coupon ideas include helping set the table, choosing a family game, watering plants, reading a story together, or helping tidy toys.

Keep the promises realistic and appropriate for your child’s age. The purpose is to offer thoughtful time together, not to create chores that are difficult to manage.

4. Decorated Reusable Tote Bag

A reusable tote bag becomes a personal gift when a child adds their own artwork. It can be used for library books, shopping, craft supplies, or everyday errands.

You’ll need:

• A plain light-colored cotton tote bag
• Fabric markers or fabric paint
• Cardboard to place inside the bag
• Scrap paper for testing designs

How to make it:

1. Wash and dry the tote bag if the fabric-paint instructions recommend doing so.
2. Slide cardboard inside to prevent the colors from bleeding through.
3. Let your child sketch a simple design on scrap paper first.
4. Transfer the design to the bag using fabric markers or paint.
5. Follow the product instructions for drying and heat-setting, with an adult handling any hot iron.

Flowers, hearts, family names, and cheerful drawings all work well. Check the fabric-paint label for washing and care instructions before gifting.

5. Homemade Hot Chocolate Gift Jar

A hot chocolate jar is a cozy, useful present for someone who enjoys a warm winter drink. Children can help layer the dry ingredients and decorate the container.

You’ll need:

• A clean, food-safe jar with a lid
• Hot chocolate powder
• Mini marshmallows, stored separately if needed
• Chocolate chips or another suitable topping
• Ribbon and a handwritten gift tag

How to make it:

1. Make sure the jar is completely clean and dry.
2. Add the hot chocolate powder and other dry ingredients in neat layers.
3. Close the jar securely.
4. Let your child decorate a gift tag with instructions for preparing the drink.
5. Tie the tag around the jar with ribbon.

Include a simple preparation note with the correct serving amounts for the ingredients you use. Check allergies and dietary restrictions before giving food gifts, and keep the ingredients dry and properly stored.

6. Hand-Decorated Mug

A plain mug can become a personalized gift for a parent or grandparent. This project works best when an adult chooses a decorating product specifically designed for ceramic surfaces.

You’ll need:

• A plain ceramic mug
• Ceramic-safe paint or markers
• A soft cloth
• A protected work surface

How to make it:

1. Clean the mug according to the decorating product’s instructions.
2. Let your child draw simple shapes, dots, hearts, or a name on the outside.
3. Allow the design to dry.
4. Have an adult complete any required curing or heating exactly as directed by the product manufacturer.

Do not assume every ceramic marker makes a mug food-safe or dishwasher-safe. Keep artwork away from the rim and inside surface, and verify the product’s intended use before gifting.

7. A Handwritten Family Recipe Card

A family recipe card is a lovely gift for someone who enjoys cooking or baking. It can preserve a favorite family dish while giving children a chance to contribute their own drawings and words.

You’ll need:

• Thick paper or cardstock
• Markers or colored pencils
• A family recipe
• Optional stickers or a simple envelope

How to make it:

1. Choose a recipe that has a special meaning for your family.
2. Help your child copy the ingredients and instructions accurately.
3. Add a drawing of the finished dish or the family enjoying it together.
4. Write a short note explaining why the recipe is special.
5. Place the finished card in an envelope or small gift box.

For younger children, an adult can write the recipe while the child decorates the card. You could make a small set of family favorites rather than giving just one card.

8. Handmade Paper Bead Bracelet

Paper bead jewelry is an inexpensive gift project that lets children experiment with colors and patterns. The finished beads can be used to make a bracelet or necklace for an older child or adult.

You’ll need:

• Colorful paper or magazine pages
• A ruler and pencil
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• String or elastic cord

How to make it:

1. Cut paper into long triangular strips.
2. Starting at the wide end, roll each strip tightly around a thin pencil or suitable rolling tool.
3. Apply a small amount of glue to secure the end.
4. Let the beads dry completely.
5. Thread the beads onto cord and tie securely.

An adult should handle cutting when necessary and help with threading. Avoid small beads and loose components for young children, as they can pose a choking hazard.

9. Painted Flower Pot

A decorated flower pot is a gift that can keep growing long after Christmas. Children can paint a simple pattern on a small pot, and an adult can add a suitable plant.

You’ll need:

• A small terracotta or suitable plant pot
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• A protective covering for the table
• Optional clear sealer suitable for the pot

How to make it:

1. Wipe the pot clean and let it dry.
2. Help your child choose a color scheme.
3. Paint dots, stripes, flowers, stars, or a personalized message.
4. Let the paint dry completely.
5. If desired, an adult can apply a compatible sealer according to its instructions.
6. Add a small plant or leave the pot empty for the recipient to use.

Choose a plant suited to the recipient’s home and care preferences. If the pot will hold a live plant, make sure it has appropriate drainage.

10. A Family Memory Jar

A family memory jar is a personal gift filled with little reminders of happy moments. It is especially suitable for grandparents or other relatives who enjoy hearing about a child’s favorite experiences.

You’ll need:

• A clean jar or small box
• Paper strips
• Colored pencils or markers
• Ribbon and a gift tag

How to make it:

1. Ask your child to think of happy memories with the recipient.
2. Write or draw one memory on each paper strip.
3. Fold the strips and place them in the jar.
4. Decorate the outside with a ribbon and a handwritten label.
5. Add a note inviting the recipient to open one memory whenever they want a smile.

Younger children can dictate their memories to an adult or draw pictures instead. Keep the messages personal and positive, and make sure the recipient is comfortable with any photographs or private family details included.

11. Handmade Wrapping Paper

The wrapping can become part of the present when children create their own gift wrap. This is a great way to use plain paper and turn it into something colorful.

You’ll need:

• Plain kraft paper or large sheets of paper
• Washable paint, crayons, or markers
• Sponges or child-safe stamps
• A protected work surface

How to make it:

1. Spread the paper over a large, flat surface.
2. Let your child create a repeating pattern using stars, dots, trees, or simple shapes.
3. Use washable paint or markers suitable for the paper.
4. Leave the paper flat until it is completely dry.
5. Cut it to the size needed for wrapping gifts.

For younger children, large sponge shapes are easier to handle than detailed stamps. Pair the finished wrapping paper with a handmade gift tag for a coordinated present.

12. A Personalized Pencil Holder

A decorated pencil holder is a useful gift for a sibling, student, teacher, or anyone who enjoys drawing and writing.

You’ll need:

• A clean, sturdy container with no sharp edges
• Colored paper or paint
• Child-safe glue
• Markers and decorative shapes

How to make it:

1. Choose a container that is stable and tall enough to hold pencils.
2. Cover it with colored paper or decorate its outside with paint.
3. Add the recipient’s name, favorite colors, or a simple pattern.
4. Allow the glue or paint to dry fully.
5. Check the finished container for loose pieces and sharp edges before gifting.

An adult should prepare any recycled container and remove sharp rims or edges before children begin. Avoid glass containers with younger children.

13. No-Sew Fleece Scarf

For an older child who wants to make a useful winter gift, a simple fleece scarf is a satisfying project. An adult can prepare the fabric, leaving the child to choose the color and help make the fringe.

You’ll need:

• Soft fleece fabric
• A ruler
• Fabric scissors
• Optional fabric markers

How to make it:

1. Have an adult cut a long rectangle of fleece to the desired scarf size.
2. Mark short fringe sections along both ends.
3. With age-appropriate supervision, cut the fringe along the marked lines.
4. Tie the fringe strips into simple knots if desired.
5. Add a small fabric-marker design, following the product instructions.

The fabric should be soft, comfortable, and suitable for the recipient. Keep scarves away from loose machinery and supervise young children around long fabric strips.

14. A Personalized Placemat

A homemade placemat can make family meals feel special. Children can design one for a parent, grandparent, or sibling using drawings and favorite colors.

You’ll need:

• Thick paper or cardstock
• Crayons or markers
• Optional photographs or paper cutouts
• Clear laminating sheets or access to lamination

How to make it:

1. Cut the paper to a placemat-sized rectangle.
2. Let your child draw a family picture, favorite animals, or a cheerful pattern.
3. Add the recipient’s name or a short greeting.
4. Have an adult laminate the design if you want a wipe-clean finish.
5. Trim and check the edges before use.

Paper alone is not spill-resistant, so don’t use an unprotected paper placemat with hot dishes or liquids. If you laminate it, follow the laminating product’s instructions and keep the finished surface away from direct heat.

15. A Handmade Christmas Card Set

A small set of handmade cards makes a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys sending letters or greeting loved ones. Children can create several different designs and package them together.

You’ll need:

• Blank cards or folded cardstock
• Markers, crayons, or watercolor paints
• Envelopes
• Ribbon or a paper band

How to make it:

1. Fold cardstock into card shapes or use ready-made blank cards.
2. Create a different design on each card.
3. Add a short greeting inside each one.
4. Let any paint dry completely.
5. Stack the cards with matching envelopes and secure them with a paper band or ribbon.

Children can make cards for birthdays, thank-you notes, or other occasions, making this gift useful beyond the Christmas season.

Tips for Making Christmas Gifts With Kids

A handmade gift should be enjoyable to create, not a stressful project with a perfect result as the goal.

• Choose a project that matches your child’s age. Younger children often enjoy painting, drawing, and decorating, while older children may be ready for more detailed projects.
• Keep the supplies simple. Paper, cardstock, markers, ribbon, and clean recycled containers can go a long way.
• Let children make their own choices. A slightly uneven design often feels more personal than a perfect adult-made version.
• Prepare the work area first. Cover the table, gather supplies, and keep cleanup materials nearby.
• Supervise tools and materials. Adults should handle hot equipment, sharp tools, curing steps, and any task that is not age-appropriate.
• Think about the recipient. A useful gift becomes more meaningful when it reflects the person’s interests, favorite colors, or shared memories.
• Allow enough drying time. Paint, glue, and other finishes may need several hours or longer before a gift is ready to wrap.
• Want more ideas for keeping children happily occupied at home? Browse our guide to screen-free activities for kids for more simple ways to encourage creativity, play, and family time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are easy Christmas gifts kids can make?

Easy homemade Christmas gifts include bookmarks, personalized photo frames, handmade cards, decorated tote bags, coupon books, and painted flower pots. Choose a project that fits the child’s age and use materials you already have when possible.

What can preschoolers make as Christmas gifts?

Preschoolers can decorate cards, draw pictures, help decorate a photo frame, or create simple patterns on wrapping paper. An adult should prepare materials and supervise glue, scissors, and any small decorative pieces.

What can kids make for grandparents at Christmas?

Children can make a personalized photo frame, a family recipe card, a memory jar, or a handmade coupon book. Gifts that include a shared memory or a personal message can be especially meaningful.

How can kids make inexpensive Christmas gifts?

Use low-cost supplies such as cardstock, paper, markers, ribbon, clean jars, and recycled containers. A thoughtful handmade card or a small personalized keepsake can be meaningful without an expensive shopping trip.

How early should children make homemade Christmas gifts?

Start a few weeks before Christmas if the gifts need painting, glue, drying, or adult finishing. Making gifts early also gives children time to work at a comfortable pace and allows time to redo a project if necessary.

Make Christmas More Personal This Year

Children don’t need expensive materials or complicated instructions to create a meaningful Christmas present. A handmade bookmark, a personalized photo frame, or a jar filled with family memories can become a keepsake because of the person who made it.

Choose one or two projects that suit your child’s age and interests, gather a few simple supplies, and enjoy making something together. The finished gift may be small, but the time and care behind it are what make it special.