Holiday DIY Gifts

The best holiday gifts are the ones made by hand—the kind that capture tiny fingerprints, watercolor splashes or creative flair that only kids can bring. From keepsake plates and homemade greeting cards to jars of rich hot cocoa and colorful rock photo holders, these affordable projects make it easy to craft something meaningful, memorable and full of holiday warmth.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Gift Jars

A cozy classic that’s as easy as it is delicious

Few things say “Happy Holidays” like a steaming mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate. This homemade hot cocoa gift jar is a simple, thoughtful way to share that warmth—and it’s almost too easy to make. In just a few minutes, it’s possible to create a whole batch of beautiful, ready-to-give jars that anyone would love to unwrap.

The finished cocoa mix is anything but ordinary—smooth, decadent and full of real chocolate flavor. Forget the grocery store packets; this blend is homemade indulgence in every sip.

You’ll need:

Six 16 oz. jars with lids, ribbon for decoration, 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup cocoa powder, 2 cups dry milk, mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows.

How to make:

To begin, make the homemade hot cocoa mix. Start by sifting together 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar and 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder in a large bowl to remove any lumps. Stir in 1 cup of powdered milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. Fill each jar in layers, starting with the hot cocoa mix at the bottom. Measure enough cocoa for a full set of servings (about six per jar), leaving room at the top for the toppings. Gently shake the jar to even out the cocoa layer, then add a layer of mini chocolate chips followed by a generous handful of mini marshmallows.

Finish by tying a festive ribbon around the lid—and just like that, the gift is ready to go. This mix will keep well in the pantry for up to six months. When it’s time to enjoy, simply combine ½ cup of the mix with ½ cup of hot water or milk, stir well and sip your way into holiday bliss.

Keepsake Reindeer Plate

A timeless holiday treasure

This heartwarming keepsake plate is a classic. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, the reindeer handprint plate doubles as a festive decoration or a special spot for Santa’s cookies.

You’ll need:

Plain white or clear glass plate, acrylic paints (brown, black, red, green, white), a thin paintbrush, a permanent marker and clear spray lacquer.

How to make:

Start by painting a strip of green “grass” along the bottom of the plate. Help your little artist paint one hand brown and press it onto the plate with fingers touching the grass—this becomes the reindeer’s body. Add a red (or black) fingerprint nose at the end of the thumb.
Once the paint dries, fill in the details—antlers, ears, hooves and a tail—then use a permanent marker to write a festive message, the year and the child’s name. Finish with a few white snowflake dots and let it dry completely before sealing it with clear spray lacquer (an adults-only step, best done outdoors).

Watercolor Holiday Cards

Hand-painted greetings that come straight from the heart

There’s something irresistible about watercolor—the way the colors blend with every brushstroke. Handmade watercolor cards are the perfect way to add a little creative calm to the holiday bustle.

You’ll need:

Plain white paper, envelopes, watercolor paints, paintbrushes

How to make:

For many, a wreath is an easy image to paint. First, fold a piece of watercolor paper into your desired card size. Using green watercolor paint, practice leafy strokes on scrap paper before creating a circular wreath shape on your card. Mix in lighter and darker greens for depth, then dot red holly berries once the wreath dries. Or try out other images that look lovely in watercolor: northern lights, winter forest or a happy snowman.

Even the simplest brushstrokes look charming, so don’t stress about perfection—watercolor has a way of turning every “oops” into something beautiful.

Painted Rock Photo Holders

Nature meets creativity

Painted rock photo holders are equal parts art project and keepsake—a creative, earth-friendly way to display favorite photos. Perfect for any special occasion, these little treasures are simple enough for kids yet stylish enough for adults to appreciate.

You’ll need:

Clean, smooth rocks, craft wire, acrylic paint, clear spray varnish, colorful beads, photographs

How to make:

Paint each rock, being careful to let it dry completely. Next, seal with a clear spray finish. Wrap a piece of craft wire around each rock once, twist it tight and leave several inches sticking up. (This part is best done with an adult.) Add colorful beads, then coil the remaining wire around a marker to form a photo loop.

Finally, slip in a small photo and you’ve got a charming, personalized gift that’s as fun to make as it is to give.

This article appears in BendNest Winter 2025.