31 Cheap DIY Christmas Gifts Under $10 That Everyone Will Love

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Want to give meaningful Christmas gifts without emptying your wallet this holiday season?

You don’t need to spend a fortune to show someone you care – the most treasured presents often come straight from your heart and hands.

These 31 DIY Christmas gifts cost less than $10 each and include everything from cozy hot cocoa mixes to luxurious sugar scrubs that look like they came from an expensive boutique.

Get ready to create gorgeous handmade gifts that will have everyone asking where you bought them!

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1 Spice Jar Gifts

Spice Jar Gifts
Credit: theamericanpatriette.com

Aromatic spice blends transform any kitchen into a cozy holiday haven. You create these thoughtful gifts by layering cinnamon sticks, orange peels, cloves, and star anise in mason jars.

Your friends simply add the mix to simmering water for instant festive fragrance. This works perfectly for people with food allergies since there’s no eating involved.

Layer the spices beautifully so each jar looks like a decorative piece. Add a handwritten tag with simple instructions: "Simmer in 2 cups water for holiday scents."

2 Personalized Plant Mugs

Personalized Plant Mugs
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Plant-themed designs turn ordinary mugs into thoughtful gifts that speak directly to your friend’s green thumb passion.

Grab plain ceramic mugs and permanent markers or ceramic paint pens from the dollar store. Draw simple leaf patterns, cute cacti, or write plant-related quotes like "bloom where you’re planted."

Your plant-loving friends will smile every morning when they sip coffee from their custom creation. The personal touch shows you noticed what makes them happy.

Bake the finished mugs in your oven to set the design permanently.

3 Peppermint Bath Bombs

Peppermint Bath Bombs
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Fresh peppermint scent transforms any ordinary bath into a spa-like holiday escape. These fizzy treats cost just a few dollars to make but feel like luxury gifts.

You only need basic ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and peppermint essential oil. Mix everything together, press into molds, and let them dry overnight.

The cooling peppermint creates a refreshing experience that helps wash away holiday stress. Your friends will love unwrapping these festive, homemade treats.

4 Cinnamon Apple Soap

Cinnamon Apple Soap
Credit: onyourjourney.co.uk

Your kitchen already smells amazing when you bake with cinnamon and apple — now capture that cozy scent in handmade soap bars.

These fragrant bars cost under $3 each to make and fill your home with holiday warmth while you craft. The sweet, spicy aroma reminds everyone of fresh apple pie and cozy winter evenings.

Make a large batch in one afternoon to give as standalone gifts or add to bigger present collections. Each person gets their own special scent that brings back memories of the holidays every time they use it.

5 DIY Soap Dispenser

DIY Soap Dispenser
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Transform any container into a festive soap dispenser with just a few dollar store finds. You’ll save money while creating something truly personal.

Grab a mason jar, empty lotion bottle, or decorative container from your local dollar store. Drill a small hole in the lid and insert a pump mechanism from an old dispenser.

Customize with ribbon, holiday stickers, or paint to match your recipient’s style. This practical gift costs under $5 and works perfectly in kitchens or bathrooms year-round.

6 Mulling Spice Ornaments

Mulling Spice Ornaments
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Aromatic spice blends transform clear plastic ornaments into gifts that smell as good as they look. You create a festive present that doubles as holiday decor.

Fill transparent ornament balls with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange peel for the perfect mulling spice mix. Your recipients simply add the contents to hot cider or wine.

These ornaments work beautifully for friends with dietary restrictions who can’t enjoy homemade cookies. Each ornament costs about $1, making this an incredibly budget-friendly option.

Tie with ribbon and include simple heating instructions. You’ve got a thoughtful gift that brings warmth to any winter evening.

7 Christmas Heishi Beads

Christmas Heishi Beads
Credit: artsyfartsymama.com

Colorful Heishi beads transform into festive friendship bracelets that cost just a few dollars to make. Your friends will love wearing these cheerful accessories all season long.

Pick Christmas colors like red, green, white, and gold from a mixed bead pack. String them in patterns or go random for a fun, carefree look.

Each bracelet takes about 10 minutes to create, so you can easily make several in one sitting. Add small jingle bells or candy cane striped beads for extra holiday charm.

8 Cocoa Jar Gifts

Cocoa Jar Gifts
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Warm hearts with this cozy gift that costs just a few dollars to make. Layer hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips in a mason jar for an instant winter treat.

Customize each jar to match the recipient’s taste. Add crushed peppermint candies for mint lovers or colorful sprinkles for kids who love fun surprises.

Tie a festive ribbon around the lid and attach brewing instructions on a cute tag. Your friends get months of warm drinks from one thoughtful gift.

9 Christmas Sugar Scrub

Christmas Sugar Scrub
Credit: countryhillcottage.com

Sugar crystals gently buff away dry winter skin while leaving it silky smooth. This sweet treat costs under $5 to make and smells absolutely divine.

Mix brown sugar with coconut oil as your base. Add festive scents like cinnamon, orange zest, or peppermint extract to match the holiday spirit.

Package your scrub in small mason jars with Christmas ribbons. Include a cute label with instructions: "Use on damp skin, rinse with warm water."

Your friends will love this spa-quality gift that pampers their skin during the harsh winter months.

10 Personalized Tea Towels

Personalized Tea Towels
Credit: makingmanzanita.com

Transform plain tea towels into meaningful gifts that cost under $5 each. Your friends will love these custom touches in their kitchen.

Think about what makes each person smile. Does your mom love her garden? Stencil some flowers across the towel. Your coffee-loving friend gets a "But First, Coffee" design.

Simple tools work best for beginners. Grab fabric markers, letter stencils, or rubber stamps from the craft store. You can create beautiful patterns without fancy equipment.

Make several towels with holiday stamps for a complete gift set. Add a bow, and you’ve got a present that looks way more expensive than it actually cost.

11 Lavender Sugar Recipe

Lavender Sugar Recipe
Credit: livetosweet.com

Homemade lavender sugar transforms ordinary baking into something magical with its floral sweetness and gorgeous purple color.

Mix 1 cup granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender in a mason jar. Shake well and let it sit for one week, shaking daily.

This aromatic blend costs under $5 to make and works beautifully in cookies, tea, or shortbread. Your friends will love experimenting with this unique ingredient in their holiday baking adventures.

12 Whisk Gift Set

Whisk Gift Set
Credit: extremecouponingmom.ca

A colorful whisk paired with your favorite recipe card creates an instant smile for any baking enthusiast. This thoughtful combo costs under $5 and shows you really know their interests.

Tie a festive ribbon around the whisk handle and attach a handwritten recipe for cookies or pancakes. You can find affordable whisks at dollar stores or discount retailers.

Perfect for college students, new homeowners, or anyone who loves spending time in the kitchen. It’s practical, personal, and guaranteed to get used!

13 Cinnamon Ornaments

Cinnamon Ornaments
Credit: strengthandsunshine.com

Warm cinnamon scents fill your home while you create these charming ornaments that cost just pennies to make. Your family will love rolling, cutting, and decorating together.

These versatile decorations work perfectly as teacher gifts, neighbor treats, or stocking stuffers. Make winter shapes like snowflakes or stars for friends who don’t celebrate Christmas.

The best part? You can batch-make dozens in one afternoon, giving you plenty of handmade gifts ready to go.

14 Peppermint Lip Scrub

Peppermint Lip Scrub
Credit: countryhillcottage.com

Your lips get seriously chapped during winter, and this minty scrub saves the day. Mix sugar, coconut oil, and a few drops of peppermint essential oil for an instant lip rescue.

The refreshing tingle feels amazing while gently buffing away dry skin. Your friends will love how smooth their lips feel afterward.

Make two batches—one for gifting and one for yourself. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this winter essential in your own collection!

15 Flavored Sugar Recipe

Flavored Sugar Recipe
Credit: livetosweet.com

Sweet aromas fill your kitchen when you create custom flavored sugars that transform ordinary treats into gourmet delights. Your food-loving friends will treasure these artisan blends more than store-bought options.

Start with granulated sugar and mix in dried fruit zest, vanilla beans, or spices like cinnamon. Blueberry sugar works perfectly—just blend dried blueberries with sugar until fragrant.

Package your creations in mason jars with handwritten labels. Recipients can sprinkle these flavor boosters on coffee, baked goods, or morning oatmeal for instant gourmet magic.

16 Succulent Christmas Ornament

Succulent Christmas Ornament
Credit: thesucculentsprite.com

Tiny living plants transform ordinary Christmas trees into year-round reminders of growth and hope. These adorable green gems bring fresh life to holiday decorating.

Grab a clear plastic hanging globe from any craft store for under $3. Fill it with small pebbles, potting soil, and a mini succulent from the garden center.

Your friends will love this living ornament that keeps giving long after the holidays end. The succulent continues growing and can be replanted in spring for lasting memories.

17 Jarred Soup Mix

Jarred Soup Mix
Credit: ohmy-creative.com

Layer dry ingredients in a clear mason jar to create a thoughtful gift that warms hearts and bellies. This homemade present costs under $5 but feels incredibly personal.

Choose ingredients for your favorite soup recipe like lentils, barley, dried vegetables, and seasonings. Stack them in colorful layers that look beautiful through the glass.

Attach a handwritten recipe card with cooking instructions. Your friends simply add water or broth and simmer for a comforting homemade meal ready in 30 minutes.

18 Hot Chocolate Mix

Hot Chocolate Mix
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Creamy hot chocolate tastes even better when it comes from a friend’s kitchen. This cozy gift warms hearts and hands during cold winter nights.

Mix cocoa powder, sugar, and powdered milk in a mason jar for the perfect homemade blend. Check ingredient labels carefully if your friend has dairy sensitivities.

Dress up the jar with festive ribbon, candy canes, or mini marshmallows tied on top. A handwritten tag with brewing instructions adds the perfect personal touch to this sweet gift.

19 Homemade Christmas Jam

Homemade Christmas Jam
Credit: therusticelk.com

Fresh berries and seasonal spices create the perfect holiday spread that costs under $5 to make. This festive jam fills multiple jars, giving you several gifts from one batch.

The process takes about 30 minutes and requires no special equipment. Simply combine your favorite berries with sugar, lemon juice, and warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

First-time jam makers shouldn’t worry about the process. The fruit naturally thickens as it cooks, and you’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Tie each jar with festive ribbon and add a handwritten label for a personal touch.

20 Honey Almond Scrub

Honey Almond Scrub
Credit: onyourjourney.co.uk

Your skin feels baby-soft after just one use of this heavenly-scented scrub. The honey moisturizes while almonds gently buff away dead skin cells.

Mix equal parts ground almonds and honey in a small jar. Add a drop of vanilla extract for extra sweetness. Total cost: under $5 for multiple gift portions.

Turn scrub-making into a fun girls’ night activity. Set up stations with different ingredients and let everyone customize their blend. You’ll create gifts while enjoying quality time together.

21 Melted Crayon Ornaments

Melted Crayon Ornaments
Credit: twokidsandacoupon.com

Transform broken crayons into stunning Christmas ornaments that look like expensive stained glass. Your kids will love watching the colors swirl and blend together.

Sort your old crayons into beautiful color combinations like blues and purples or reds and oranges. Remove all the paper wrapping first.

Melt the crayons in clear glass or plastic ornaments using a hair dryer. The warm colors flow and create unique patterns that no store-bought ornament can match.

Each ornament becomes a one-of-a-kind masterpiece for under $2!

22 Rosemary Salt Gift

Rosemary Salt Gift
Credit: makylacreates.com

Fresh rosemary salt transforms ordinary meals into gourmet experiences for just a few dollars. Your foodie friends will love this aromatic blend that elevates everything from roasted potatoes to grilled chicken.

Making it takes minutes. Simply mix coarse sea salt with finely chopped fresh rosemary, then let the flavors meld overnight.

Customize the herb based on your recipient’s taste preferences. Try thyme for herb lovers, or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy heat. Package in small mason jars with festive ribbons for an elegant presentation.

23 Coffee Bombs

Coffee Bombs
Credit: thehelpfulgf.com

Hot chocolate bombs get a caffeinated twist with these delightful coffee-filled surprises. Drop one into hot milk and watch it melt into a rich, creamy coffee treat.

You can fill hollow chocolate spheres with instant coffee, mini marshmallows, and even cinnamon or caramel bits. Package them in clear bags with festive ribbons for an Instagram-worthy gift.

Each bomb costs under $2 to make, and you can customize flavors for every coffee lover on your list. Mocha, vanilla, or peppermint variations make this gift extra special.

24 Felt Gift Containers

Felt Gift Containers
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Colorful felt transforms into charming gift containers that make any present feel extra special. You can create these adorable pouches in just minutes using basic felt sheets and simple stitching.

Grab any felt colors you have at home and cut them into simple shapes like squares or circles. Fold the edges and stitch them together to form small bags or envelopes.

These handmade containers work perfectly for gift cards, jewelry, or small treats. Your friends will love the personal touch, and you’ll spend less than $5 on materials that can make multiple containers.

25 Marbled Paint Ornaments

Marbled Paint Ornaments
Credit: feelingnifty.com

Swirling colors create stunning ornaments that look expensive but cost under $3 each. You simply remove the metal cap and pour acrylic paint directly into clear glass bulbs.

Tilt and rotate the ornament slowly to spread the paint in beautiful patterns. Use 2-3 coordinating colors for the best marbled effect.

Place ornaments opening-side down on a drying rack or egg carton. This lets excess paint drip out and prevents pooling inside.

Choose high-quality acrylic paints that won’t chip or fade over time. Your recipients will treasure these unique, handmade decorations for years.

26 Coffee Body Exfoliant

Coffee Body Exfoliant
Credit: makylacreates.com

Fresh coffee grounds transform into a luxurious spa treatment that costs under $3 to make. Your skin gets smooth, bright results while you save money on expensive store-bought scrubs.

Mix used coffee grounds with coconut oil and a touch of brown sugar for the perfect texture. The caffeine naturally brightens dull skin and removes dead cells.

Add vanilla extract or essential oils to create a custom scent that feels truly personal. Package it in a mason jar with ribbon for an Instagram-worthy gift that rivals high-end beauty products.

27 Potpourri Gift Mixes

Potpourri Gift Mixes
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Dried orange peels and cinnamon sticks create the perfect holiday scent that fills any room with Christmas magic. These natural ingredients cost just a few dollars but smell like expensive candles.

Mix your favorite dried fruits, spices, and herbs in decorative mason jars for an instant gift. Add pine needles, cloves, or vanilla beans for extra warmth.

Your friends can simmer the mix on their stove or simply leave it out as a natural air freshener. Everyone loves gifts that make their home smell amazing!

28 Holiday Spice Sachets

Holiday Spice Sachets
Credit: diywithmyguy.com

Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg transform ordinary fabric pouches into magical holiday treasures that cost under $3 each. These aromatic sachets bring instant Christmas cheer to any drawer or closet.

Simply fill small muslin bags with your favorite holiday spices like star anise, orange peel, or pine needles. The natural scents last for months and create that cozy winter feeling.

Your friends will love tucking these festive sachets between sweaters or hanging them in closets. They make perfect stocking stuffers that smell amazing every time someone opens their wardrobe.

29 Vegan Cookie Mix

Vegan Cookie Mix
Credit: sweetmouthjoy.com

Layer colorful ingredients in a mason jar to create this thoughtful gift that shows you care about their dietary choices. Your vegan friends will love having homemade cookies ready in minutes.

Fill the jar with flour, brown sugar, dairy-free chocolate chips, and spices. Label each layer on the outside for a beautiful presentation.

Include a simple recipe card with baking instructions. Total cost stays under $6 per jar, making it perfect for multiple gift recipients.

30 Crochet Gingerbread Plushie

Crochet Gingerbread Plushie
Credit: redtedart.com

Soft, huggable gingerbread plushies bring holiday magic to any cozy corner. These adorable stuffed treats look good enough to eat but last way longer than real cookies.

Basic crochet skills turn simple brown yarn into the perfect cuddly companion. Add white "icing" details with contrasting thread to make your gingerbread friend extra special.

Kids absolutely love receiving these handmade treasures as gifts. The soft texture makes them ideal bedtime buddies throughout the winter season.

31 Washi Tape Candles

Washi Tape Candles
Credit: merrimentdesign.com

Colorful patterns instantly transform plain candles into personalized holiday treasures. You can create entire gift sets while binge-watching your favorite Christmas movies.

Wrap washi tape around white or cream pillar candles in festive designs. Mix and match patterns like snowflakes, stripes, or geometric shapes for unique looks.

Keep tape positioned on the outer edges only – never let it touch the wick area or inside rim. This simple safety step prevents any fire hazards.

Group three small candles together or gift one large statement piece. Either way, you’ll spend under $10 per recipient.

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