• About
    • Work With Me
    • Contact Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • New? Start here!
  • How To Budget
    • Ways to Save Money
    • Set Up A Budget
    • Stick To A Budget
    • Budget Printables
  • Easy Meals
    • 15 Minute Meals
    • Easy Lunch Ideas
    • Meal Planning
  • Home Organization
    • Home Management
    • Save Time
    • Home Routines
    • Home Management Binder
  • Make Money
    • Work From Home
    • Side Jobs
    • Money Making Apps
    • Hobbies That Make Money
  • Shop
↑

The Busy Budgeter

A balanced life for busy people!

  • Work with Me
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Shop
  • How to Budget
  • New? Start here!
  • Home Organization
  • Make Money
  • Easy Meals
    • 15 Minute Meals

Cheap DIY Christmas Gifts That Don’t Suck

By The Busy Budgeter | 7 Comments | This post may contain affiliate links

151777 shares
  • Facebook106
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Are you searching for Christmas gifts that will fit into your budget?  These DIY Christmas gifts are the answer!

Cheap DIY Christmas Gifts That Don't Suck. This list of super easy DIY Christmas gifts was a life saver this year! We had a tight Christmas budget and this helped. The bags are my FAVORITE! I must have made 50 last weekend! Such an awesome idea for meaningful trip tee shirts and I have like zero crafty skills. If you need cheap Christmas gifts or DIY Christmas gifts this is the best list.

 

Update: Trying to get your budget under control for Christmas? You can now join the 90 Day Budget Boot Camp for free! Get step by step instructions for how to get through Christmas on any budget. With hundreds of success stories and reviews, this is not an opportunity you want to miss! Join the Budget Boot Camp here.

Christmas is coming up! Walk into any retail store and I promise you their Christmas aisles are full and booming.

If you are trying to have the best Christmas of your life on a super tight budget, you should grab this Christmas planner.  The planner has worksheets to get your holiday meals, plans and gift-giving organized and a ton of ideas for super cheap (but also awesome) gifts, holiday activities, cheap places to shop, ect.  And right now it’s over 90% off and you can get it for $.99.

You can get the Christmas planner here…

If you’re starting to panic about Christmas gifts for all those people on your list, don’t stress—DIY!

Not so crafty? Don’t worry! I’ve found ideas for any ability and skill level (and you can even enlist your kids and/or hubby to help you out). None of these ideas require mad artistic skills and many can be made from repurposed items and things you already have around the house—so your Christmas list just got significantly easier and less expensive!

I also understand we don’t all have hours and hours of leisure time to “craft and make” to our heart’s content. Don’t worry! These ideas aren’t the sort of gifts that will have you sewing and quilting for weeks or meticulously handcrafting with tweezers and teeny-tiny paintbrushes like an elf! These DIY ideas are fast and many can be made in “bulk,” so you can have gifts for several people on your list.

Here’s a quick round-up of all of my favorite EASY & CHEAP DIY Christmas Gifts for everyone on your list.

I’ve included some edible items, as well as a bunch of great gifts you can make and give to almost anyone. We’ve all experienced that (super awkward!) moment when someone unexpectedly gives us a gift…and we didn’t get them anything. So, having a few extra Christmas gifts on-hand will save you from scrambling or running out to the store and throwing money at a last-minute purchase.

For next year, hit up the Christmas clearance for items like ribbon and wrap. Watch for neutral colors you can use any time of year. Items like baskets and bags are also helpful for your gifts of Christmases future.

Planning ahead for next year is also helpful. I’m not saying start in June…because really, let’s be honest, who DOES that? But starting up a few DIY gifts (if you have some spare time in the autumn months) can help you get a head start.

For now though, here are a bunch of Cheap DIY Christmas Gift ideas, ready for everyone on your list, fun and easy to make. In one afternoon, you could get the majority of your Christmas projects done and ready to give!

I find handmade Christmas gifts to be so thoughtful and meaningful, and I’m sure the people on your gift list will as well. Everyone loves a keepsake, and having your kids add their special touch can make each gift even better, so don’t go it alone. Get the whole family helping like Santa’s little workshop and you’ll have Christmas done in no time!

Remember, it’s the thought that counts… not the price of the gift. For years, my family has done a $10 Christmas tradition that I love. These fit perfectly in that!

You can click on the photos or on the title of the gift idea below the photo. All links open in a new window, so you don’t have to play the “go back” game.

You’re welcome!

1. Upcycled T-Shirt Bag

upcycled-t-shirt-bag

No-Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag In 10 Minutes by Mommypotamus

2. Tangle-Free Headphones

tangle-free-headphones

DIY Tangle-Free Headphones with Embroidery Floss from Apartment Therapy

(Hint: If you need headphones for this- get these if they have a Samsung phone or these if they have an Iphone (Apple Phone). 

3. DIY Green Tea Lip Balm

diy-green-tea-lip-balm

DIY Green Tea Lip Balm with Bigelow Tea from Great Contradictions

4. Screen Printed Baby Onesies

screen-printed-baby-onesies

DIY Cheap Screen-Printed Baby Onesies from Instructables

5. Boho Chic Jewelry Trays

boho-chic-jewelry-trays

Boho Chic Jewelry Trays from Thrift Store Finds from Thoughts from Alice

6. Birch Tree Art

birch-tree-art

DIY Birch Tree Painting by Persia Lou

7. DIY Bath Bombs

diy-bath-bombs

DIY Bath Bombs by Idle Wife

8. Tile Photo Coasters

tile-photo-coasters

DIY Tile Photo Coasters by POPSUGAR (Here’s why I love photo gifts!)

9. Gift Baskets!

gift-baskets

Quick & Easy Gift Basket Ideas from Busy Budgeter

10. Lavender Coconut Oil Salt Scrub

lavender-coconut-oil-salt-scrub

Homemade Lavender Coconut Oil Salt Scrub from One Good Thing

11.Zesty Snack Mix

zesty-snack-mix

Zesty Snack Mix from Paula Deen (and The Stone Rabbit)

12.Waxed Paper Printed Wooden Serving Board

waxed-paper-printed-wooden-serving-board

Print Pictures on Wood with Wax Paper from The Art of Doing Stuff

13.Ice Cube Tray Chocolates

ice-cube-tray-chocolates

Ice Cube Tray Chocolates from TipHero

14. Microwavable Heat Packs

microwavable-heat-packs

Microwaveable Heat Packs from How to Build It

15. 52 Things I Love About You Deck

52-things-i-love-about-you-deck

52 Reasons I Love You Card Deck from 52 Reasons I Love You

16. Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows

homemade-peppermint-marshmallows

Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows from Living Well Spending Less

17. Homemade Playdoh

homemade-playdoh

Homemade Rainbow Sparkle Playdoh from Living Well Spending Less

18. No Sew Superhero Capes

no-sew-superhero-capes

No Sew Superhero Capes by Jolly Mom

So what are your favorite easy, cheap DIY Christmas gift ideas?

 

Want to completely transform your finances in the new year? You can now join the 90 Day Budget Boot Camp for free! 

Get step by step instructions for how to set up a budget, maintain the budget and saving money. With hundreds of success stories and reviews, this is not an opportunity you want to miss! Join the Budget Boot Camp here. 

FTC Disclosure of Material Connection: In order for us to maintain this website, some of the links in the post above may be affiliate links. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and/or believe will add value to readers

Filed Under: Budget, Crafts & Projects, Cutting Costs, DIY Better, Save Money, Substitutions Tagged With: budget, Save Money

Comments

  1. Sarah@TheOrthodoxMama says

    November 21 at 7:27 am

    My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was young, and I pull out that skill each Christmas. I’ve learned to make inexpensive–but really cute–scarves and hats. Each Christmas season I look forward to pulling out my bag of yarn, putting on a Christmas movie, and crocheting away in the evenings. Crocheting and knitting are simple skills anyone can learn!

    Reply
  2. Sandie @ Fulfilled For Less says

    November 21 at 10:25 pm

    This is such a fun DIY gift list! I especially love the boho chic jewelry trays and the birch tree art. It can be hard for me to think of a gift that anyone would like, and home decor is a great idea I hadn’t really thought of. This year, my side of the family is going to try $15 or less gifts for each other–something that will be hard to do without trying to make them instead of buy them. Thanks for the ideas!

    Reply
  3. Marina @ Parental Journey says

    November 23 at 5:10 am

    I love all the ideas – especially gift bags!

    Reply
  4. Angela @ Setting My Intention says

    December 2 at 8:35 pm

    These ARE great ideas that definitely do not suck! We’ve been moving towards experiences versus gifts as a family, but I’d love to make a few simple DIY gifts for my sisters and moms. Pinning for later!

    Reply
  5. Erin @ View From Our Terrace says

    December 6 at 9:44 am

    These are some great ideas! I especially love the idea of making homemade chocolate using ice cube trays. I always intend on making DIY gifts for Christmas but then I wait too long and panic and end up buying something (and probably spending more money). Will definitely be saving some of these ideas for later!

    Reply
  6. Ishani says

    December 23 at 5:09 am

    All ideas are really wonderful

    Reply
  7. Emily Hopper says

    December 21 at 8:10 am

    I really enjoy reading this post. Microwavable heat packs are cool!

    Reply

Tell me what you think!Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Recent Posts

Best Books On Home Organization (By Personality).

Best Books On Home Organization (By Personality).

February 21st, 2025

Free Printable ADHD Routine Charts for Busy Families

Free Printable ADHD Routine Charts for Busy Families

February 21st, 2025

How to Budget With ADHD, Depression, or Anxiety.

How to Budget With ADHD, Depression, or Anxiety.

September 10th, 2024

Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe: 15-Minute Picnic Meal

Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe: 15-Minute Picnic Meal

June 29th, 2024

Optimal Daily Schedule for Working Moms (In Every Situation)

Optimal Daily Schedule for Working Moms (In Every Situation)

April 9th, 2024

Busy Budgeter Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Ready to get started?

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Start Here

If you’re new around here... and need step by step help for where you're at, start here.

Get Started

Save Money

Everything you need to budget, reduce your spending, find cheaper substitutions and curb impulse spending.

Start Saving Money

Make Money

Increase your income by making money on the side or find ways to work from home.

Start Making Money

Get Organized

Master the routines that matter and learn what you can let go to have an organized home and life.

Get Organized

Recommendations

These are the things I recommend over and over... all in one place.

View Recommendations

Start A Blog

Are you a blogger or want to be one? Everything you need to know is here.

Start A Blog

Ready to save a TON of money?

Get step by step budget help with the FREE 90 day budget bootcamp!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

  • How To Budget
    • Ways to Save Money
    • Set Up A Budget
    • Stick To A Budget
    • Budget Printables
  • Easy Meals
    • 15 Minute Meals
    • Easy Lunch Ideas
    • Meal Planning
  • Home Organization
    • Home Management
    • Save Time
    • Home Routines
    • Home Management Binder
  • Make Money
    • Work From Home
    • Side Jobs
    • Money Making Apps
    • Hobbies That Make Money
Copyright ©2026, The Busy Budgeter. All Rights Reserved. Contact [email protected]. Privacy Policy
Design by Pixel Me Designs