There’s something extra special about a gift made by little hands. Not the kind that ends up in a drawer by February—but the kind you pull out year after year and think, I’m so glad we kept this.
If you are looking for meaningful, non-traditional homemade gifts (I’m looking at you, salt dough ornaments), here are a few favorites of mine that feel sentimental, and most importantly doable during this hectic time of year.
1. An Ornament That Represents Their Height That Year
Instead of another painted ornament, reach for some leftover ribbon you’ve got laying around, use it to measure your child’s height, and tuck it inside this ornament with their name and the year on the outside.
It’s simple, takes less than 5 minutes, and can become such a powerful keepsake as the years go on. Line them up on the tree and you’ll see the growth—not just remember it.
2. A Handprint “Tree” Cutting Board
Have your child stamp their handprints onto this wooden cutting board to create the shape of a tree—overlapping hands for the leaves and a simple trunk at the bottom.
Seal it so it can actually be used (or just displayed), and suddenly you’ve got a gift that feels personal without being fragile or overly precious.
3. Tile Photo Coasters
Pick a few favorite photos from the past year, trim them to size, and mod podge them onto these ceramic tiles. Seal, add optional cork to the bottom and you’re set.
They’re practical, easy to store, and one of those gifts that will get used all the time—which is kind of the goal, right?
4. Fingerprint Light Picture Frame or Mug
Have your child use different color paint and add fingerprints to create a string of “lights” across a picture frame or mug. Once the paint is dry, add tiny lines between each fingerprint and you’ve got a festive, personal gift that still feels clean and simple. Hint: this one works beautifully for multiple kids on piece.
5. Shrinky-dink Keychains with Handwritten Notes
Shrink-a-dink keychains are such an underrated win. Let your child draw a picture or write a short note onto this paper, punch a hole at the top, shrink it down, and turn it into a keychain. You can also do handprints too! They turn out so cute when they shrink!
It’s small, lightweight, and surprisingly emotional when you see their handwriting years later.
6. Easy Cinnamon Ornaments
Grab applesauce and cinnamon and some favorite cookie cutters like these. Mix and roll out the dough, cut your favorite shapes, and tie up with pretty ribbon. They hang so beautifully on the tree and smell like Christmas!
7. Baked Treats in a Pretty Bag
Make any special treat your family loves, tuck them in one of these bags, and tie up with a pretty ribbon like this one!
Bonus: Entertaining Younger Siblings While You Craft
If you’ve got a younger sibling who wants to “help,” print out or draw a festive picture and put it inside a gallon ziplock bag with a few drops of paint, seal it, and tape it to their highchair tray.
They’ll squish and spread the paint around, creating a one of kind background that can later be cut, framed, or turned into a card and you’ll buy yourself a few peaceful minutes.
It’s important to remember that homemade gifts don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. A little intention, a few supplies, and the creativity of kids can go a long way. These are the kinds of keepsakes that won’t just be admired once, they will be used, displayed, and treasured for years to come.
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t the ones we buy, but the ones our kids help create while bringing a little extra magic and joy to your holiday season.
By: Becca Thiemann and Kelsey Jaspers
