Last Updated on December 2, 2023

Dust off your sewing machine and fire up your glue gun, it’s time for another instalment in handmade Xmas gift ideas! This year’s post is all about DIY Christmas gifts for friends that they will adore!

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This is the 4th year in a row I’ve done one of these posts. First of all, I can’t believe I’ve been blogging that long! lol

But my point is that now I have a total of 100 amazing DIY Christmas gifts rounded up for you to choose from! With that many DIY gift ideas, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list.

Some of these gift ideas can be executed at the last minute. Which is a relief, because who among us doesn’t get to December 22nd, 23rd, 24th and realize we forgot someone?! Or that we need an extra stocking stuffer. Or totally forgot the teacher, dog-walker or neighbour? Exactly. There’s always someone. And just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t pull off a cute & thoughtful homemade gift.

But some of these DIY Xmas gifts require a little planning ahead. Which is why this post is being published in mid-October. A full 2.5 months ahead of the big day. Because friend, it is time to start Xmas planning, NOW! I’ve already started on my Christmas planning by collecting little things for the boys and making lists of the DIY gifts I’ll be sewing. (I think my sister is getting #3 on this list, but shhhh!)

This particular DIY gift list I tried to gear towards friends as the recipients. There are some great girl friend gifts, neighbour gifts, coworker gifts or sibling in law gifts to be found here.

If you’re really ambitious, take your handmade gift the extra mile by wrapping it with a handmade gift bag!

DIY Christmas Gifts for Friends

Here are the links for posts of the last 3 years, totalling 100 DIY gift ideas:

25 DIY Christmas Gift Ideas
25 Unique Handmade Gift Ideas for Christmas
25 DIY Christmas Gifts for Family

Plus this new post, which is handy if you have school aged children: 25 DIY Christmas Gifts for Teachers

AND this awesome round up of 25 Modern DIY Christmas Gifts Kids Can Make

Ok, let’s get started!

1. Produce Bags

This is my DIY and I’ve gifted it to a few people in the past. It’s my passive-aggressive way of encouraging people to use less plastic! Haha

2. Felt Ornaments

Another one of my own projects, the Lightbulb is a freebie you can find here on the blog. The other patterns like the gnome, teeny tiny teddy and mushroom are available in the shop!

(ps. If you like gnomes, check out this post of 17 DIY Christmas Gnome Crafts!)

3. Quilted Tote Bag

This tote bag is so gorgeous! I’m hoping to make it for my sister this year. I made her a large tote bag years ago and it’s time for a replacement.

4. Macrame Camera Strap

These camera straps are a lovely personal gift for your photographer friends. Plus I love a boho modern Xmas vibes!

5. Rope Bowl

I’ve been dying to try a rope bowl. But my sewing machine is an old clunker and she gets mad at me when I try new things!

But these bowls are such great catch-all trays to leave by the front door or on a bedside table. They are so handy! I have a small one for keeping my bobbins and pins in one place while I’m sewing, and I just love it!

6. Hot Cocoa Kit

Ok. How cute is this hot chocolate kit!? Such a great DIY stocking stuffer idea. I’m hosting quite a few people this year for Christmas, so I’m likely going to be making a whole pile of these!

7. Scratch Off Travel Map

First of all, I didn’t even know that scratch-off paper was a thing that could be purchased. This opens up a whole new world of crafting possibilities! This map is such a fun idea!

8. Sock Gnomes

So cute sitting on a mantle with a few other gnome friends! And DIY Christmas gnomes are a great way to upcycle some old clothes. Win win!

9. Fire Starters

These only work if the recipients actually have a fireplace. But they are just so cute! I suppose they’d work for people who like having outdoor bonfires too.

10. Scandinavian Wood Trees

If you’re handy with a saw or have some scrap wood lying around, these trees are an absolutely beautiful DIY gift idea. I think they used Cricut-cut embellishments, but you could easily paint simple white designs instead.

11. Blanket Scarf

‘Tis the season for enormous cozy blanket scarves! We may get teased for our scarves that can double as car covers, but you will pry my big scarves out of my cold dead hands before I give them up!

Handmade Holiday Gift Ideas

12. Dragonfruit Soap Popsicles

I did a double take when I saw these, I really thought they were real popsicles. They are so pretty!

13. Chunky Knit Blanket

The ultimate cozy gift! Nothing says Christmas quite like a huge heavy hand-knit blanket that feels like a hug.

14. Clay Plant Wall Pockets

For your plant loving friends, a super cool wall pocket!

15. Leather Pouches

These leather pouches are simple to make and the painted details really elevate the look of them! And if we’re talking about gift ideas for your girl friends, well I don’t know anyone who can’t use another cute pouch in their life.

16. Upcycled Sweater Ornaments

DIY Christmas ornaments are a great go-to gift idea when you’re plum out of any other ideas. Haha. But these are actually extremely cute. And if you’re using upcycled sweaters, you can make a whole batch of them to give as teacher gifts, for the neighbours, or anyone else you don’t know super well.

17. Doormat

I love how you can personalize a simple doormat and immediately give guests a sense of the personalities that live in the house!

18. Watercolour Luggage Tags

This is a great accompanying gift for the travel map above! These DIY luggage tags are the perfect way to distinguish your suitcase in a sea of identical suitcases on the corral.

19. Modern Quilted Ornaments

I’m going to hazard a guess that 99.99% of crafters have a stash of fabric and beautiful fabric scraps. So why not use up some of those scraps making modern DIY Xmas ornaments?

20. Rug Hooked Throw Pillow

I just can’t get over how stunning this pillow is! If I made it, I don’t think I’d be able to give it away though. 😀

21. Felt & Leather Tablet Sleeve

If you’re handy with a needle you could also add some embroidery like a name or some flowers to make it more personal.

22. Serving Tray

Since charcuterie is all the rage, a beautiful serving tray might be just the ticket! This one has a cut out for the dip bowl to rest in.

23. Air Plant Holders

These are so Suess! I love a quirky DIY gift!

24. Sleeping Masks

Such luxury! Pair these with a little basket of bath products and cozy socks for the ultimate self-care gift.

25. Kimono

This kimono is so pretty, I think I should make one for myself! You know, if I have any time left after I’ve made all the other DIY Christmas gifts on this list. lol

There it is, the best DIY Christmas gifts for friends that you can craft or sew this Holiday season.

And again, here are the links for the previous 3 posts of DIY xmas gifts, for a total of 100 ideas!