7 homemade gift ideas for Christmas

Homemade gifts are extra special. The time, effort and love you put in can make them mean so much more to your friends and family. The materials needn’t be expensive either - you might have them around the house already – which makes the idea even more appealing when our pockets are feeling the pinch. Check out our top ideas for thoughtful handmade presents this Christmas - and they’re eco-friendly too.

1. Homemade jam and jelly

Edible treats are sure to be a hit with any foodie friends, from cakes and cookies to jams and jellies. Store in a clear glass jar tied with festive ribbon and your gift will look as good as it tastes.

Wrap up warm and head out to forage for fruit to make delicious jams and jellies. Bullace, a type of plum, is ripe in autumn and makes a scrumptious jam, or try your hand at crab apple or rowan jelly. Please remember to forage sustainably and leave plenty of fruit for wildlife.

2. Beeswax food wraps

Beeswax wraps are surprisingly easy to DIY. Flexible for folding around a variety of foods or covering containers of leftovers, their waxy coating makes them waterproof and super useful in any kitchen. An eco-friendly alternative to single-use cling film and plastic food bags, they’re better for the environment and you can choose different prints, patterns or colours to personalise them too. 

You’ll need: 

• 100% cotton fabric
• scissors or pinking shears
• baking tray
• baking paper
• paintbrush or silicon brush
• wax pellets - beeswax is most popular (available online for under £5) or use soy wax for a vegan-friendly alternative.

Cut the fabric to the desired size – it will need to fit on your baking tray. Pinking shears will give a nice zigzag finish but if you don't have any, scissors are fine.

Completely cover the tray with baking paper and place the fabric on top. Sprinkle the wax pellets over it evenly and pop in the oven on the lowest heat setting for about five minutes. When the wax starts to melt, take the tray out and spread the wax with the brush. Repeat until the fabric is covered in melted wax. Peel the wrap from the baking paper with tongs or similar and hang it up to set, which only takes a few minutes. You could add a button fastening, or use a band or string to secure it when in use.

Don't have the time or materials? Buy our beeswax wraps family pack.

3. Homes for wildlife

For any animal lovers or gardeners in your life, a handmade wildlife home is a perfect present. Follow our guides to create a valuable shelter that will attract hedgehogs, bees, butterflies or birds. If you're feeling extra creative, you could paint or decorate the new home with some nature-themed designs too.

4. Sloe gin

Homemade sloe gin is a great Christmas gift and simple to make, although it takes a couple of months to mature so you need to plan ahead. The inky berries can be found on blackthorn trees and bushes throughout autumn. Please forage sustainably. 

Enjoy the gin on its own, in sparkling wine or even over ice cream. Or if gin isn’t your thing, you could try making sloe wine or vodka.

5. Quality time voucher

The best gift is something money can't buy: precious time with our loved ones. Show someone you care by creating your own gift voucher to spend quality time together. Let them choose the activity or pick something you know you'll both enjoy, from a romantic walk or picnic to family fun and games indoors or out. Whatever you decide, you'll both have memories to treasure and it doesn't have to cost a penny.

Try your hand at drawing a voucher or designing a digital version. You could even adorn it with small nature finds like feathers, fallen leaves or pine cones.

6. Homemade bird feeders

Bird feeders make wonderful gifts for anyone with an outdoor space. They'll be able to enjoy watching wildlife from their window and it's well-timed for the birds too, as nature's larder is running low for our feathered friends in winter. Creating your own bird feeder is easy with our guide.

7. Flower pounded bag

Flower pounding sounds off the wall but it really works! Simply hammer flowers or leaves until their coloured pigment transfers onto your chosen medium. 

All you need is a selection of plants, a hammer, baking paper and either fabric or paper for your design. Place plants face down – using tape can help keep them in position - then lay the baking paper over the top and hammer away. 

Prints on fabric will gradually fade with washing so you might prefer to use a tote bag or similar rather than a clothing item. Applying alum first can help preserve the colours, but it’s not essential. Or pound on paper to make a framed print or handmade card instead.