This post is part of the 100 Days ’til Christmas Challenge — one small step each day to make the holiday season less stressful and a lot more fun.
There’s just something magical about giving a gift you’ve made with your own two hands. Handmade gifts have a way of showing thought, care, and creativity that store-bought items just can’t match. The only catch? They take time. Which is why 94 days ’til Christmas is the perfect time to start planning your handmade gifts—before December sneaks up and you’re left with half-finished projects and a whole lot of stress.
Today’s step in our 100 Days to Christmas Challenge is all about deciding which handmade gifts you want to make and getting your plan in place.
Decide Who Gets Handmade Gifts
Not everyone on your list needs a handmade gift (and that’s okay!). Handmade gifts are best saved for the people who will appreciate the thought and effort. Ask yourself:
- Who would treasure something handmade?
- Who do I already have an idea for?
- Where could a DIY option save me money this season?
Jot down a quick list of your gift recipients and mark the ones who might be perfect for something handmade.
Brainstorm Handmade Gift Ideas
Now for the fun part—dreaming up what you’ll actually make. To get you started, here are some ideas:
🎁 Crafted Items
- Chunky knit blanket or scarf
- DIY Christmas ornaments
- Hand-painted mugs or glassware
🛁 Self-Care & Spa Gifts
- Sugar scrubs or bath bombs
- Homemade candles in seasonal scents
- DIY rice or flax-filled heat packs
🍪 Edible Gifts
- Cookie or brownie mix in a jar
- Homemade jams or apple butter
- Flavored popcorn tins
📸 Personalized Gifts
- Photo calendar with family photos
- Recipe book collection
- Handmade coupon book (babysitting, movie night, etc.)
💡 Want more inspiration? I’ve started a Pinterest Group Board full of handmade gift ideas. You can browse, save, and even contribute your own favorite DIY finds!
Match Projects to Time & Skill Level
Here’s the reality: not every project is doable in the time you have. That’s why it’s important to:
- Choose one or two bigger projects if you love crafting.
- Mix in quicker, easier projects (like ornaments or edible gifts).
- Start small if this is your first year trying handmade.
The goal is meaningful, not overwhelming.
Gather Supplies Early
Craft stores and Amazon get picked over quickly once fall holiday sales kick in. By starting now, you can:
- Shop sales and save money.
- Make sure you aren’t scrambling in December.
- Spread out the cost of supplies.
Make a simple “supplies needed” list for each project and keep it with your holiday planning notes.
Create a Handmade Gift Timeline
Handmade gifts take planning. A simple timeline might look like this:
- This week – Pick projects & recipients.
- Next 2 weeks – Buy supplies.
- October–November – Work steadily on projects.
- Early December – Wrap and deliver/ship.
If you’re using my gift planning printables, this is a great place to keep track of your projects, supplies, and deadlines.
Keep It Fun, Not Stressful
Remember—handmade gifts are supposed to be joyful. If you fall behind, swap a big project for a quicker one (cookies, gift baskets, or even a printable coupon book). Your loved ones will appreciate the thought, not perfection.
📄 Free Handmade Gift Planner Printable
Since handmade gifts can get overwhelming if you don’t stay organized, I created a simple Handmade Gift Planner one-sheet you can use for each project. It has space for:
- Gift idea
- Time needed
- Supplies list
- Instructions
- Notes
Print one for each handmade gift you’re planning, tuck them into your holiday binder, and have everything in one place from start to finish.
👉 This planner is part of my 100 Days to Christmas free printable bundle. If you haven’t already signed up, be sure to join my newsletter to get this planner (and all the other printables in the series) delivered to your inbox as we go.
Today’s Takeaway
Handmade gifts add a special kind of love to the holiday season, but the key is planning now so you actually enjoy the process. Pick one handmade gift idea this week and start gathering what you need. And don’t forget to stop by the Handmade Gift Ideas Pinterest Board for even more inspiration (and to share your favorites too!).
We’ll keep building on this plan as we get closer to December. For now, you’re officially one step closer to a less stressful, more meaningful holiday season.
