Cozy DIY Christmas Gifts: Simple Handmade Ideas with Heart

Every year, I tell myself I’m going to keep Christmas simple.

And every year, I realize the gifts I’m most proud to give aren’t the ones I bought at the last minute. They’re the quiet, handmade ones. The ones that smell good, feel useful, or invite someone to slow down for a moment.

If you’ve been craving a softer holiday season, these are the DIY Christmas gifts I truly love making. They’re doable, cozy, and rooted in the kind of simple living Oak & Sage is built on.

I’ll share how I make each one and, where it makes sense, I’ll link the exact supplies I use so you can keep things easy.

Simmer Pot Gift Jars (My Go-To Neighbor Gift)

This is usually the first DIY gift I make every year because it’s simple and always well received.

I start with dried orange slices (sometimes I dry my own, but I often use the ones I linked here because they save time). Into a small glass jar, I layer the oranges, a couple of cinnamon sticks, a pinch of whole cloves, and star anise. I’ll tuck in a small sprig of rosemary at the top.

Once the lid is on, I tie a piece of twine around the jar and add a handwritten tag that says something like:
“Add contents to a pot with water and simmer gently.”

I use simple glass jars with screw-top lids for these. I’ve linked the style I like because they feel sturdy and reusable, which matters to me.

Cozy Baking Mixes for Slow Winter Mornings

Baking mixes feel nostalgic in the best way.

When I make these, I usually choose one recipe and batch them all at once. Gingerbread muffins and chocolate chip cookies are favorites. I layer the dry ingredients right into wide-mouth mason jars, finishing with sugar on top because it looks pretty.

I always include a handwritten recipe card and baking instructions. It’s a small detail, but it makes the gift feel personal instead of packaged.

If I’m gifting these to someone who loves to bake, I’ll sometimes tie a small wooden spoon to the jar or pair it with a linen towel. I keep a stack of blank recipe cards and natural twine on hand every December, and I’ve linked both because I use them year after year.

Beeswax Wraps (Surprisingly Easy, Honestly Useful)

This is one of those gifts people don’t expect, but almost everyone uses.

I make beeswax wraps using organic cotton fabric and beeswax pellets. I cut the fabric into squares, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with wax, and melt everything in a low oven. Once the wax melts, I lift the fabric carefully and let it cool.

They’re quick to make once you get the hang of it. I fold them neatly, tie with twine, and include a small tag explaining how to use and clean them.

I’ve linked the beeswax pellets and cotton fabric I prefer because the quality really does matter here, and I like knowing exactly what’s going into something people will use with food.

Herbal Tea & Cozy Drink Blends for Quiet Evenings

This is one of my favorite gifts to give when I don’t know someone’s taste in décor or food.

I’ll mix loose-leaf tea or dried herbs in a bowl…chamomile and lavender for evening calm, or black tea with cinnamon and orange peel for something warmer and spiced. I spoon the blends into small glass jars or paper tea bags and label them with simple brewing instructions.

If I’m gifting several, I’ll use the same jars for a cohesive look. I’ve linked the tea strainers and small jars I keep stocked because they’re simple and timeless, and I end up using them all year.

Handwritten Recipe Gifts (The Most Meaningful Ones)

Not every gift needs to be made from scratch.

Some of my favorite gifts to give are handwritten recipes. A soup someone made for me when I needed comfort. A holiday bake tied to a memory. I include a short note about why that recipe matters and what it reminds me of.

Sometimes I pair the card with a wooden spoon or wrap it in a linen towel. These gifts don’t cost much, but they feel like an offering, not an obligation.

A Few Gentle Craft Gifts I Rotate Each Year

When I want something non-food, I’ll choose one simple project and make a few.

Dried orange garlands. Lavender sachets. Pressed botanicals in simple frames. Sometimes hand-poured soy candles if I have the time.

I stick to natural materials and neutral colors so they blend into almost any home. I’ve linked the candle wax and cotton wicks I use because they’ve been reliable and easy to work with.

A Quiet Note About Gifting

DIY gifts don’t need to be perfect.

They don’t need to impress.
They just need to feel like care.

If you make one thing this season and give it thoughtfully, that’s enough.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only share products I personally use and genuinely love for slow, cozy, everyday living. Thank you for supporting Oak & Sage in this way.