Handmade Christmas Gifts in Under and Hour - Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas!

Dec 14, 2024

Platter of melt and pour goats milk soap snowflakes, dried apples and cinnamon bear gummies

Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and spending quality moments with those we love. But as a busy mother or grandmother, I know it can sometimes feel like there’s just not enough time to get everything done—especially when it comes to creating thoughtful gifts that truly reflect the heart of the season.

But here’s the good news: You don’t have to spend hours at the store or worry about complicated crafts. With a little love and a few simple ingredients, you can make handmade gifts that your family and friends will cherish for years to come.

I’ll walk you through easy DIY Christmas food gifts and sugar scrubs that anyone can make, no matter how busy the season gets. This post will include recipes for a gingerbread sugar scrub made with ingredients from the pantry, snowflake melt and pour goat milk soap, pomander oranges, cocoa bombs, dairy-free hot chocolate mix and more!

These gifts are perfect for the last-minute shopper or anyone who wants to add a personal touch to their Christmas giving. And don’t worry—each idea is simple enough for even the busiest mother or grandmother to enjoy making with the little ones, or even by yourself during a quiet moment of peace.

Why Handmade Christmas Gifts Matter

There’s something truly special about giving gifts that come from the heart. When you take the time to create something homemade, it’s not just about the item itself—it’s about the love and care that goes into making it. These gifts are filled with our human creativity and touch that give heartfelt meaning to a gift not just bought from a store. And for mothers and grandmothers, who often lead busy lives, making these gifts offers a way to slow down and savor Christmastime in a more traditional way.

Plus, handmade gifts don’t have to be expensive. They can be simple and thoughtful, and they help keep the uniqueness of handmade items alive, not something that a robot made in a factory. Let’s dive into a few ideas that are easy to create but will leave a lasting impression.

DIY Christmas Food Gifts: Sweet & Simple Treats

Food gifts are always a hit during the holidays. They’re fun, tasty, and offer a way to show love through a sweet treat. Here are a few unique ideas that are perfect for last-minute gifts!

Cinnamon Gummy Bears

These chewy, spiced gummy treats are a fun, homemade gift that will delight everyone. With just a few ingredients like cinnamon, gelatin, and hibiscus, you can whip up a batch in no time. They’re easy enough to make with your children or grandchildren, and they make the perfect gift for a friend, teacher, or neighbor. Everyone will have fun eating them!

Cocoa Bombs

Hot cocoa bombs have become a holiday favorite! They’re simple to make, and they add such a delightful touch to any Christmas gathering. You’ll just need some chocolate, marshmallows, and cocoa mix—melt and mold the chocolate into little spheres, fill with some Farmhouse Teas Cocoa mix, and wrap them up in festive packaging. These are perfect for those colder nights when all you want is a warm cup of cocoa by the fire. Find the full Cocoa Bomb Tutorial and Recipe Here.

Homemade Marshmallows

If you’ve never made marshmallows from scratch, it’s easier than you think! With a little maple syrup, gelatin, and even real marshmallow root, you can make a batch of fluffy marshmallows that are perfect for gifting. Wrap them up with some pretty twine, and they’ll look like you spent hours in the kitchen—even though they’re so simple to make. You can even cut them out into any shape you want or pipe them into a fancy swirl with a frosting piping tube. Get the full Homemade Marshmallow Tutorial and Recipe here.

Handmade Sugar Scrubs: Gifts from the Heart

With all the cool, dry air of winter, we could all use a little extra help with our skin this time of year. A sugar scrub is an easy, thoughtful gift that gives the gift of a healthy glow. And they’re so simple to make! Here’s how you can create your own:

DIY Sugar Scrub Recipe

All you need for a basic sugar scrub is:

sugar (even use salt, or coffee grounds)
olive oil (almond, coconut, avocado oil etc)
A few drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender, peppermint, or citrus are great options)

Simply mix these ingredients together, and you’ve got yourself a lovely sugar scrub! The oil will hydrate, and the sugar gently exfoliates, leaving the skin soft and smooth. Package it in a cute jar, tie a ribbon, and include a little note—your loved ones will appreciate the soothing touch.

Make this fancy gingerbread sugar scrub recipe for the perfect Christmas-scented gift!

Customization Tips

You can customize your sugar scrub by adding a little dried lavender for a calming effect, or even some vanilla extract for a sweet, holiday scent. Your family and friends will love the care you put into making something so simple but so thoughtful.

Wrapping Up Your Handmade Gifts

Once you’ve created your gifts, it’s time to make them beautiful! Consider using natural elements like twine, dried oranges, star anise or cinnamon sticks to decorate your gift packaging. You don’t need to spend much—just a little effort to wrap your gift thoughtfully will make it even more special. Look around outside for some fresh pine branches, maybe some pine cones or even forage some rose hips and holly.

And don’t forget to include a handwritten note wishing them a Merry Christmas!

A Christmas Full of Love and Memories

As mothers and grandmothers, our time is precious, and so is the time we spend with our families. By making these handmade gifts, you’re not just giving a present—you’re giving a piece of yourself, a moment of love that your family will carry with them. So grab those supplies, take a deep breath, and enjoy the process. Remember, the best gifts are the ones made with love. If you would love to learn more about herbs, growing them and crafting with them make sure to check out the print version of the Grow Create Sip Magazine here.

Happy mak'n friends!

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