31 Cheap DIY Christmas Gifts Under $10 That Everyone Loves

Gift-giving stress doesn’t have to empty your wallet this Christmas season!

Finding meaningful presents that show you care while staying within budget feels nearly impossible when store prices keep climbing higher.

These 31 DIY Christmas gifts under $10 will help you create beautiful, heartfelt presents from cozy cinnamon ornaments to luxurious sugar scrubs that your loved ones will treasure forever.

Get ready to save money and spread joy with these incredibly easy projects that look like they cost way more than they actually do!

Highly Recommended

1 DIY Soap Dispenser

Transform ordinary containers into festive soap dispensers using simple dollar store finds and basic craft supplies.

Grab any sturdy container like mason jars, small bottles, or decorative containers. Drill a small hole in the lid and insert a pump mechanism from an old dispenser.

Personalize with Christmas flair using ribbon, paint, or holiday stickers. Add waterproof labels with names or festive messages for that special touch.

Fill with luxury hand soap or homemade varieties. This practical gift costs under $5 and shows thoughtfulness every time they wash their hands.

2 Melted Crayon Ornaments

Transform broken crayons into stunning Christmas ornaments that look like expensive glass decorations. This creative project costs under $3 and gives new life to old art supplies.

Sort your crayons into beautiful color combinations like blues and purples or reds and golds. Remove all paper wrappers completely before you start melting.

The melted wax creates swirled patterns inside clear ornament balls that catch light beautifully. Each ornament turns out completely unique, making them perfect personalized gifts.

3 Cinnamon Apple Soap

Warm apple and cinnamon scents fill your home while you create these delightful soap bars that cost just pennies to make.

You can craft an entire batch in under an hour using melt-and-pour soap base, apple fragrance oil, and ground cinnamon. The festive red and brown swirls look absolutely gorgeous.

These bars make perfect stocking stuffers or thoughtful additions to larger gift baskets. Wrap them in tissue paper with a simple ribbon for an instant holiday touch.

4 Hot Chocolate Mix

Warm mugs filled with rich, creamy hot chocolate create instant holiday magic for anyone on your gift list.

Mix cocoa powder, sugar, and mini marshmallows in a mason jar for a cozy winter treat. Choose dairy-free cocoa powder to make your gift suitable for everyone, including those with milk allergies.

Tie a festive ribbon around the jar and attach a handwritten tag with brewing instructions. Add small candy canes or chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

Your friends will love sipping this homemade comfort drink all winter long.

5 Crochet Gingerbread Plushie

Soft yarn transforms into an adorable gingerbread friend that costs just a few dollars to make. This cuddly plushie brings holiday magic without the sugar crash.

Basic crochet skills help you stitch up this charming gift in one evening. Choose brown yarn for the body and add colorful details for buttons and icing.

Kids absolutely love squishing and hugging these festive companions. They’re perfect for little hands and make wonderful stocking stuffers or surprise gifts.

6 Rosemary Seasoned Salt

Fresh rosemary transforms ordinary salt into a gourmet gift that costs under $3 to make. You simply mix coarse sea salt with finely chopped dried rosemary and pack it in small mason jars.

Customize the flavor for each person on your list. Swap rosemary for garlic powder, dried thyme, or chili flakes depending on their cooking style.

Add a handwritten label with serving suggestions like "perfect for roasted potatoes" or "amazing on grilled chicken." Your foodie friends will use this kitchen staple long after the holidays end.

7 Holiday Potpourri Mixes

Fresh holiday scents fill your home when you create custom potpourri blends that cost just a few dollars to make.

Combine dried orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and pine needles from your yard for a classic Christmas aroma. Add whole cloves or star anise for extra warmth.

Package your mix in mason jars or decorative bags with simple ribbon ties. Include a small card explaining how to simmer the potpourri in water for instant holiday fragrance.

This gift works perfectly for anyone since it’s completely natural and won’t trigger allergies like scented candles might.

8 Personalized Tea Towels

Transform plain tea towels into heartfelt gifts that show you really know the recipient. Think about their favorite quotes, hobbies, or inside jokes.

Use stencils or stamps to create simple designs that look professional. Holiday stamps work perfectly for festive patterns, while Cricut machines let you add custom sayings.

Keep designs clean and simple – silhouettes and single-color prints look most polished. A funny kitchen quote or their family name makes every dish-drying moment special.

9 Christmas Heishi Beads

Friendship bracelets get a festive makeover with colorful Christmas Heishi beads that cost under $5 per pack. These tiny, flat disc beads come in holiday colors like red, green, gold, and white.

You can create multiple bracelets from one pack, making them perfect for gifting to friends, teachers, or family members. The smooth, lightweight beads feel comfortable on the wrist.

Simply string them on elastic cord or embroidery thread for an instant holiday accessory. Mix and match colors to create candy cane stripes or alternate red and green patterns.

10 Homemade Christmas Jam

Sweet, chunky jam fills your kitchen with cinnamon and cranberry aromas that scream Christmas morning.

This festive spread combines fresh cranberries, diced apples, and warm spices for under $5 per jar. Your friends will think you’re a kitchen wizard, but the secret is simple.

The process takes just 30 minutes of active cooking time. No special equipment needed — just a regular pot and some mason jars.

Package these ruby-red jars with festive ribbons, and you’ve created gifts that taste like the holidays in every spoonful.

11 Succulent Christmas Ornament

Tiny living plants transform ordinary ornaments into magical Christmas gifts that keep giving all year long.

These adorable hanging globe planters bring fresh greenery to holiday trees while promising spring beauty ahead. Your friends will smile every time they spot their little succulent swaying among the tinsel.

Grab clear plastic ornament balls and small succulents from your local garden center. The total cost stays under $5 per ornament, making them perfect for multiple gift recipients.

Simply remove the ornament top, add small pebbles for drainage, insert potting soil, and nestle your succulent inside.

12 Lavender Sugar Recipe

Aromatic lavender sugar transforms ordinary baking into something magical. This sweet treat costs under $3 to make and fills your kitchen with calming scents.

Mix 1 cup granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender in a mason jar. Shake well and let it sit for one week to develop full flavor.

Your friends will love sprinkling this gourmet sugar on cookies, tea, or homemade scones. Package it in pretty jars with ribbon for an instant boutique gift that looks expensive but stays budget-friendly.

13 Jarred Cocoa Mix

Warm hugs in a jar make perfect winter gifts that friends actually want to receive. Layer cocoa powder, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips in a clear mason jar for an instant cozy treat.

Customize each jar with fun add-ins like crushed candy canes for mint lovers or colorful sprinkles for kids. Write simple brewing instructions on a cute tag.

Your friends just add hot milk, stir, and enjoy! This thoughtful gift costs under $5 per jar and spreads holiday cheer all season long.

14 Coffee Bombs

Coffee bombs bring the same magical fizz as hot chocolate bombs, but with a rich caffeine kick that coffee lovers crave.

These DIY treats cost under $5 to make a batch of six. You’ll need chocolate molds, instant coffee, creamer powder, and mini marshmallows or chocolate chips.

Simply melt chocolate, coat your molds, fill with coffee mixture, and seal the halves together. Drop one bomb into hot milk and watch it dissolve into the perfect cozy drink.

Your friends will love unwrapping these personalized coffee surprises on Christmas morning!

15 Whisk Gift Set

Colorful whisks tied with festive ribbon create an instant smile for any cooking enthusiast. This thoughtful gift works perfectly when you want to share your favorite recipe or pair it with homemade baking mix.

Head to the dollar store and grab 2-3 different sized whisks in bright colors. Add a handwritten recipe card featuring your go-to cookies or pancakes.

Tie everything together with a cheerful bow, and you’ve got a practical present that costs under $5 but feels much more expensive.

16 Washi Tape Candles

Colorful patterns instantly transform plain candles into personalized holiday treasures. You can create beautiful gift sets in under an hour while watching your favorite Christmas movie.

Simply wrap washi tape around pillar or jar candles in festive designs. Mix and match patterns like snowflakes, stripes, or geometric shapes for unique looks.

Keep tape away from the wick area and inner rim for safety. These work perfectly as hostess gifts or stocking stuffers—make several at once for maximum gift-giving impact.

17 Stovetop Scent Jars

Warm cinnamon and orange peels fill your home with instant holiday magic when you create these thoughtful scent jars.

Mix dried spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise with dried orange peels in a mason jar. Add a beautiful handwritten label with simple instructions: "Add contents to simmering water for festive fragrance."

These food-restriction friendly gifts work perfectly for anyone who can’t enjoy baked treats. Your friends simply pour the mixture into a pot of water and let it simmer for hours of natural holiday scenting.

18 Vegan Cookie Mix

Skip the store and create a thoughtful treat that fits any dietary preference. Vegan cookie mixes show you care about what matters to your loved ones.

Layer dry ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and dairy-free chocolate chips in a mason jar. The colorful layers create a beautiful presentation that costs under $5 per jar.

Attach a simple recipe card with baking instructions. Your friends get fresh, homemade cookies without the guesswork of finding vegan-friendly ingredients themselves.

19 Personalized Plant Mugs

Plant-themed mugs bring your friend’s favorite hobby right to their morning coffee routine. You create these charming gifts by adding plant designs, funny plant quotes, or even their specific plant names to plain ceramic mugs.

Use permanent markers, vinyl decals, or ceramic paints to customize each mug. Simple leaf patterns or phrases like "Plant Mom" work perfectly for beginners.

The best part? Your plant-loving friend gets a daily reminder of their green passion every time they sip their favorite drink.

20 Peppermint Lip Scrub

Your lips will feel silky smooth after using this refreshing winter treat. This peppermint scrub gently removes dry, flaky skin while leaving behind a cool, tingling sensation.

Mix sugar, coconut oil, and a few drops of peppermint essential oil in a small jar. The natural exfoliation works wonders on chapped winter lips.

Make two batches—one for gifting and one for yourself. Your friends will love this budget-friendly beauty solution that costs under $3 to make.

21 Christmas Sugar Scrub

Sweet-smelling sugar scrubs make perfect stocking stuffers that cost under $5 to create. Your friends will love these festive treats for their skin.

Mix granulated sugar with coconut oil as your base. Add Christmas scents like cinnamon, orange zest, or peppermint extract for that holiday magic.

Package your scrubs in mason jars with festive ribbons. Cranberry and orange combinations smell amazing and give skin a gentle glow.

These homemade scrubs last months and feel way more luxurious than store-bought versions.

22 Jar Soup Mix

Warm comfort sits perfectly in a mason jar, ready to become someone’s favorite meal. Layer dried beans, lentils, pasta, and seasonings to create a beautiful, colorful gift.

Add a handwritten recipe card with cooking instructions tied to the jar with ribbon. Include water amounts, cooking times, and any fresh ingredients they’ll need to add.

Choose a soup recipe that holds special meaning between you two. Maybe it’s the vegetable soup you shared during their tough week or your grandmother’s famous bean recipe.

This thoughtful gift costs under $5 to make and provides multiple hearty servings of homemade comfort food.

23 Cinnamon Ornaments

Your kitchen transforms into a festive workshop when you mix cinnamon, applesauce, and flour into fragrant ornament dough. These sweet-smelling decorations cost under $3 per batch and fill your home with cozy holiday scents.

Roll the dough flat and use cookie cutters to create stars, hearts, or winter shapes. Don’t forget to poke holes for hanging before they dry!

Perfect for gifting to teachers, neighbors, or mail carriers. Choose non-Christmas shapes like snowflakes or stars so everyone can enjoy these natural air fresheners, regardless of their holiday traditions.

24 Peppermint Bath Bombs

Fresh peppermint scent transforms ordinary bath time into a spa-like Christmas experience. These fizzy treats cost just a few dollars to make but feel incredibly luxurious.

You only need basic ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and peppermint essential oil. A simple silicone mold shapes them perfectly.

The cooling peppermint creates a refreshing, holiday aromatherapy session that melts away winter stress. Your friends will think you spent way more than $10!

25 Marbled Paint Ornaments

Swirling colors create stunning one-of-a-kind ornaments that look expensive but cost under $3 each. You simply remove the metal cap from clear glass bulbs and pour in acrylic paint.

Drip different colors directly into the bulb, then gently rotate and tilt to blend the paints. The marbled effect happens naturally as colors flow together.

Choose high-quality acrylic paint that won’t chip or fade over time. After swirling, flip ornaments upside down in a cup to let excess paint drain out completely.

Let them dry overnight before replacing the caps. Each ornament turns out unique with beautiful swirled patterns.

26 Honey Almond Scrub

Your skin gets baby-soft smoothness with just two kitchen ingredients you already own. This honey almond scrub smells absolutely divine and costs under $3 to make.

Mix honey with finely ground almonds to create a gentle exfoliating paste. The honey moisturizes while almonds buff away dead skin cells naturally.

Package your scrub in small mason jars with pretty ribbons. Add a handwritten label with simple usage instructions for the perfect personal touch.

27 Felt Gift Pouch

Soft felt fabric transforms into a charming gift pouch that makes any present feel extra special. You can whip this up in minutes using basic felt sheets from your craft stash.

Simply cut two matching shapes, stitch around the edges, and leave the top open. No sewing machine needed – hand stitching works perfectly and adds a handmade touch.

This budget-friendly wrapper costs under $3 to make and works for jewelry, gift cards, or small trinkets. Plus, the recipient gets two gifts – the present and a reusable pouch they’ll actually keep.

28 Coffee Body Scrub

Ground coffee transforms into a luxurious spa treatment that costs just pennies to make. Your friends will love this energizing scrub that wakes up tired skin.

Mix ½ cup used coffee grounds with ¼ cup coconut oil and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. The caffeine naturally brightens skin while removing dead cells.

Add a few drops of vanilla extract for a cozy holiday scent. Package everything in a mason jar with a festive ribbon and handwritten instructions for the perfect personal gift.

29 Mulling Spice Ornaments

Fragrant spice blends tucked inside clear plastic ornaments create gifts that smell amazing and cost under $3 each. These beautiful alternatives work perfectly for friends with dietary restrictions who can’t enjoy baked goods.

Fill clear ornament balls with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange peel for instant mulled cider magic. Your recipients simply empty the ornament into hot apple cider or wine.

The plastic ornaments cost about $1 each and hold enough spices for multiple batches. Add a simple tag with brewing instructions to complete this thoughtful, aromatic gift.

30 Spice Sachets

Cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg transform ordinary fabric pouches into magical holiday treasures that cost under $3 to make.

Fill small muslin bags with your favorite Christmas spices like star anise, orange peel, or cardamom. Your friends can tuck these aromatic sachets into drawers, closets, or holiday storage boxes.

The warm scents instantly bring back cozy Christmas memories every time someone opens their dresser. Plus, the natural fragrance lasts for months without any artificial chemicals.

31 Flavored Sugar

Your kitchen-loving friends will absolutely love this sweet surprise that transforms ordinary baking into something magical.

Flavored sugar takes just minutes to make but adds gourmet flair to everything from morning coffee to holiday cookies. Simply blend fresh or dried fruits, herbs, or spices with granulated sugar.

Try blueberry sugar for pancakes, vanilla-cinnamon sugar for snickerdoodles, or lavender sugar for tea. Pack it in cute mason jars with recipe cards for the perfect personal touch.

Your friends get months of elevated cooking for under $5 in ingredients.