1. Chunky Hand-Knit Blanket

What could be more cozy than a chunky, hand-knit blanket? Stiff says this project is one of the best ones for beginners to tackle. It’s simple, practical, on-trend, and high-impact. Plus, you’ll seriously be saving money on this one—do you know how much chunky blankets are going for these days? Once you make one, you’ll be hooked (pun intended). Chunky blankets for everyone on your Christmas list! Learn how to

2. DIY Bath Salts

Do you have a bath-lover in your life? DIY bath salts couldn’t be easier to make, and you can dress them up in cute packaging to make them feel extra festive and luxurious. All you need for this simple DIY are some Epsom salts, coarse sea salt, baking soda, and essential oils. Dried herbs and flowers also make great additions.

3. Customized Tote Bag

Customize a tote bag for a fun DIY gift your recipient is sure to love. Sewing aficionados may enjoy creating a tote bag from scratch, but for beginners (or those just short on time), utilizing a pre-made, plain canvas bag can help save some time. Tote bags can be customized in a variety of ways, including iron-on patches, fabric paint, hand-embroidery, and more. 

4. Kitschy Fridge Magnets

Kitschy fridge magnets are fun and easy to make, plus they couldn’t be cuter. Stiff recommends using air-dry clay to sculpt miniature objects, which can then be painted and glued to magnets. Think: tiny animals, food, smiley faces, symbols, and more. 

5. Hand-Embroidered Clothes

Embroidered clothes are another trendy item that you can create at home with hand-embroidery. If you’ve never tried embroidery before, it can seem intimidating, but it’s actually really simple (and relaxing!) to do, with minimal supplies required. Plus, you can find endless templates and beginner kits to suit any project or design you’re interested in completing. 

6. Punch Needle Pillowcase Cover

Punch needling is a form of embroidery closely related to rug hooking. It uses a hollow needle and yarn to create textured designs that are ideal for rugs, wall hangings, and decorative items like throw pillowcases. If hand-embroidery feels intimidating, punch needling may be the perfect place for you to start instead!

7. Handmade Candles

Who doesn’t love a scented candle? A handmade candle is a fun and easy DIY gift that is sure to please almost anyone on your list. The best part about making your own candles is that you can personalize them with your favorite scents, colors, and containers for a truly unique and one-of-a-kind gift. Try visiting the thrift store for unique candle vessels, such as old teacups, jars, and more. 

8. Wax Melts

If candles are simple to make, wax melts are even easier. All you need is some wax, your desired fragrance, and a mold. Finish it off with some cute packaging, and you can check a few people off your Christmas list. 

9. Homemade Holiday Cookie Boxes

Calling all bakers! You can’t go wrong with homemade cookie boxes. Try assembling an assortment of festive cookies (think gingerbread men, shortbread, sugar cookies, and more) in a pretty bakery box for a handmade gift that everyone is sure to love. 

10. Beeswax Food Wraps

Beeswax food wraps are the eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap that is taking over kitchens everywhere, and they’re surprisingly easy to make! All you need is pure beeswax and some of your favorite cotton fabric to get started. 

11. Sentimental Ornaments

Stiff says that handmade ornaments are particularly popular gifts around the holidays. These ornaments typically commemorate a milestone or a favorite memory and can be made from a variety of materials.

“This year, we’re seeing huge momentum around felt ornaments, in particular. The joy of creating small, hand-stitched felt creations, whether they are sweet gingerbread people or personalized initial letters, is booming,” Stiff says. 

12. Wood-Burned Cutting Boards

Wood-burned cutting boards are among the most popular DIY gift ideas of the year, according to Stiff, and they’re truly personalizable and sentimental. If you’ve never done wood-burning before, have no fear, Michaels has you covered with a complete project outline, plus everything you need to complete your gift.

13. Mosaic Coasters

Mosaic art is gaining popularity, and with mosaic tiles available for purchase at consumer craft stores like Michaels, it’s becoming increasingly accessible as well. DIY mosaic coasters are a cute and simple way to try this craft and create something practical and beautiful, even if you’ve never done mosaic work before. 

14. Customized Tumblers

Tumblers are all the rage right now, so why not add some customization for a heartfelt personal touch? Whether you’re gifting for the teen, child, or BFF in your life, this gift is sure to wow. Tumblers can be customized in a variety of ways. “Think: paint pens, stencils, rhinestones and accessories,” says Stiff. Add in some adorable straw toppers to take your gift to the next level. 

15. Heirloom Recipe Box

Looking for something unique and out-of-the-box? Stiff suggests crafting an heirloom recipe box that can be treasured and handed down through generations.

“Take one of our Wooden Recipe Boxes by Make Market and turn it into an heirloom. It can be personalized by wood-burning or simply decorated with paint markers, like this example from Michaels' Instagram page, and filled with favorite handwritten family recipes,” she says.

16. Homemade Soap Bars

Handmade soap has become easier than ever to make, thanks to the availability of pre-made soap bases (hint: you can find them at Michaels!). Soap bases are available in a variety of formulations, including oatmeal, shea butter, goat's milk, and more. Customize your homemade soap with your own scents, inclusions, and fun mold shapes to truly wow your loved ones. You can also purchase complete DIY soap-making kits to ensure you have everything you need to get started.

17. DIY Trinket Dish

DIY trinket dishes are a hot craft right now, and they can be made in so many different ways. Resin is an excellent option for those familiar with the medium, as well as air-dry clay and polymer clay. Dress it up with some hand-painted accents to complete the project.  

18. Memory Frame

Memory frames are a unique DIY gift idea that Stiff says is currently trending. “A shadow box (which is only $12.49 right now) is customized with tickets, small trinkets, and photos to tell a beautiful story—it’s a true, three-dimensional scrapbook that will pull at the heartstrings!” she says. 

19. Hand-Knit Hat, Scarf, or Mittens

Is knitting your thing? If so, hand-knit hats, scarves, or mittens are the way to go. These intermediate to challenging gifts aren’t just meaningful, they’re practical, too! Plus, Michaels’ new Knit & Sew Shop offers its widest selection ever of threads, fabrics, sewing notions, tools, and more, so you won’t be short on selection.  

20. Custom Jewelry

According to Stiff, custom jewelry is a heartfelt gift that never goes out of style. Plus, with numerous ways to bring a piece of custom jewelry to life, there’s truly something for everyone. From simple beaded friendship bracelets to more elaborate pieces, you can create something meaningful and on-trend, regardless of your experience level and your recipient’s style.