13 Handmade and DIY Christmas Gift Ideas.

1. Festive Soy Candles

This may be these easiest candle recipe because they’re made right in your slow cooker! No messy clean up required. Some peppermint striped twine and fresh pine will make these candles the perfect handmade Christmas gift for your friends and family.

2. Holiday Cookie Box

Constellation Inspiration does a homemade Christmas cookie box every year and they are always beautiful and filled to the brim with yummy cookie recipes.

3. Sugar Cookie Sack

They are classic and beautiful and the perfect, DIY Christmas gift. Your loved ones will enjoy being able to make their own cookies!

4. Dried Stove Top Potpourri

Stove top potpourri is such an easy and natural way to get your home smelling cozy for the holidays.

5. Mulling Spices

These mulling spices can be used for so many different things including spiced apple cider, potpourri, coffee, tea, and more; they are a great DIY Christmas gift.

6. Milk Bath

The holidays can be hectic and stressful, so your loved ones will appreciate the opportunity to relax afterwards

7. Honey Mint Lip Balm

Honey Mint Lip Balm are the perfect gift to throw in all your stockings this year or to add along with any of the other gifts here.

8. Handmade Christmas Gift Basket

You can go all out this year and gift your loved ones a whole basket of handmade goodies.

9. DIY Painted Mug

Make this cute as can be, DIY Painted Mug for someone this year. Be sure to give them some hot cocoa mix and marshmallows to go along with it!

10. DIY Flower Infused Milk Soap

How beautiful is this flower infused milk soap! It would be hard to use it, its too pretty. All of your lady friends would love a bar of this soap this Christmas.

11. Nourishing Body Butter Recipe

who doesn’t love a good body butter in the winter months?! I don’t know about you, but my skin gets SO dry in the winter.

12. Flavored Salts

Make these homemade, flavored salts for all of the cooks in your family. There’s a salt for any kind of dish, they’ll be dying to get in the kitchen to use these.

13. Terrarium Kit

Do you have a someone who has a green thumb in your family? They’ll love having something to grow and enjoy even after the holidays.

What handmade gifts are you going to make this year?! Happy gift giving!

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To make sure you have a happy and healthy holiday, we’ve rounded up a list of the ultimate Christmas safety tips you need to follow.

1. Water your Christmas tree daily.

Christmas trees have the ability to go up in flames in the matter of moments, especially if they are dry and brittle. So it’s important to add moisture regularly. “Water your tree daily,” says Mark Scott, president of Mark IV Builders. “Never allow your tree stand to be empty of water and have two inches cut from the trunk to allow for better water absorption to the fresh wood.”

2. And keep it away from fire hazards.

Sure, your Christmas tree may look beautiful in that one particular corner of your home, but make sure you aren’t sacrificing your safety by putting it there.

“If you’ve put up a Christmas tree, whether real of fake, just consider where it’s located and what other objects are around it,” says Matthias Alleckna, an expert energy analyst at Energy Rates.ca. “It’s no secret that, especially as they dry out, Christmas trees are basically kindling. If you look around your tree and you see that it’s within three feet of any candles, electric space heaters, or fireplaces, it’s a fire hazard.”

3. Use candles with care and caution.

Your Christmas tree isn’t the only decoration you should be wary of this holiday season. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 22 home candle fires were reported each day between 2013 and 2017, with the most occurring in December. The data also showed the top two days for home fires started by candles were Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with more than half of home candle fires being the result of furniture, mattresses, bedding, curtains, or other decorations being too close to the flame.

4. Don’t overload your home’s electrical circuits.

All of those holiday lights and decorations can be a big electrical burden. However, no matter how badly you want both your electric Rudolph figurine and the lights around your Christmas tree in your living room, don’t overload the circuits powering your home.

According to the pros at Mr. Electric, a “typical household circuit can power 70 strings of 50-bulb mini lights or 300 to 600 strings of 50-bulb LED lights.” Plus, you have to take into account any major appliances that are already plugged into existing circuits before adding decorations. So, if you plan to use any more power than the experts suggest, spread it across multiple circuits to prevent an overload.

5. Secure your home from possible break-ins.

With potentially expensive Christmas gifts in the house and holiday travel leaving homes unoccupied, the possibility of a home break-in is an all-too-real concern every December. Lior Rachmany, CEO of Dumbo Moving + Storage, says his biggest tip for keeping your home safe from burglars is quite simple: Make sure your doors are secure.

“In most cases, the burglars will enter your house through the door, so your front and back doors are the first line of defense,” he says. “We recommend you invest in quality door locks, which will provide you with the necessary security and help you leave your home with more ease.”

6. And consider smart technology to protect your home.

Smart technology and keyless locks have made keeping your home safe so much easier. According to Will Ellis, founder of security consultant website Privacy Australia, smart devices can even make it appear as if you’re still home while you’re away.

“Smart plugs can be set on timers or controlled automatically, and some systems even have a built-in vacation mode which will randomly turn lights on or off during evening or morning hours to give the appearance that someone is home,” Ellis says.

7. Schedule packages to be delivered when you will be home to receive them.

Online shopping during the holiday season is an easy way to get your gifts and avoid crowded retail stores, but it also comes with some risks. According to the experts at Guardian Protection, the increased number of packages we tend to receive these days has also sparked a rise in package theft. “Porch pirates prey on homes where packages are delivered during the day and no one is home,” the experts warn. “To avoid being a victim, consider when and where your packages are delivered. Choose times when someone will be home or have them delivered to your workplace or other spot that is more secure.”

8. Don’t share your holiday travel plans online.

Home security is not all about locking your doors and decorating carefully. When it comes to any holiday travel plans, avoid posting about them online. According to Brad Campbell with Riot Glass, social media is the first place burglars look to determine where to strike next. If they know no one will be home during Christmastime, that makes your house an easy target. Post any vacation photos after you return from your trip and have someone check in on your house frequently while you are away.

9. Detach hoses from spigots on the outside of your house.

With the cold weather setting in, there are many precautions to take to keep your home in tip-top shape. Brittany Hovespain, owner of The Expert Home Buyers, says that during the Christmas season, she always tells her customers “to make sure they never leave a hose attached to a spigot outside when not in use.” Why? According to Hovespain, the water inside the hose can freeze and push frozen water back into your pipes, which can expand and crack them, damaging your water system and possibly flooding your home.

10. Clear the snow off your roof.

As scary of a thought as it is, it is very possible for your roof to give in during the winter. According to Lev Barinskiy, CEO of SmartFinancial, most roofs can handle up to 20 pounds per square foot of snow. If you’re doing the math, 10 inches of fresh snow weighs around five pounds per square foot, so that means your roof can probably only support four feet of snow. Barinskiy says to prevent “ice dams,” homeowners should clear their roof off after every six inches of snowfall.

11. Clean your chimney before building a fire.

There’s no doubt you’ll want to crank up your fireplace on Christmas morning as everyone’s unwrapping presents, but don’t do it without making sure everything’s in order first. Peter Duncanson, disaster restoration expert for ServiceMaster Restore, warns homeowners to inspect their chimney before Christmas. He says that “if you see black and flaky creosote deposits, use a wire brush to scrub them away.” And using a flashlight, you should inspect for loose bricks, blockages, or debris.

12. Be prepared for a kitchen fire.

When it comes to using your kitchen during Christmas, make sure you’re prepared for the worst. Barinsky says that during Christmastime, “many inexperienced cooks are trying their hand at cooking a big bird for the first time in their lives.” And when a grease fire breaks out, they’re completely caught off guard.

Even worse, Barinskiy says many wrongly assume throwing water on a small fire will stop it, but the water actually only causes the flames to spread. Instead, he recommends homeowners clean their oven before using it, have working smoke detectors, keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and never leave food unattended when it’s cooking.

13. Don’t use a deep fryer indoors.

A good deep-fried turkey is essential for many families’ Christmas dinners. But the preparation process can easily cause a house fire if not done safely. Barinskiy says you should only deep fry your turkey outside, at least 10 to 12 feet away from your home, as well as any trees that could catch fire.

14. Warm up your car outside, not in the garage.

It may be tempting to go out to your garage and warm up the car while you’re waiting to head to your sister’s house on Christmas morning, but it’s highly dangerous to do so. The experts at First Alert warn people to not warm their car up or leave it running inside their garage, even if the garage door is open. The carbon monoxide fumes your car emits can easily spread into your home, poisoning people and pets alike.

15. Invest in a carbon monoxide detector.

No matter what, your home should be equipped with a carbon monoxide (CO) detector. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fatal CO poisonings increase during the winter months because heating systems are continuously running. At least 430 people die in the United States each year from accidental CO poisoning, but a working detector can prevent the worst from happening.

16. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

While the first step is to do everything you can to avoid CO poisoning, if worst comes to worst, you need to know the signs of this potentially deadly condition—especially since, as the First Alert pros warn, you can’t see or smell carbon monoxide. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, chest pain, and vomiting. If you recognize any of these symptoms, immediately exit your home and call 911.

17. Make sure walkways and other outdoor areas of your home have adequate lighting.

According to Jesse Harris, property manager at Medallion Capital Group, snow and darkness at the end of a long Christmas Day can create some serious risks. The walkways outside your home can be slippery, and it’s most likely dark when you get home from Christmas dinner. He says that homeowners should install lights with motion-detecting sensors to ensure “a well-lit path to your door without having to leave a light on all day.”

18. Use floor mats inside and outside of entryways.

You should also be prepared with floor mats inside and outside your doors, says Richard Reina, maintenance expert at Tools ID. These mats prevent ice, snow, and salt from entering your home and keep family and friends from slipping or falling outside your home on Christmas. For any outdoor mats, Reina says you should invest in bristled ones to help clean off the bottom of shoes before anyone enters your home.

19. Turn off lights and other electronics before going to bed.

When all your guests leave on Christmas or you head back to your own home, you likely just want to hit the hay. But Ashley Peeling, regional marketing manager at CLV Group, says it’s pivotal to remember to turn everything off.

“Throughout the holidays, people have all kinds of festive decor that light up and space heaters to keep them warm,” she says. “If you don’t remember to turn these off when you go to bed, not only will your electrical bill skyrocket, but you’ll also be creating fire hazards.”

20. Invest in multiple power backups.

With heavy snow storms and possible fallen power lines, it’s extremely important to be prepared for an unexpected power outage during the Christmas season. To do this, the pros at Centriq, a home management app, recommend all homeowners invest in multiple flashlights, piles of batteries, lanterns, candles, and a generator.

Materials Needed:

• two precut mitered strips of 1X2″ MDF trim for sides of tree
• one precut mitered strip of 1X2″ MDF trim for base of tree
• fabric scissors
• velvet fabric by the yard
• ornament hooks
• lightweight ornaments
• hanging star ornament
• pushpin or hook eye
• tailor’s tape
• staple gun
• staples
• drill
• wood screws
• needle-nose pliers
• picture hanging wire and hooks

Create Frame

On a flat, level surface, lay three precut mitered strips of 1X2″ MDF trim out, then attach as a triangle using drill and wood screws.

Cut, Then Stretch Fabric

Cut velvet fabric approximately 6 inches wider than the width of the base of the triangle tree frame, then stretch the fabric tightly across the back.

Staple Fabric

Keep fabric stretched tightly, then fasten along the back of the frame, securing it in place with staple gun.

Cut Excess Fabric

Once the velvet fabric is securely fastened, use fabric scissors to cut away excess.

Add Hanging Wire

Use needle-nose pliers to add picture hanging wire and hooks along the back of the frame approximately 6-8 inches down from the top.

Add Ornaments

Insert ornament hooks into lightweight tree ornaments, then secure in place through the stretched velvet.

Add Star Topper

Insert pushpin or hook eye directly into the wall above the triangle tree, then hang star ornament as a tree topper.

Fitnish!!

Christmas is fast approaching, and checking off everyone on your list can be tough! I love making handmade gifts for the holidays! Not only because it’s a great way to give thoughtful gifts, but because I always have so much fun crafting. Getting back to my roots and pulling out the craft supplies is such a treat for me. That’s why I absolutely adore gifting these homemade candles!

In this article, I take you step-by-step through making candles with various Christmas scents, such as cinnamon and frankincense. The guide includes the materials and equipment you will need and safety precautions to take. Enjoy exploring your next home decor hobby.

Materials List

You will require the following materials for this Christmas candle project:

A pack of soy wax designed for candle making. The amount will depend on the number of Christmas candles you would like to make

A pack of candle wicks. The length of the wicks you buy will be dependent on the size of the containers you’re using for your Christmas candles

Fragrance oils such as ginger, cinnamon, frankincense, orange, cloves, and mandarin – whichever best suits you. However, since we are making Christmas candles, focus mainly on your favourite Christmas scents

A spatula

Heat-proofed containers (preferably clear glass jars)

A double boiler or a medium sized pan and a mixing bowl

A thermometer

Two pencils or a pair of chopsticks

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Measuring the Wax

Before you begin the process of making your Christmas candles, ensure you have a clean and even worktop to work on. You may choose to protect the surface with old towels or newspapers for easy cleaning later. Also, be sure to clear away any items that you do not want to get wax on.

Once you have set up your workspace, measure how much wax you need to fill your candle jar. Double this amount since that is how much you will need to melt for each of your Christmas candles.

Step 2: Melting the Wax

Pour the measured amount of wax into your double boiler. Place it on a low heat. It will take between 10 and 15 minutes to melt fully. Stir frequently using a spatula to ensure even melting.

Step 3: Adding the Scented Oils

Once your wax has melted completely, you are now free to add your choice of fragrances. Normally, fragrances are sold in small bottles with a measuring drop on top. You can easily find the most common Christmas fragrance oils such as ginger, cinnamon, frankincense, orange, cloves, and mandarin at your local supplier or online store. Alternatively, you can make your own unique scents.

When adding the fragrance oils to the melted wax, follow the outlined instructions on the candle wax packages on how much scent should be added. Simply pour drops of your fragrance into the wax while stirring.

Step 4: Wick Attachment

Once you have added your favourite Christmas aromas to your wax, you need to attach the wick at the bottom of your candle jar, prior to pouring in the melted wax. You can either attach the wick by dipping the base end into the melted wax and placing it into the bottom of the jar or you can secure it using super glue.

Step 5: Pouring the Wax

Prior to pouring the hot melted wax into the candle jars, you should allow it to cool to 140°C, as this is the best temperature to pour out the wax. Check the temperature using your thermometer.

Slowly pour the hot wax into your jar, while holding the wick in an upright and centred position. However, do not pull on the wick. Remember to leave some wax in your double boiler for topping up your Christmas candle jar later.

NB: Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot wax. Wear oven mitts if necessary.

Step 6: Securing the Wick

The wicks should not sway in the condensing wax. To prevent this, they should be secured in place as the wax cools. You can opt to use two pencils or a pair of chopsticks laid down across the top of the candle jars. By sandwiching the wick in between the chopsticks or pencils, the wick will stay centred as the wax cools and hardens.

Allow your wax to cool for at least four hours at room temperature (ideally about 25°C).

Step 7: Topping Up the Wax

Adding wax is necessary when your cooled wax in the jars develops unappealing holes or cracks. Simply reheat the remaining wax, pour it evenly to cover the holes or cracks, and let it harden.

Step 8: Cutting the Wick

Ideally, candle wicks should protrude about half an inch or less. If the lit wick flickers or develops a tall sooty flame, trim the wick further. For the aromas of the candles to grace your living room effectively, you need a stable flame that is not sooty.

Note: 

Creative Candle Variants that can Add Pomp to Your Christmas Candles

In addition to the above Christmas scents, you may opt for variants such as:

Floral petals embedded into the wax. You can use petals that match the scent you add to the candle. Add the petals as you pour the wax in step 5.

Making coloured candles. You can get candle dye that is specifically designed for candle making, which will allow you to choose the colours you add to your Christmas candles. Reds and oranges being particularly festive.

Conclusion

Making Christmas candles is a straight forward and easy process that you can take up as a hobby during the upcoming festive season. You may opt to make them for your home, as Christmas gifts, or make them to sell for some additional Christmas spending money. With this guide, you can now indulge in redefining your home décor with amazing Christmas scents, while saving money. These Christmas candles will refine the mood and ambience of your entire living area as you enjoy the holidays with your family and friends.