Homemade Christmas Crafts

Making homemade Christmas crafts is a great way to spend time with family and friends. It's also a very thoughtful way to give eco friendly Christmas gifts. Check out these homemade Christmas gift ideas.

Share Family Recipes

On the Tree
This is one of the easiest ways to make homemade Christmas ornaments. Using a printer or scanner, copy the recipes on recycled cardstock. A thick, bright colored paper works best. Decorate recipe card if you wish. Punch a hole at the top with a hole puncher and string a ribbon through it.

In a Jar
Layer dry ingredients in a mason jar. Attach a recipe card. Be sure to include remaining wet ingredients and baking instructions. If you wish, attach a second card that includes the full recipe. Tie a ribbon or twine around the jar.

In a Book
If you have many family recipes that you want to share, consider putting it in book format. The possibilities are endless; use a scrapbook design and add personal photos, or make multiple recipe books using a computer and recycled printer paper.

Homemade Christmas Ornaments

Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments
2 cups Applesauce
2 cups Ground Cinnamon
Cookie cutters, cookie sheets, drinking straw, ribbon or yarn

Mix applesauce and cinnamon together until thickened. Roll dough on flat surface. Cut into snowmen, reindeer, and other holiday shapes. Using a straw, add a hole to the top before drying.

Store in a cool, dry place for 2-4 days. Drying time varies with thickness. Once dry, decorate ornaments if you wish. String with ribbon or yarn. Makes 10-15 ornaments.

CD Photo Ornaments
Recycle CD's by turning them into keepsake photo ornaments. These make great gifts for grandparents and close family members.

Drill a hole in the CD using a small drill bit. String ribbon through it. Take a photo of your child (or several) and cut it to fit the CD. Glue the picture to the CD. Let your child decorate it if you wish. Don't forget to write the date on the back for a holiday keepsake.

Jar Crafts

Homemade Bath Salts
To Make: Mason jar, epsom salts, food coloring, essential oil, ribbon or yarn, mixing bowl

Mix epsom salts and a few drops of food coloring in a bowl. Add a few drops of essential oil. Pour mixture onto wax paper or foil. Let it sit a few hours until dry.

When dry, fill mason jar with colored salts. Tie a ribbon or twine around jar. For a layered look, use separate bowls to mix different colors of bath salt. When salt is dry, repeat layers of various colors until jar is full.

Homemade Cocoa
In a smaller mason jar, layer hot cocoa ingredients. Top it off with mini chocolate chips, marshmallows, or colorful sprinkles.

Homemade Cookies or Brownies
If you know the recipients favorite baked good, give it in a jar. Layer dry baking ingredients in a mason jar. Attach a card with instructions for adding wet ingredients. Tie a ribbon or twine around the jar.

Homemade Jam or Jelly
Make a large quantity of jam or jelly and give to teachers, friends and co-workers. Give solo or with homemade bread in a gift basket.

Fresh Baked Goods

Homemade Bread
Receiving homemade bread during the holidays is a nice alternative from candies and cookies. Give alone or with jam or jelly.

Homemade Granola
Homemade granola is easy to make and a great gift for the health conscious. Granola blends can be made with a variety of festive ingredients including nuts, cinnamon, raisins, and dried fruits. Add it to a mason jar or canister.

Personalized Gingerbread House
Gingerbread houses are fun homemade Christmas crafts that can involve the whole family. Add a welcome sign on the door or roof with the family name or street number. Decorate it with the recipients favorite candy and colors. Add small toys or anything that will make it personal.