Last Minute DIY Christmas Gifts to Make with the Kids (that parents will ACTUALLY use!)
Christmas is around the corner, and what is more fun than spending an afternoon crafting up last minute DIY Christmas gifts with the kids? Parents are difficult; they love everything the kids make, but they won’t always use the gifts. In this blog post, we’ve got some easy, simple, cheap, but very fun last minute DIY Christmas gifts that you can make with the kids while babysitting, that the parents will actually want and use! Enjoy (and share your photos with us!)
DIY Christmas Gifts For Mum
Cookies in a Jar Mix
It’s almost too pretty to eat, but for mums who love to bake this is the perfect present! Layer the dry ingredients of her favourite cookie (or bread!) in a mason jar, and let the kids decorate the label!
Vintage Teacup Candles
Utrecht is saturated with many small antique shops where things such as vintage teacups can be bought for quite a cheap price. Once you find the cup, cut a wick approximately 4 centimeters longer than the depth of the cup. Tie one end to a pencil and rest the pencil across the cup so the wick hangs down in the center of it. If you have leftover candle stubs or wax, heat it up in a pan until it is a liquid. If you want the candle to be scented, this is the time to add a few drops of essential oils. Then carefully pour the wax into the cup, be careful not to fill it to the brim! Leave it to harden, and finally cut off the excess wick. And there you go! A beautiful candle that mum will love!
Peppermint Foot Scrub
After a long year of being on her feet, this hard-working mum could use a refreshing foot scrub! To remind this hustler to take some time for herself, make this easy (and Christmassy) foot scrub! All you need is a jar (let the kids decorate it/the label!), 1 1/3 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup Coconut Oil, 1/4 cup Honey, and if you have it/want to add 5-8 drops of peppermint essential oil. Mix all of this together and put it in the jar, and there you go! Do make sure that she knows to use it all up within the next 3 months.
Potpourri
Is this mum a fan of flowers and everything that smells great? Make her some home-made potpourri with the kids! Pick out your favorite herbs, spices, and flowers, then spray with an essential oil-water mix, and pop in the oven at 90 degrees for. Flowers with small, individual petals work great, or whole heads can be used too. To give it a stronger smell, add thin slices of citrus fruits, or tuck in springs of rosemary, lavender, or thyme. You can also add whole spices, such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise, all of which make for a Christmassy smell. Make sure to cover everything in a spray of your favourite essential oil (this is optional), and let everything dry in the heated oven for 2 hours. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Then, pop everything into the jar, and there you go!
Sharpie Mugs
This is a great present for either mums or dads who love their morning coffee or tea! All you need is a blank mug, and a sharpie. Enamel mugs are beautiful for this purpose, but you can also just buy a simple white mug! Let the kids decorate and write on it to their hearts content, and there you are – a wonderful, personalized gift for mum or dad!
DIY Christmas Gifts for Dad
Building Memories Jar
Photo courtesy of GoodHousekeeping.com
For this super thoughtful DIY Christmas gift, the kids have to be willing to give up a few of their lego blocks. If they are willing, write down their favourite memories with their dad on them, and collect them in a mason jar. Let them decorate the label, and you’re good to go!
DIY Pre-Shave Oil
Photo courtesy of Themerrythought.com
For the dad whose five o’clock shadow deserves some nourishment! This gift isn’t necessarily very crafty, but he will absolutely love it. You’ll need grapeseed oil and olive oil in equal parts, and a few drops of an essential oil of your choice. We love cedarwood or sandalwood! Mix it all together and pour it into a little bottle, let the kids decorate the label and you’re set!
Lego Key Organizer
Photo courtesy of HouseBeautiful.com
Yet another present requiring the kids to give up a few pieces of lego…but this one might be well worth it! Is this dad busy and forgetful, always losing his keys? This is the perfect gift, and the kids and unleash their creativity as well! ManMade has a useful tutorial on how to make one!
Painted Wood Coasters
Photo courtesy of UnoriginalMom.com
Do the kids love to paint, and does dad love his morning coffee or tea? These coasters are the perfect DIY gift! All you need is some wooden coasters and some paint, and spend the afternoon with the kids decorating them! The end-result is well worth it.
Hand-Stamped Handkerchief
Photo courtesy of Paper & Stitch
Is this dad a man who always carries a handkerchief? Having the kids hand-make him one will make his day! All you need is some blank handkerchiefs and some stamps. Let the kids unleash their creativity and decorate to their heart’s content!
And there you have it! We hope we inspired you to make some great last-minute DIY Christmas gifts with the kids that their parents will actually love! If you have any photos, we’d love to see them, so tag us on Instagram or Facebook!
