DIY Festive Gifts That Bring Creativity and Joy

Handmade gifts aren’t just thoughtful—they’re an opportunity to slow down, connect with your creative side, and enjoy the process. Instead of rushing and feeling the pressure of the shops, use the opportunity to your advantage and create your own, regulating your nervous system and creating new and stronger neural pathways.  Whether you’re gifting them or keeping them for yourself-no judgement here – here are some simple, joyful ideas:

1. Bilateral Neuroart

This one’s a personal favourite! Using both hands, create abstract or nature-inspired art. The process is grounding, playful, and calming. Use your artwork as a card or keep it as a reminder of your creativity. Check out my socials and YouTube for more info on this

2. Personalised Candles

Make your own scented candles to add a warm, festive touch.

• Melt soy wax, mix in essential oils, and pour into a jar.
• Decorate the jar with ribbons, dried flowers, or a handwritten tag.
• You can find more info on how to do this safely online

3. Festive Treats

Bake something festive like gingerbread or spiced nuts. Wrap them in cute bags or tins, ready to gift—or to enjoy with a cup of tea. 

• Take time to think about adding little details and extras, a secret ingredient maybe…personally, I LOVE vodka in my homemade cranberry sauce 😉
• Use peoples favourite colours, flavours, incorporate their hobbies. A little thought goes a long way

4. Homemade skincare

I’m a big fan of natural homemade skincare. It’s cheaper, and customisable to your needs. Years ago I wrote a skin care guide full of recipes, I’ll have to see if I can dig it out, but here are a few classic masks

• Oats and yoghurt
  Oats soothe irritated skin, while yoghurt’s lactic acid gently exfoliates. Mix two tablespoons of plain yogurt with one tablespoon of oats

• Turmeric, lemon juice, and honey

  Turmeric and lemon juice can help fight hyperpigmentation, while honey’s antibacterial properties are beneficial for acne prone skin. Be careful with this one though, tumeric stains, clothes and skin! Go easy on it! 
• Cucumber and tomato

  Both cucumber and tomato are natural astringents that tighten pores.

There are a few people I love on socials who do great DIY crafts that take me back to paper and pritt stick days…I’ll link them through my socials so you can find them, so be sure to check out my stories etc this month

Remember, creating gifts isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the joy and calm of making something with your hands. Take advantage of the gift giving season.

What’s your go-to DIY gift idea? I’d love to hear your festive favourites. Email me or tag me in your creations!