A handmade gift will always be better than something store bought. Since Christmas is all about giving, rather than receiving, what could beat giving something made with love and attention to detail?

Here are some fantastic festive presents that you (and even the little ones) can make even if you’re not a natural crafter.

For The Kids

DIY Super Bouncy Ball

Delight the kids with this super fun, super bouncy ball! You can personalise these balls by letting the kids choose their colours. Life’s Carousel’s made it as easy as three ingredients, mixing and squeezing. Make sure, however, that if you have small hands helping, they don’t end up trying to eat the ingredients.

Paper Doll Spools

For a less energetic, and considerably more educational alternative, why not try this practical take on “paper dolls”. Handmade Charlotte made their “dolls” to look like animals, but you can use any figures and collection of features you like!

For The Teens

T-shirt Tote Bag

Find out which band, anime or game your teen is most obsessed by and buy a corresponding t-shirt. If you already have a t-shirt that you know the teen will love, it saves you a step (and some cash). Mommypotamus breaks down this easy tote bag so that even newbies will be able to make it look legit.

Comic Book Coasters

Mod Podge Rocks has come up with the perfect gift for the nerdy teens in your life. Their suggestion is a bit labour intensive, so if you’re not that handy, consider buying readymade untreated wooden coasters to make your life a bit easier.

For The Guests You Don’t Know So Well

Wool Tumble Drier Balls

Mommypotamus strikes again with these wool tumble drier balls. They are a fantastic gift for someone you don’t know very well, since most people use tumble driers during the rainy season that is our Christmas holidays. These woollen balls save on drying time, as well as softening and fluffing whatever you’re tumble-drying.

Calendula “Fixes Everything” Salve

Who doesn’t need a little tin of miracle salve? This calendula “fixes everything” salve from Mommypotamus makes for a thoughtful and practical gift that anyone can use. It’s also surprisingly easy to make.

Get The Kids To Help

Faux Granite Coasters

For this fun gift, kids can scribble on a tile with a felt tip pen. You can then add alcohol to blend the ink, and then burn off the alcohol to reveal a gorgeous design. It’s Always Autumn even has a fun tutorial video ensure your success.

Pom-pom Bookmarks

Make your bookworms happy and keep the little ones’ hands busy with these lovely pom-pom bookmarks. Design Mom shares her step-by-step guide with us, just in time for presents!

For Him

Etched Cutting Boards

Whether he’s a whizz in the kitchen or just loves getting his braai on, these etched cutting boards will go well with any red-blooded meat lover’s cooking kit. Design Mom’s cool idea can be endlessly personalised.

Finishing Salts

What’s a brag-worthy braai board without the flavour to back it up? Make your own mix of braai salts to elevate his braai game and let him take all the credit for those flavours. He’ll thank you later, promise. Mommypotamus really knows her stuff, but we’ll let her rest with this one last gift idea.

For Her

Fabric Covered Wooden Spoons

When you’ve made these pretty little decorated spoons, you should remember to include a caveat that she’s not allowed to use them on you! Alice and Lois know how to make the mundane look spectacular.

Teacup Candles

We’ve all seen tutorials for soy candle making in a hundred different containers. But there’s something so much more special making Postcards from the Ridge’s beautiful candle in a teacup that she can use when the candle has been burned.

For The Grandparents

Stamped Airdry Clay Fridge Magnets

Make Gathering Beauty’s cute little clay fridge magnets so that uGogo can proudly display her favourite umzukulu’s newest drawing or report card. You can even have the little ones press their fingerprint into the clay before drying for an extra special gift.

Birthday Calendar

Make it easy for Ouma and Oupa to remember all their kids and grandkids’ birthdays with this quirky birthday calendar from Fun Money Mom.