• Home
  • About
    • New? Start Here.
    • Meet The Co-Hosts
    • Meet The Contributors
    • In The Media
  • Advertise
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

The Mom Hour

Happier motherhood starts here.

  • New? Start Here.
  • Podcast
    • Recent Episodes
    • Complete Archives
    • Search By Topic
  • Blog
  • Ages & Stages
    • Babies
    • Toddlers
    • Preschoolers
    • Big Kids
    • Tweens & Teens
  • Shop
  • Our Partners

in Blog on December 2, 2019 by Meagan Francis

6 Easy (We Promise!) Homemade Holiday Gifts You Can Make With Your Kids

This post is part of a paid partnership with PrivacyGuard; all tips and ideas are ours! Learn more about how PrivacyGuard’s credit monitoring and identity theft protection services can give you more peace of mind this holiday at privacyguard.com. 

In the special Holiday Shopping series that ran last week, we talked about how to give even more meaningful and unique gifts by including makers, artisans, and small businesses on your shopping list. Want to take that sentiment a step further? Why not include some homemade gifts in your repertoire this year?

Whether it’s something you make just once for a special friend or Secret Santa exchange, or a simple gift you and the kids can replicate by the dozen for teachers, coworkers, or other group lists, we’ve got you covered with this list of simple but creative homemade holiday gifts. And because we know that motherhood does not come with endless time and patience (or crafting skills!) built-in, we’ve made sure all of these projects are easy – really. 

DIY Holiday Yarn Trees

Adorable puffs of yarn atop cute little trees: this trend-forward gift is versatile, easy and inexpensive to make, and can be customized to suit a friends’ living-room color scheme or even their favorite sports team. Find detailed instructions and a materials list for DIY Holiday Yarn Trees at MomAdvice.com.

Hot Chocolate Spoons

Everyone loves a cup of hot cocoa. It’s even better when that chocolatey, creamy goodness starts off as an adorable craft that incorporates the chocolate and marshmallows in a perfectly melt-able square of holiday goodness. Try this super-easy Hot Chocolate Spoon project at Fork and Beans.

DIY Marble Magnets

As homemade gifts go, these adorable marble magnets check off a LOT of boxes. First of all, they’re super-functional yet not season-specific, so your giftees can use them year-round. Second, they are super-inexpensive and easy for anyone to make. And third, you can use almost any image or craft paper as the base, so the magnets can be customized to anyone on your list. Meagan made these with her kids a few years ago, and delivered them inside painted breath-mint and lozenge tins. Try making them yourself with these easy DIY Marble Magnets instructions at The Frugal Girls. 

Wine Cork Snowmen 

Raise your hand if you’ve got a few extra wine corks lying around….or a few dozen. (Meagan and Sarah furtively raise their hands…) Put ‘em to good use with these adorable snowman ornaments! Would make a great gift for coworkers, or just use to decorate your own tree. Find a DIY Wine Cork Snowmen tutorial at This Mom’s Confessions. 

No-Sew Blanket Scarf

Looking for a substantial gift for a close friend or family member – but don’t necessarily have strong knitting or sewing skills? We’ve got you covered. This no-sew DIY blanket scarf is both a “wow” – worthy gift and an easy way to add a little holiday flair to your own wardrobe this season. All you need are fabric and sewing scissors! Check out the DIY No-Sew Blanket Scarf instructions at MomAdvice.com.

Walnut Mouse Ornaments 

Is there anything cuter than a teeny mouse hanging on a Christmas tree? How about a teeny mouse nestled inside a nut hanging on a Christmas tree? Sarah’s mentioned a similar kind of mouse ornament, which were a staple of her childhood, on the podcast before. Making these ornaments requires a bit of needlework and a glue gun, so it may be a better project for older kids or Mom alone; but these adorable little rodents will make giftees of all ages squeak with delight. Find the Walnut Mouse Ornament tutorial at Clover Lane.

Whether you’re a homemade-gift veteran or are considering giving a super-simple project a try for the first time this year, we hope these projects have inspired you to use your hands and give something truly unique to someone on your list! Be sure to check out our special Holiday Shopping podcast series for even more ideas on holiday gift-giving, from how to plan your gift list, to shopping small and incorporating artisan-made products, to where to hide the gifts until the big day. Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!

Thanks to PrivacyGuard for sponsoring this post! Learn more about their services to ease holiday stress and give you more peace of mind at privacyguard.com. 

Listen to the Holiday Shopping series here:

Part 1: Organizing, Planning & Purchasing

Part 2: Small Business, Maker & Handmade

Part 3: Storing, Wrapping & Opening

Related

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: holidays & celebrations

deals from our partners



When you click through these links and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and we only partner with brands we’ve used and truly love!).

« More Than Mom: Things We’ve Changed Our Minds About
The Holiday Meagan Went All In: Episode 237 »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Listen + Subscribe

Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Subscribe on Spotify
Subscribe in Google Podcasts
Subscribe on YouTube
Subscribe on Amazon Music

Featured Sponsor

Save 10% with code THEMOMHOUR at TheEssentialCalendar.com!

Search

Recent Blog Posts

Thanksgiving Planning Guide: Plan NOW So You Can ENJOY Later!

November 6, 2023 By Joanna Martin

Four Reasons I Read To My Kids

October 16, 2023 By Catie Parrish

6 Kitchen Gadgets Our Team Loves

September 18, 2023 By The Mom Hour

6 Ways To Support School Learning At Home (No Flash Cards Required!)

August 28, 2023 By The Mom Hour

4 Ways To Support Your Child’s Educator This School Year

August 21, 2023 By Lisa Payne

more from the blog...

On Instagram

themomhour

Top 10 parenting podcast hosted by @meaganfrancis (MI) & @powersofmine (SoCal). 8 kids between us, little to grown. Happier motherhood starts here.

The Mom Hour
Head's up! @joannerevising from The Mom Hour team Head's up! @joannerevising from The Mom Hour team has a book out that makes a GREAT holiday gift - and right now it's 50% off through the publisher, @magiccatpublishing! Click this image at the link in our bio to grab it while the sale is on! (It's also available wherever books are sold.)

Each page offers a word and age-appropriate definition, along with a related activity, resource, or mindful prompt, all beautifully illustrated by @anneliesdraws. The book is split into four chapters that each includes relevant words: Feelings Matter (Afraid, Frustrated, Proud); You Matter (Authentic, Consent, Resilience); Differences Matter (Disability, Equity, Race); and Changemakers Matter (Conservation, Feminism, Teamwork). Check it out!

#thelittlebookofwordsthatmatter #wordsthatmatter #100wordsthatmatter
Has your family gotten a chance to play around on Has your family gotten a chance to play around on our partner @carnegiehall Kids website yet? 🎹 🎵 🎻 

It’s totally free and has some super fun resources for music education, like their Animal or Instrument? quiz and interactive Musical Explorers Around The World Map. (Swipe through for a peek!) Such a great option for kids who are ready to dive deeper into music . . . without requiring Mom's help or committing to lessons. 🙌 

Click on this image at the link in our bio to check out all @carnegiehall Kids fun, child-friendly games and quizzes! #ad #musicalkids #carnegiehall
New episode! Who came before us, and what can we New episode!

Who came before us, and what can we learn from them? We think there's a reason that ancestry research, genealogy, and discovering family stories holds a special interest for midlife women, and we're here to talk about it. Meagan shares her journey back through time (and up to the UP!) to better understand her family's roots. She shares what resources she used, her process for uncovering the unknowns, and what she's discovered so far. Sarah has less direct experience but lots of curiosity.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy holidays! 🎄 It's time for our sponsor rou Happy holidays! 🎄 It's time for our sponsor roundup for November, where we thank our partners and remind you of their awesome deals. ALL of our special promo codes and links can be found on the Deals & Offers page on our website. Tap on this image at the link in our bio to check it out.

We appreciate when you support the show by using our links + codes!

Check out our new partners . . . 
🌱 @giveaswegrow (FREE service-focused app for kids!)
🎅 @officialsantadotcom (magical, one-stop holiday hub!) 
🪥 @betterbiom (15% off Nobs Jr. kids toothpaste!)
👶 @cadenlane (20% off the cutest kids clothes!)

And welcome back . . . 
🧪 @kiwico_inc (50% off your 1st month!)
🎨 @minted (art, cards, decor & more!)
📚 @chatbooks (the easiest photo books ever!)
☑️ @todoistofficial (2 mo. free of Todoist Pro!)
🗓️ @theessentialcalendar (10% off calendars!)
🍃 @drinkag1 (1yr of Vit.D + 5 travel packs!)
👡 @vionicshoes (15% off your order!)
💊 @ritual (30% off your 1st month!)
💜 @zulily (10% off our fave picks!)
Today we're thankful YOU. Thank you for listening Today we're thankful YOU. Thank you for listening to the podcast, sharing your wisdom with us and with each other, and showing up for your families, your communities, and your fellow moms. We're honored to share this space with you. - Meagan & Sarah
New episode! While we try not to kick ourselves w New episode!

While we try not to kick ourselves when we're down and generally avoid second-guessing our parenting choices, we *are* human. And sometimes that means we experience regret. Today Meagan and Sarah reflect on some big and small choices we've made (or not made) throughout our parenting journeys, and why we'd do things differently if given the chance. We also reflect on regret as an emotion, and why sharing regrets can bring about connection with others.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Bonus episode! Do you have to identify as a music Bonus episode!

Do you have to identify as a musical person to nurture a love of music in your family? We think not. Meagan and Sarah look back at parenting babies, small kids, big kids and teens, reflecting on the role music has played in everything from bedtime to playtime, nurturing kids' passions and finding shared interests as a family. We talk about what it means to "be musical," how we thought our kids' music learning would happen vs. how it actually played out, and what we've learned from our kids as their tastes and appreciation develop.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New Episode! Kassidi wants to become a more confi New Episode!

Kassidi wants to become a more confident home cook and asks us where to begin. Natalie needs strategies for easing the long wind-down at bedtime for her co-sleeping toddler. Joy is considering traveling with young kids on her own but wonders what age is best to go for it, what activities to partake in and what to avoid when you’re on a mom-only trip with kids. In Episode 439, Meagan and Sarah take these questions from our community and offer tips and validation. Enjoy! 

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast#podcastsformoms #parenting#parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod#podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Hosting Thanksgiving this year? @CafeDuMartin put Hosting Thanksgiving this year? @CafeDuMartin put together a planning guide that helps hosts work backward from turkey day and break down the challenge into manageable parts. We're revisiting this *gem* of a blog post this week and re-sharing her tips and printable download - check it out at the link in our bio!
New episode! Spending time with extended family c New episode!

Spending time with extended family can bring on parenting challenges that don't come up as often in our day-to-day routines. If you're anticipating some uncomfortable situations this holiday season, don't fret! Meagan and Sarah have your back with this episode's round-up of some of the archive's best listener questions and our advice, focused on traveling for the holidays (or not), surviving group events with different parenting styles, handling criticism (and unwanted advice) and much more.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Bonus episode out now - happy Friday! At what age Bonus episode out now - happy Friday!

At what age are kids ready for team sports? How do kids respond when parents volunteer to coach? (And what about the *other parents* 😳?) How much is too much and what's the deal with travel teams? The Mom Hour contributors @jaymesherrod and @twinningtheweekend share their experience as one-time competitive athletes who now have sporty kids. Listen to find out what they love, what gives them pause, and what they look forward to in the realm of youth sports.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New episode! It's that time--the run-up to winter New episode!

It's that time--the run-up to winter holidays is officially HERE! While we're still early in the season, Meagan and Sarah offer practical, do-able ideas for taking action now to relieve stress and pressure later in the year. We also share tips from The Mom Hour listener community on everything from making holiday meals easier to getting ahead on gift ideas for kids.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Load More... Follow on Instagram

as seen on

Send us an email

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Email hello@themomhour.com and we’re here to help!

listen on

looking for something?

Head's up! @joannerevising from The Mom Hour team Head's up! @joannerevising from The Mom Hour team has a book out that makes a GREAT holiday gift - and right now it's 50% off through the publisher, @magiccatpublishing! Click this image at the link in our bio to grab it while the sale is on! (It's also available wherever books are sold.)

Each page offers a word and age-appropriate definition, along with a related activity, resource, or mindful prompt, all beautifully illustrated by @anneliesdraws. The book is split into four chapters that each includes relevant words: Feelings Matter (Afraid, Frustrated, Proud); You Matter (Authentic, Consent, Resilience); Differences Matter (Disability, Equity, Race); and Changemakers Matter (Conservation, Feminism, Teamwork). Check it out!

#thelittlebookofwordsthatmatter #wordsthatmatter #100wordsthatmatter
Has your family gotten a chance to play around on Has your family gotten a chance to play around on our partner @carnegiehall Kids website yet? 🎹 🎵 🎻 

It’s totally free and has some super fun resources for music education, like their Animal or Instrument? quiz and interactive Musical Explorers Around The World Map. (Swipe through for a peek!) Such a great option for kids who are ready to dive deeper into music . . . without requiring Mom's help or committing to lessons. 🙌 

Click on this image at the link in our bio to check out all @carnegiehall Kids fun, child-friendly games and quizzes! #ad #musicalkids #carnegiehall
New episode! Who came before us, and what can we New episode!

Who came before us, and what can we learn from them? We think there's a reason that ancestry research, genealogy, and discovering family stories holds a special interest for midlife women, and we're here to talk about it. Meagan shares her journey back through time (and up to the UP!) to better understand her family's roots. She shares what resources she used, her process for uncovering the unknowns, and what she's discovered so far. Sarah has less direct experience but lots of curiosity.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy holidays! 🎄 It's time for our sponsor rou Happy holidays! 🎄 It's time for our sponsor roundup for November, where we thank our partners and remind you of their awesome deals. ALL of our special promo codes and links can be found on the Deals & Offers page on our website. Tap on this image at the link in our bio to check it out.

We appreciate when you support the show by using our links + codes!

Check out our new partners . . . 
🌱 @giveaswegrow (FREE service-focused app for kids!)
🎅 @officialsantadotcom (magical, one-stop holiday hub!) 
🪥 @betterbiom (15% off Nobs Jr. kids toothpaste!)
👶 @cadenlane (20% off the cutest kids clothes!)

And welcome back . . . 
🧪 @kiwico_inc (50% off your 1st month!)
🎨 @minted (art, cards, decor & more!)
📚 @chatbooks (the easiest photo books ever!)
☑️ @todoistofficial (2 mo. free of Todoist Pro!)
🗓️ @theessentialcalendar (10% off calendars!)
🍃 @drinkag1 (1yr of Vit.D + 5 travel packs!)
👡 @vionicshoes (15% off your order!)
💊 @ritual (30% off your 1st month!)
💜 @zulily (10% off our fave picks!)
Today we're thankful YOU. Thank you for listening Today we're thankful YOU. Thank you for listening to the podcast, sharing your wisdom with us and with each other, and showing up for your families, your communities, and your fellow moms. We're honored to share this space with you. - Meagan & Sarah
New episode! While we try not to kick ourselves w New episode!

While we try not to kick ourselves when we're down and generally avoid second-guessing our parenting choices, we *are* human. And sometimes that means we experience regret. Today Meagan and Sarah reflect on some big and small choices we've made (or not made) throughout our parenting journeys, and why we'd do things differently if given the chance. We also reflect on regret as an emotion, and why sharing regrets can bring about connection with others.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Bonus episode! Do you have to identify as a music Bonus episode!

Do you have to identify as a musical person to nurture a love of music in your family? We think not. Meagan and Sarah look back at parenting babies, small kids, big kids and teens, reflecting on the role music has played in everything from bedtime to playtime, nurturing kids' passions and finding shared interests as a family. We talk about what it means to "be musical," how we thought our kids' music learning would happen vs. how it actually played out, and what we've learned from our kids as their tastes and appreciation develop.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New Episode! Kassidi wants to become a more confi New Episode!

Kassidi wants to become a more confident home cook and asks us where to begin. Natalie needs strategies for easing the long wind-down at bedtime for her co-sleeping toddler. Joy is considering traveling with young kids on her own but wonders what age is best to go for it, what activities to partake in and what to avoid when you’re on a mom-only trip with kids. In Episode 439, Meagan and Sarah take these questions from our community and offer tips and validation. Enjoy! 

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast#podcastsformoms #parenting#parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod#podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Hosting Thanksgiving this year? @CafeDuMartin put Hosting Thanksgiving this year? @CafeDuMartin put together a planning guide that helps hosts work backward from turkey day and break down the challenge into manageable parts. We're revisiting this *gem* of a blog post this week and re-sharing her tips and printable download - check it out at the link in our bio!
New episode! Spending time with extended family c New episode!

Spending time with extended family can bring on parenting challenges that don't come up as often in our day-to-day routines. If you're anticipating some uncomfortable situations this holiday season, don't fret! Meagan and Sarah have your back with this episode's round-up of some of the archive's best listener questions and our advice, focused on traveling for the holidays (or not), surviving group events with different parenting styles, handling criticism (and unwanted advice) and much more.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts

Copyright © 2023 · Life, Listened
Development by Cipher