This year, the holidays are more stressful than ever. With so many relatives living long-distance, you may worry about shipped gifts arriving in time. And with so many people still looking for work, there may not be a lot saved to buy and ship anything fancy.
That's why you should never underestimate the power of crafting. Whether you feel like you're a beginner or your crafting skills are a bit more advanced, there are plenty of projects out there worth tackling. Homemade gifts are special, since they come from the heart. Anyone can buy something online. It takes mere minutes to confirm an online purchase. But when you make something for someone, you put in the time. You're showing them that they're important by dedicating your day toward making them smile.
Here are eight great cozy gifts that anyone would enjoy. And as a bonus, they don't require a ton of supplies.
Drink Cozies
What's cozier than a cozy? Drink cozies are a great starter project for those learning how to knit, but they're also very convenient — especially in the wintertime. These will help protect hands from the heat of hot beverages, while keeping those beverages warmer for longer. This tutorial from NobleKnits has everything you need to get started.
Knitted Coasters
Coasters also make for a cozy gift. You might not think of using soft materials as a place to rest a drink, but why not? These will help protect your furniture, and they'll make any houseguest feel like they can truly relax. BrennaAnnHandmade has a channel on YouTube that'll show you how to make them. She also has a bunch of tutorials on how to make certain knots, so that any beginner can feel more confident.
Crochet Bells
You can crochet a set of holiday bells that can be used to decorate a home or hang on a tree. These can be made with any type of yarn, allowing you to get creative with the process. The tutorial by Hopeful Turns is great for beginners to follow along with, as it's one of the easier ornament projects you can start. These handmade bell ornaments will serve as an annual reminder for your friends and family that they're loved.
Ornament Wreath
Seeing a wreath on a door during the holiday seasons means so much. To me, it shows that the people inside are happily celebrating the season, likely setting a fire in the fireplace while baking warm holiday desserts. You can easily make your own wreaths for loved ones using holiday ornaments. This one in particular, by YouTuber
Melissa Riker, reportedly will cost you around $30 in materials but take only 30 minutes to craft.
Winter Candles
Have you ever tried making your own candles before? It's easier than you may think.
Jamie.Photo on YouTube showcases how to make four completely different scents, primarily using essential oils, candle wicks, and wax. She even adds other scents to the mix to personalize and decorate the candles even further, but that's all up to you. Even outside of the holidays, this is a cozy and fun craft to learn.
3D Paper Christmas Trees
What better way to use paper than to craft it back into what it used to be? Paper crafts can be exceptionally beautiful, especially around the holiday season. This tutorial by Handimania will show you how to make a tree just with scissors and proper folding techniques. From there, you can turn them into ornaments or centerpieces. No matter what they become, they're bound to impress your loved ones and make them feel special.
A Winter Scarf
Scarves make for the ultimate cozy gift. But they can often be a little intimidating for those who are new to knitting. This tutorial by The Nervous Knitter will help you create a scarf in just a few hours. Her tip? Using bulky yarn and larger needles. If you're making a bunch of scarves for family members, you'll be a knitting pro in no time.
Homemade Slippers
You might not think about crafting your own slippers, but it's actually a lot easier than you may think. YouTuber MadamSew actually repurposed an old sweater to help make hers, so this craft is also a great excuse to reuse and repurpose fabrics. Slippers are the ultimate in coziness, and being able to share that you made your own is something worth bragging about.
