Nothing says thoughtful like handmade Christmas presents – especially when you’ve put the time in to make it yourself. To help you along with your DIY Christmas gifts, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite upcycling ideas so you can turn leftover materials and scraps into simple projects that’ll have you creating one-of-a-kind presents your friends and family will love.
Keep your tools merry!
To make sure your DIY Christmas gifts go to plan – it’s good to prepare first! Remember, a few drops of 3-IN-ONE Drip Oil lubricates moving parts (like the pivot screw on your scissors), cleans away grime (like sticky glue) and prevents rust (that can lead to costly replacements) – so you can spend more time on your festive projects.
So, this Christmas, skip the shop-bought gifts and make it personal. With a little creativity (and a well-maintained toolkit), you’ll have gifts that are as practical as they are meaningful.
Bring a personal touch to your gift-giving this year. With a bit of imagination and tools up to the task – you’ll have fun, save money and give someone something extra special.
3-IN-ONE’s favourite DIY Christmas gifts
- Tool organisers made from scrap wood – for the DIY person
If you have any spare bits of wood in your shed, you can turn them into wall mounts or drawer organisers. Cut the pieces to size, sand the edges and drill in some hooks or sections to hold screwdrivers or pliers. A splash of varnish or paint will make it look complete. Bonus tip: after using your paintbrushes, remember to clean them, dry them and apply a drop of 3-IN-ONE Drip Oil and spread across the metal ferrule to keep rust away. - Personalised photo frames – for the homemaker
Cut wood to your preferred frame size, sand it smooth, and glue or nail together. Add a personal touch with paint, initials or a small plaque. Slide in a photo or print a festive quote for instant, sentimental charm! Bonus tip: use a clean cloth to wipe a couple of drops of Drip Oil along your saws and drill bits so they’re ready for their next use. - Upcycled jar candles – for the perfectionist
Have a look in your glass recycling box that would make a good candle holder. With your wax, melt it down (you can reuse old candle remnants to save money) Add a new wick, pour in your wax and sprinkle in some essential oils for fragrance and put a cinnamon stick on top for decoration and the smell of Christmas. Once fully cooled, wrap with twine or ribbon for a rustic look. Bonus tip: keep your scissors and cutting blades smooth with 3-IN-ONE after use. - Homemade wooden key holders – for the always-on-the-go
Mark out your design on a small wooden plank, drill holes for hooks or pegs, and decorate with paint, stencils or even burnt-in lettering. Bonus tip: once your key holder is finished, lightly wipe the metal hooks with 3-IN-ONE to stop them from rusting and keep them looking fresh. - Upcycled wooden coasters– for the book lover
Cut left over wood into coaster-sized squares, sand them and coat them with primer. Then, paint your friend’s favourite book cover on each one — it’s a personal touch that’ll make them smile with every cup of tea or coffee. To finish your DIY Christmas gift, apply a clear varnish to protect your artwork from spills. Bonus tip: apply a drop of 3-IN-ONE Drip Oil to moving parts like the saw blade or sander pad screws – it will keep it running and prevent rust from forming between uses. - Air-dry clay trinket dishes – for the jewellery lover
Roll out some air-dry clay, cut it into circles or freeform shapes and gently mould the edges upward to form a shallow dish. Add texture with lace, leaves or stamps, then let it dry fully before painting or gilding the edges. It’s the perfect handmade spot for rings, earrings and necklaces. Bonus tip: before you start, make sure your craft knife and shaping tools are clean and rust-free – a quick wipe with 3-IN-ONE Drip Oil keeps them working their best!
More about 3-IN-ONE
We hope you’re feeling inspired enough to start crafting your very own DIY Christmas gifts! Let’s make this Christmas one to remember with gifts that have been tailored for the special person in mind. If you need to arm yourself with more household helpers, find your 3-IN-ONE favourites online from our Amazon shop or at your local retailers.
For seasonal project inspiration throughout the year, follow us, subscribe and join the community on social.