DIY Christmas Gifts You Can Make in Batches

By Kelly · Updated 2026-10-17

Gifting at the holidays often becomes a time-consuming task when items are selected and crafted individually. By choosing a few versatile projects and producing them in batches of ten, you can create professional-looking handmade gifts for colleagues, neighbors, and friends in a single afternoon.

Small-Batch Dark Chocolate Cocoa Jars

Adults · 45 min · about $4 per jar

  1. Thoroughly wash and dry all glass jars to ensure no moisture remains, which would cause the cocoa to clump.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the Dutch-process cocoa powder, sugar, and malt powder until the color is uniform and no lumps remain.
  3. Use a funnel to pour approximately 1/2 cup of the cocoa mixture into each jar. Tapping the jar on the counter will help the powder settle evenly.
  4. Layer 3 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips on top of the cocoa powder in each jar.
  5. Wipe the inner rim of the jars with a clean, dry cloth before sealing with the lids to ensure a tight fit.
  6. Use a paper trimmer to cut 2-inch circles from the 65 lb cardstock. Write preparation instructions (e.g., 'Mix 3 tbsp with 8oz hot milk') on the tags.
  7. Punch a hole in each tag and secure it to the jar neck using the 1/4 inch red cotton twine.

Minimalist Hand-Painted Wood Ornaments

Adults · 60 min · about $1.50 per ornament

  1. Lightly sand the flat surfaces of the wood slices with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any splinters or rough patches.
  2. Lay the slices on a drop cloth. Use the flat paintbrush to apply a thin, even coat of white acrylic paint to the top two-thirds of each slice, leaving the bottom third as natural wood for a dipped look.
  3. Allow the paint to dry completely (approximately 20 minutes).
  4. Use the gold paint marker to draw a simple geometric shape or a single botanical sprig on the white-painted section.
  5. Once the marker ink is dry, cut ten 8-inch lengths of the 1/8 inch black velvet ribbon.
  6. Thread the ribbon through the pre-drilled holes and tie a secure double knot to create a hanging loop.
  7. Safety note: If using a sealant spray, apply it in a well-ventilated outdoor area and allow 24 hours for the scent to dissipate before gifting.

Rosemary and Sea Salt Shortbread

Adults · 90 min · about $1.20 per gift bag

  1. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Mince the fresh rosemary as finely as possible using a sharp chef's knife.
  2. Gradually add the flour and minced rosemary to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Do not overmix, or the shortbread will be tough.
  3. Roll the dough into two logs approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the chilled logs into 1/2 inch thick rounds and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
  5. Sprinkle a small pinch of coarse sea salt onto the center of each cookie before baking.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the edges are just barely golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. Place 4 to 5 cookies in each cellophane bag and tie tightly with baker's twine to maintain freshness.

Tips for Successful Batch Gifting