The holidays are the perfect time to slow down and give gifts that feel thoughtful, simple, and genuinely useful. Lately I have been thinking about gifts I’d actually want to receive and I was surprised to realize that I really just love the gifts that are intentional and useful. If you’re tired of last-minute shopping or want to avoid overly processed, plastic-filled gifts, these DIY non-toxic holiday gifts are easy to make and loved by just about everyone!

Each of these can be made in bulk, customized, and paired with a handwritten tag for a meaningful, low-stress holiday gift.

In this post, I’m sharing three simple homemade gift ideas:

Homemade hot cocoa mix
Beeswax candles
Holiday simmer pots

***This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. I only recommend products I love and trust. To see our full disclosure, click here.

1. Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix (A Cozy DIY Holiday Gift)

Homemade hot cocoa makes a cozy and practical gift that works for teachers, neighbors, family members, and even stocking stuffers. Plus, it is DELICIOUS!

Almost all store-bought cocoa mixes contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and inflammatory oils. Making your own allows you to control the ingredients while still keeping it simple and delicious!

homemade hot cocoa recipe — Ingredients for a Simple, Non-Toxic Hot Cocoa Mix
Organic cocoa powder
Coconut sugar or organic cane sugar
Some salt
*NOTE: this does not have powdered milk in it, so this mix must be mixed with regular milk!
How to Package Hot Cocoa Mix for Gifting
Scoop the mix into a glass jar or reusable container, add a label with instructions, and tie with twine or ribbon. You can also pair it with a wooden spoon or festive mug like I did!
**Perfect for:** teachers, coworkers, extended family, hostess gifts, or a favorite things party

2. Beeswax Candles (A Natural, Non-Toxic Candle Gift)

Beeswax candles are one of my favorite non-toxic swaps and make a beautiful handmade holiday gift!

Unlike conventional candles that contain synthetic fragrances and paraffin wax, beeswax candles burn clean and naturally smell like honey- they even purify the air! They’re simple to make and feel extra special when gifted.

Supplies Needed to Make Beeswax Candles at Home
100% beeswax (pellets or blocks)
Cotton or wooden wicks
Heat-safe jars or molds (I did 4 oz cans)
Double broiler pitcher (this is optional but was extremely helpful)
Essential oils (if you’re wanting a scent)
How to Gift Beeswax Candles for the Holidays
Pour candles into small jars, let them set, and finish with a minimalist label. These pair beautifully with a handwritten note or can be added to a larger gift basket. I tied festive ribbon around mine!
**Perfect for:** moms, friends, neighbors, or anyone trying to reduce toxins in their home

3. Holiday Simmer Pots (A Natural Way to Make Your Home Smell Festive)

Simmer pots are an easy, zero-waste gift that instantly makes a home feel warm and festive — without synthetic air fresheners.

They’re made with whole, natural ingredients and can be dried ahead of time so they’re ready to use whenever needed.

simmer pot DIY — Ingredients for a DIY Holiday Simmer Pot
Dried orange slices
Cinnamon sticks
Cloves
Rosemary or cranberries (cranberries take a looooong time to dry, FYI)
How to Package Simmer Pots as a Homemade Gift
Package the ingredients in a compostable bag or jar with simple instructions: *Add to a pot of water and simmer on low.*
**Perfect for:** neighbors, hostess gifts, or as an add-on to another handmade gift

Make It a Gift Set

If you want to take these ideas one step further, combine all three into a natural holiday gift basket:

Hot cocoa mix
A small beeswax candle
A simmer pot

This makes a beautiful, cohesive gift that feels intentional without being expensive or complicated.

Final Thoughts on Simple, Thoughtful Homemade Holiday Gifts

Homemade holiday gifts don’t have to be time-consuming or Pinterest-perfect to be meaningful. These non-toxic DIY gifts are practical, affordable, and easy to customize — and they’re items people will actually use.

If you want step-by-step visuals for each gift, be sure to save the Pinterest pins linked above.