25 Last-Minute Holiday Crafts You Can Make in December
25 Last-Minute Holiday Crafts You Can Make in December
Quick, beautiful, and meaningful gifts using your Cricut or Silhouette machine
Published: December 2024 | Reading Time: 8 minutes
[Featured Image: Festive crafting workspace with Cricut machine, Christmas decorations, and handmade gifts]
We’re in the thick of December, and if you’re anything like me, you’re realizing that Christmas is coming faster than expected! But don’t panic—your cutting machine is about to become your holiday hero.
Whether you need last-minute gifts, festive home décor, or personalized touches for your holiday celebrations, these 25 projects can be completed in an afternoon (or less!). No complicated techniques, no expensive materials—just your Cricut or Silhouette and some creativity.
Let’s make this December memorable!
⚡ Quick Tip for December Crafting
Batch your projects! Cut all your vinyl at once, press all your shirts together, or make multiple ornaments in one session. You’ll save time and materials.
Gifts Under $5 to Make
1. Personalized Wine Glasses
Time: 15 minutes per glass
Materials: Dollar store wine glasses + permanent vinyl
Add names, funny quotes, or “Merry Christmas” designs. Perfect for teachers, neighbors, or Secret Santa gifts. Wash by hand to preserve the vinyl.
2. Christian Faith Bookmarks
Time: 5 minutes each
Cut Scripture verses or inspirational quotes on cardstock, add a tassel or ribbon. A meaningful gift for church friends, Bible study groups, or Sunday school teachers.
3. Hot Cocoa Gift Tags
Time: 10 minutes for 10 tags
Cut festive tags that say “Warm wishes” or “Baby, it’s cold outside.” Attach to packets of hot cocoa mix for coworkers, mail carriers, or anyone who deserves a warm treat.
4. Vinyl Ornament Décor
Time: 20 minutes per ornament
Use clear or frosted ornaments from the craft store. Add vinyl names, dates, or designs. Instant personalized tree decorations or gift toppers.
5. “Reason for the Season” Cards
Cut cardstock designs featuring nativity scenes, crosses, or “Jesus is the reason for the season” messages. Fill in the inside with a handwritten note. So much more meaningful than store-bought cards.
Fast Home Décor Projects
6. “Merry Christmas” Wood Sign
Time: 30 minutes
Grab a wooden board from the craft store, paint or stain it, add vinyl lettering. Lean it on your mantel or hang it on the wall. Looks like you spent hours on it!
7. Advent Calendar Countdown
Cut numbers 1-25 on cardstock or vinyl. Create small envelopes or bags for daily treats. Kids (and adults!) love the anticipation leading up to Christmas.
8. Window Clings
Use removable vinyl to create snowflakes, nativity scenes, or “Let it Snow” designs for your windows. They peel off easily in January—no damage, no mess.
9. Stocking Name Tags
Cut names in HTV and press onto plain stockings, or use cardstock tags that clip onto existing stockings. Makes your mantel look professionally decorated.
10. Nativity Scene Silhouettes
Cut black cardstock silhouettes of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Frame them or arrange on a shelf. A beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
Wearable Gifts (That Actually Look Good!)
11. Matching Family Christmas Shirts
Time: 5 minutes per shirt to press
Use HTV to create coordinating designs. Try “Merry Christmas Y’all,” “Jesus is the Reason,” or fun family names. Perfect for holiday photos!
12. Cozy Christmas Pajama Pants
Buy plain pajama pants from Target or Amazon, add vinyl names or designs. Everyone loves personalized PJs for Christmas morning.
13. Embellished Beanies
Add HTV patches or designs to plain beanies. Try snowflakes, reindeer, or faith-based messages. Practical AND stylish.
14. Personalized Tote Bags
Canvas totes + HTV = perfect teacher gifts, bridesmaid thank-yous, or mom presents. Add names, monograms, or favorite quotes.
15. Kitchen Towel Sets
Use HTV on plain flour sack towels. Create sets with “Joy,” “Peace,” “Love,” “Hope” for a cohesive kitchen gift.
Pro Tips for December Crafting
✓ Buy in Bulk: Stock up on blanks now—you’ll save money and time
✓ Keep It Simple: One or two colors max for faster weeding
✓ Test First: Always do a test cut before your final project
Kitchen & Entertaining Essentials
16. Custom Cookie Trays
Add vinyl labels to Dollar Tree trays for delivering Christmas cookies to neighbors. Makes your goodies look extra special!
17. Drink Coasters
Cut cork or felt coasters, add vinyl designs. Package sets of 4-6 as gifts. Everyone needs coasters, and handmade ones feel luxurious.
18. Party Napkins
Plain cloth napkins + HTV = instant Christmas table upgrade. Try snowflakes, “Joy,” or family initials.
19. Serving Tray Décor
Add vinyl designs to plain wood or acrylic trays. Perfect for serving Christmas morning breakfast or displaying treats.
20. Recipe Card Sets
Cut cardstock recipe cards with holiday designs. Include family recipes or leave blank for the recipient to fill in. A thoughtful gift for bakers and cooks.
Faith-Centered Christmas Crafts
21. “Emmanuel” Canvas Art
Create beautiful wall art featuring “Emmanuel – God With Us” in vinyl on canvas. A powerful reminder of Christ’s presence during the holidays.
22. Scripture Ornaments
Cut Luke 2:11 or other Christmas Scriptures on wood slices or cardstock. Hang on the tree as daily reminders of Jesus’s birth.
23. “Jesus is the Reason” Door Hanger
Welcome guests with a door sign that points to the true meaning of Christmas. Vinyl on wood or painted MDF board works great.
24. Prayer Journal Covers
Personalize blank journals with HTV covers. Perfect for church friends who want to start fresh in the new year with intentional prayer time.
25. Blessing Jar Labels
Create vinyl labels for mason jars that say “Blessings,” “Grateful for,” or “Prayers.” Fill with blank cards for families to record their blessings throughout the year.
Quick Shopping List
Everything you need to make these projects:
- Permanent vinyl (black, white, gold)
- HTV in Christmas colors
- Blank t-shirts & tote bags
- Cardstock (red, green, white)
- Wood slices or boards
- Clear/frosted ornaments
- Transfer tape
- Weeding tools
- Mason jars
You’ve Got This!
December doesn’t have to be stressful. With your cutting machine and these quick project ideas, you can create meaningful, personalized gifts and decorations without breaking the bank or losing your mind.
Remember: handmade doesn’t mean perfect. The love and thought you put into each project is what makes it special. Your friends and family will cherish these gifts far more than anything from a big box store.
So grab your cutting machine, turn on some Christmas music, and let’s make this December one to remember. You’ve got this!
Need SVG Files for These Projects?
Browse our Christian-themed Christmas collection—perfect for all these projects!
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