Handmade gifts are always my favorite to give during the holidays, and these DIY Christmas tile coasters are one of those projects that check every box. They’re affordable, easy to make, completely customizable, and feel thoughtful without being complicated.
I made these coasters using inexpensive ceramic tiles from Home Depot, free printable images, and a few basic craft supplies. They’re perfect for gifting on their own, but I especially love pairing them with a bottle of wine, champagne, olive oil, or a favorite seasonal drink for an elevated handmade Christmas gift.
If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly holiday DIY that looks high-end and personal, these DIY Christmas tile coasters are it.
Why These Make the Perfect Gift
There’s something special about a handmade gift — especially one that’s also functional. These coasters make great gifts because they are:
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Inexpensive to make, even in larger quantities
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Easy to batch craft for neighbors, teachers, or hostesses
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Customizable for any style or home
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Neutral enough to work with most décor
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Useful year-round, not just at Christmas
They’re the kind of gift that feels thoughtful and intentional, without adding stress to an already busy holiday season.
Supplies Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your own DIY Christmas tile coasters. You can link items throughout this section.
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4×4 ceramic tiles (from Home Depot or another home improvement store)
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Free square images (vintage, holiday, or neutral designs)
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Brown wax or watered-down brown paint (optional, for aging)
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4×4 self-adhesive cork or felt sheets ( for the coaster bottoms)
How to Make DIY Christmas Tile Coasters
This is a very beginner-friendly DIY. Once you make one or two coasters, the process becomes quick and easy — especially if you’re making several sets at once.
Step 1: Choosing your images
Start by selecting square images for your coasters. Square images make sizing and trimming much easier and give the finished coasters a polished look.
I love using:
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Vintage Christmas artwork
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Old botanical or winter illustrations
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Neutral holiday imagery
I’ll be sharing a collection of free images you can link so readers can download and use them as well.
Step 2: Prepare Tissue Paper for Printing Tile Coasters
Cut a piece of tissue paper to the same size as a standard sheet of printer paper.
Lay the tissue paper on top of the printer paper and tape all four edges, making sure it’s smooth and flat. This step allows the tissue paper to run through the printer without tearing.
Step 3: Print Images for DIY Christmas Tile Coasters
Once the tissue paper is taped in place, load it into your printer and print your images.
Tip: Print one test sheet first to make sure the size and placement are correct. Let the ink dry completely before handling the tissue paper.
Here are some free Christmas images you can use. Just make sure they are sized to 4″ x 4″ before printing.
Step 4: Cut Out Images
Carefully cut out each printed image. Perfection isn’t necessary here — the edges will be sanded later, which gives the coasters a slightly aged, handmade look.
Step 5: Adhere Images to DIY Christmas Tile Coasters
Apply a thin, even coat of matte Mod Podge to the surface of the tile.
Gently place the tissue paper image on top and smooth it out with your fingers or a soft brush, working from the center outward. Tissue paper is delicate, so take your time.
Let the tile dry completely before moving on.
Step 6: Seal DIY Christmas Tile Coasters with Mod Podge
Once the image is dry, apply a thin coat of matte Mod Podge over the entire tile to seal the surface.
Allow this layer to dry fully.
Step 7: Sand the Edges of DIY Christmas Tile Coasters
Before applying the final coat of Mod Podge, lightly sand the edges of the tile using fine-grit sandpaper.
This softens any sharp lines and gives the coasters a more finished, artisan look. Wipe away any dust before continuing.
Step 8: Age DIY Christmas Tile Coasters (Optional)
If you love a vintage or old-world look, this step adds beautiful character.
Lightly apply brown wax or watered-down brown paint around the edges of the tile. Wipe back until you achieve the level of aging you like.
Step 9: Apply Final Seal to DIY Christmas Tile Coasters
Apply one final coat of matte Mod Podge over the entire tile to seal everything in.
Allow the coasters to cure completely before adding the cork backing.
Step 10: Add Cork Backing to DIY Christmas Tile Coasters
To protect furniture and make the coasters gift-ready, attach 4×4 self-adhesive cork sheets to the bottom of each tile.
Trim if necessary for a clean finish.
How to Gift DIY Christmas Tile Coasters
These are beautiful on their own, but they’re especially charming when paired with something thoughtful. A few favorite gift ideas:
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Tied with ribbon and paired with a bottle of wine or champagne
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Gifted with olive oil or balsamic vinegar
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Wrapped with a seasonal cocktail mixer
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Added to a hostess gift basket
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Stacked and tied with twine for a cozy presentation
They’re perfect for neighbors, teachers, party hosts, or anyone who appreciates handmade details.
Pin these images to save for later!
If you love this DIY, be sure to pin the images so you can easily find this tutorial when you’re ready to make your own DIY Christmas tile coasters. Pinning helps you keep all your favorite handmade Christmas gift ideas in one place and makes it easy to come back during the holiday season.
If DIY Christmas tile coasters aren’t quite your thing, you can use this same tissue paper and Mod Podge method to create vintage-looking canvas wall art instead. I shared a full tutorial showing how I made printable artwork look aged and collected on canvas, and it’s another easy, inexpensive way to create meaningful handmade decor or gifts using the same technique.
Final Thoughts on DIY Christmas Tile Coasters
These are one of my favorite handmade holiday gifts because they’re simple, affordable, and endlessly customizable. They feel special without feeling overwhelming — which is exactly what I want during the holiday season.
If you make these, I’d love to hear how you style or gift them. Handmade gifts truly are the ones people remember.
