You could call these tumblers titillating. That’s right — titillating. Who doesn’t appreciate a set of small glass tumblers that can double as votive candle holders, mini drinking glasses, or festive candy dishes clustered on a coffee table? I’ve always wanted to try glass paint (the kind applied with a pen and then baked on in the oven), so I decided to turn that curiosity into a small DIY holiday-gift project. It might have been an epic fail, but it turned out to be a simple and satisfying craft that’s perfect for gifting or adding a handmade touch to your own seasonal decor.

Originally I planned to thrift a handful of cheap glasses, but I stumbled across a matched set of four tumblers at Target for $2.50 — less than $0.65 per glass — and couldn’t resist. I picked up the paint pen labeled Vitrea 160 in Scandalwood Green at Michael’s for just a few dollars. The materials list is minimal: a set of plain glass tumblers and a glass paint pen designed to be cured in the oven. That low barrier to entry makes this an ideal beginner-friendly craft.

For the application, I followed the pen’s directions and freehanded simple seasonal designs on the outside of each tumbler. One cup got feathery spruce trees, another received pine-needle accents, and the remaining two were finished with wavy lines and clean stripes. The designs are intentionally subtle — a muted, season-appropriate color and uncomplicated motifs — so they feel festive without leaning into kitschy holiday clichés. This approach makes the tumblers versatile enough to fit into many different home styles.

After drawing the designs, I let the ink dry for 24 hours as instructed on the paint pen. Then I baked the glasses in the oven for 40 minutes at 325°F, again following the pen’s guidelines. Tip: we didn’t preheat the oven and left the tumblers in the oven while it cooled down, which helped reduce the risk of cracking. Glass can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes, so a slow warm-up and cool-down is a good precaution.

The finished tumblers look sweet and refined — festive without being over the top. They photograph awkwardly (glass is notoriously difficult to capture in photos), but in person they have a polished, semi-professional appearance. In use they’re surprisingly practical: once the paint is baked on the outside, the tumblers are ready to use. They can be washed in the dishwasher according to the paint manufacturer’s instructions, and they work well for both decorative and functional purposes.

Think about how you might use these at a gathering: fill them with holiday candy and arrange them on a table, group them with small votive candles on a mantel, or serve warm spiced cider in them on a chilly evening. Because they’re inexpensive to make — roughly $5.50 for the set including the paint pen and four glasses — they’re an affordable, heartfelt gift option. You can also personalize them instead of using seasonal motifs: add a scripty monogram, family member names, or a simple icon like a heart or horseshoe for a customized present that feels thoughtful and handmade.

Have you tried glass paint before? If so, what techniques or designs worked best for you? If you’re compiling cheap DIY gift ideas, this project is worth adding to the list: minimal supplies, low cost, quick to complete, and easy to tailor to any style or recipient. It’s a small crafting win that yields charming, usable results.

Update: We’ve rounded up favorite holiday decor ideas and small gift projects many of which are budget-friendly and under $15 — a helpful place to look for more inspiration if you enjoyed this tumbler project.