Searching for the perfect gift to DIY? Whenever you want to make a heartfelt gift for a best friend or family member, refer back to this list for the best ideas. Whether it’s home decor, a fun snack, or a self-care beauty gift, these are gifts people actually want and will use.
There are numerous reasons why you might opt to make some of these thoughtful gift ideas. For one, you can save a lot of money by making a batch of DIY gifts to exchange at Christmas time vs. buying traditional gifts. Homemade gifts also show so much personalization and the recipient will feel so loved knowing you took the time to make their gift. Finally, making DIY gifts can be so fun. Make it a fun craft night and let those creative juices flow while knocking out some gifts in the meantime.
Now, let’s get into fifteen of the best handmade gifts to make and gift all year long for various special occasions. You’ll find a ton of awesome DIY tutorials to try.
Who Are These Gifts Ideal For?
This collection of gifts is targeted mainly for women and girls, but a few could be great for guys too (the sweet & spicy nut mix is perfect for anyone!). Make these for your wonderful girlfriends, coworkers, family members, and more. You can use these ideas for Mother’s Day gifts, Valentine’s day, birthday gifts, or as great DIY Christmas gifts.
1. Homemade Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is a household essential and a high quality DIY vanilla is a great gift. After all, the price of Vanilla can be steep, especially if you get organic. The best part? You only need two natural ingredients for this simple gift idea!
2. Oil + Vinegar Gift Basket
Who wouldn’t love a hunk of bread (homemade or buy some at the store) with oil and vinegar? This is the cutest gift basket to DIY and put together in a flash.
Whether you’re hoping for romantic homemade gifts for your long-distance girlfriend or just want cute gift baskets for an exchange amongst friends, I feel like this bread basket is a winner.
3. DIY Upcycled Wood Round Frame
If you’re gifting to a friend who enjoys earthy, natural home decor then this frame is the best. It’s a lot easier to make than it looks. You can add a cute quote or a picture of you and them together.
4. Homemade Seasoning Mix Jars
One of my favorite ideas is to put together little jars of seasoning. You can make taco seasoning, cajun seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, and more. Feel free to add your own personal touches to these with creative tags.
5. Homemade Bath Salts
This is a great self-care treat to gift. These salts can be sprinkled in the bath for a rejuvenating experience. Plus, you can batch make these and make gifts for multiple people at once.
You can also try handmade bath bombs, homemade lip balm, or homemade lotions using essential oils if you know self-care products are a hit with the person you’re gifting.
6. Homemade Soap
Want a gift your recipient is sure to use? Soap! Everyone uses soap and a good batch of homemade soap is a thoughtful and heartfelt gift.
7. Dollar Tree DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hangings
Especially as a graduation gift, these macrame wall hangings are the perfect DIY gift. I’m imagining these as decorative pieces in a dorm room, new apartment space, or really any space!
You can use their favorite color for the frame or even go the extra mile and add a patterned background instead of opting for white.
8. DIY Wood Leather Plant Hanger
I can hardly believe this plant hanger is made from a salad bowl! If you can’t believe it either, be sure and checkout this DIY tutorial.
9. Sweet & Spicy Nuts
This is the ideal gift for those “acquaintances” or people you don’t know quite as well. (just make sure they don’t have a nut allergy!) Have fun packaging these up! Use mason jars, cute gift bags, or other containers to gift delicious homemade nuts to your friends and families. These will get gobbled up so quickly!
Isn’t the best DIY gifts always food related? I think so! This sweet treat is a proven winner.
10. DIY Scrap Wood Drink Coasters
Drink coasters are a great gift idea and the perfect way to use up old wood! Not to mention they are a useful gift. Make your own with wood scraps and this easy step-by-step. This is a great gift for popping in the mail for those long-distance relationships.
11. Wooden Crate Ottoman
Use an old wine crate and upcycle it into a functional ottoman! They can use this in the guest room, living room, man cave space or home office. The options are endless!
12. Popsicle Stick Sign
How cute would this sign be in the kitchen? Or guest bathroom.. or really anywhere! It’s really easy to make and would be the perfect gift for the homeowner who loves handmade decor.
13. Upcycled T-Shirt Bag
Take a meaningful t-shirt and turn it into a tote bag for the beach or pool. It’s a great way to use up one of those t-shirts that never gets worn but you aren’t ready to part with yet.
Other Ideas I’m Loving:
- Homemade Hot Cocoa Mixes
- Heart-Shaped Bath Bombs
- DIY Date Night Jars
- DIY Wall Art
- Personal Memory Box
- DIY Jewelry Holder
- Homemade Beauty Face Masks
Conclusion
Homemade gifts are an easy way to show thoughtfulness and care. Plus, it’s a great way to save money when you want to gift for a birthday or Christmas. By picking some of these great DIY gifts to try this year you’ll have a blast being crafty and making something special for your loved ones.
If you want to throw in a card and low dollar amount gift cards for a little something extra, that’s always fun to pair with homemade gifts. Of course that is a totally optional little “extra” as these gifts really do stand alone great.
Let me know which of these best DIY gift ideas is your favorite and if you give one a try. I doubt you’ll need to explore any other gift guide to find a special gift this time of year. Have fun crafting!
