35 Easy DIY Gift Ideas
Photo Collage Monogramu00a0
Mod Podge — A crafty girl’s best friend! Use it to make one of these clever picture monograms. You can buy the wooden letters from just about any craft store. I think this would look nice on a bookshelf or mantel. What a great idea for your bestie!
Go get the instructions: House On The Way
Monogrammed Sharpie Mug
This is something you could make for less than a dollar, assuming you have a few oil-based Sharpies on hand. You really could customize it however you’d like but I’m digging the idea of using stickers and then using your pen around them. Once you pull them off it looks really impressive!
Go get the instructions: Good and Messy
Fun Photo Bookmarks
These custom photo bookmarks would be perfect for the grandparents! And just think of how much fun the photo shoot would be? This tutorial also comes with instructions on how to make the colorful tassels.
Go get the instructions: Redfly Creations
DIY Bath Bombs
Had I known you can make these in a mini-muffin pan, I would have made them a long, long time ago! I take more baths than showers these days. If you like working in the kitchen, this might be the perfect gift idea for you. Once they’re finished, package them up in mason jars with a pretty ribbon.
Go get the instructions: Something Turquoise
Candy Bouquet
A bouquet of candy is the perfect gift for someone who is hard to shop for! Who doesn’t love candy, right? I like this idea for a teenager, or perhaps for dad on Father’s Day.
Go get the instructions: Funky Polkadot Giraffe
Liquor Bouquet
This has got to be the ULTIMATE man gift — liquor bottles, cigars, beef jerky sticks, and shot glasses. Perfect for a 21st birthday! A smaller version in a large beer mug would also be nice.
Source: Uploaded by a Pinterest user
Custom Stepping Stone
A custom stepping stone (could even do something a little more simple by carving initials or doing handprints) would make for a nice house warming gift. The grandparents would love this, too!
Go get the instructions: Intimate Weddings
Gift In A Jar
You could do this for just about any occasion — a new mommy jar, a get well jar, a spa pampering jar, or anything else you can think up! Classy Clutter has quite a few good ideas and free printable labels.
Go get the instructions & free printable label: Classy Clutter
Gift In A Cup
Who couldn’t use an on-the-go insulated cup?! Fill it up with some of their favorite goodies (gift cards, drink packets, lip gloss, nail polish, candy, or anything else that will fit) and you’ve got a gift that works for just about anyone!
Read More: So Much To Dew
Photo Pendants or Magnets
I’m thinking Mother’s Day or perhaps for a best friend’s birthday? They are actually really cheap (less than $2.50 each), and you could put a magnet on the back as an alternative to the pendant just in case they are not the necklace-wearing type.
Go get the instructions: Saving With Sarah
Pull-Out Photo Album
A great alternative to your traditional photo album! You can buy those little wooden boxes online, but they are also available at craft stores like Hobby Lobby. The rest is made with card stock and photos. I would call it a “memory box”. This might be a nice Anniversary or Valentine’s Day gift.
Go get the instructions: Country Living
DIY Glitter Cup
Wondering how in the world she did that? It’s a double-walled cup! Don’t worry, you won’t be drinking the glitter. Starbucks sells them, but you can also find them at most department and home stores. I’ll bet you could also do this with photos. Hmmm.
Go get the instructions: The Fitnessista
DIY Personalized Casserole Dish
I’ve been fascinated by etching cream lately. With what it does to glass, I would be afraid to get that stuff on my hands! It’s amazing. Customize a casserole dish, wine glass, or anything else glass with a personalized monogram. If you have a computer and a printer, you can just find the font you like and print it out in the size you need for the stencil.
Go get the instructions: HP
Homemade Body Butter
With just 3 ingredients you can make a homemade body butter that doubles as shaving cream and lip balm. It’s all natural, too! In the winter months, I can never get enough moisture; I would love to receive this as a gift. You could even make a little tag with the recipe and instructions in case they want to make their own once they run out.
Go get the instructions: She Wears Many Hats
Homemade Soap
It’s easier than it looks! Turns out you can buy soap base that melts in the microwave, then you can add a few other ingredients to your liking (fragrance oil, coffee beans, etc.) and then pour the melted mixture into soap molds. How fun!
Go get the instructions: Living Well Spending Less
Easy Monogrammed Soap Bottle
That monogram is actually on the inside of the bottle. It’s printed on transparent overhead paper and then interested into the bottle. Clever! The idea Room has a free printable for this, too. Go check it out!
Go get the instructions: The idea Room
DIY Mason Jar Candles
If you like melting stuff, this project is for you! I pretty much dig anything that has to do with mason jars, and I’ve always got a candle burning (I think I might keep Bath & Body Works in business these days). I would love to start making candles, and this might just be a fun way to start. What a fabulous gift idea, too! I love the burlap top and cute gift tag.
Go get the instructions: Everyday Family
Homemade Extracts
This one takes some planning ahead (it needs to sit for 2-4weeks), but most of the work is just waiting. They can be added to baked goods for amazing flavor enhancement, but also look so pretty just sitting on the kitchen counter!
Go get the instructions: Akshayapaatram
Custom Scrabble Coasters
It turns out you don’t have to buy a dozen Scrabble games to do this project; You can buy a pack of 100 tiles for less than $5 on Amаzon. This opens up so many possibilities! I love the way these Scrabble Tile coasters turned out, and you can customize them with different words. Maybe even use blank tiles (or the back) to make spaces in between words to write a message.
Go get the instructions: Gourmet Gab
Bath Goodies In A Washcloth
What a unique way to package up a few bath goodies! You could make this into just about any animal, too (maybe a bunny or kitten?). This way it doesn’t have to be Christmas themed.
Go get the instructions: Bumble Bee’s Craft Den
Recipe Ring
This is brilliant! Type out and laminate your favorite recipes and attach them to a handy ring. I would actually like to do this for myself; maybe hang it on a hook in the kitchen where it’s easily seen. Then I can just scroll through them when I’m looking for dinner ideas and have the recipe and instructions right at my fingertips.
Go get the instructions: Lil’ Luna
Secret Stash Book
What a fun surprise! Not just a book, but a secret place to stash your valuables, or just something pretty awesome to have hanging out on your bookshelf. You could also fill it with candy, money, bookmarks, or anything else practical for whoever you’re giving it to.
Go get the instructions: Vivid Please
Homemade Sugar Scrub
I can only imagine how good this must smell! I have this weird obsession with anything coconut; I’d probably end up eating it. But that’s ok because it’s actually edible and all natural. The instructions are easy and include those cute little labels for you to print out.
Go get the instructions & free labels: The idea Room
Send A Hug
If you have grandparents or other relatives that live out of state, this is a fun and cute way to let them know how much they are loved! It’s so simple, but definitely a sweet and sentimental gift that they are sure to love.
Go get the instructions: Paging Supermom
Creative Gift Wrap
Sometimes it’s all about the packaging! This is such a great idea for someone who is hard to shop for, like teenage boys. You just can’t go wrong with money and candy. And, it doesn’t get much easier than this.
Source: Simply J Studio
Bouquet of Suckers
30! I beg to differ. I happen to like the 30’s, but really this could work for any age. I think this is a fun and creative gift for a co-worker or sibling. You could also put the suckers in something that is usable like a coffee mug.
Go get the instructions: Sisters’ Stuff
Photo Tile Coasters
I’ve never seen this technique before, but I like it! I’ve always got nail polish on hand, and I have those same tiles left over from our bathroom renovation. I like how the photos don’t transfer perfectly, too. It gives them more of a vintage look and feel.
Go get the instructions: Du Buh Du Designs
DIY S’mores Kit
This is a super easy last-minute gift, and just about everyone loves s’mores, right? I like how this was put together with Teddy Grahams; makes it even cuter. Make a custom tag that says something like “Happy Birthday and many s’more!”, maybe attach a pretty ribbon, and you’re set!
Go get the instructions: A Night Owl Blog
Stay-Put Elastic Bookmarks
Why is this the first time I’ve come across these? I’m not sure if you can buy them or not, but you can certainly make them. They mark your page and keep your book securely closed at the same time. u00a0This would be a brilliant gift for a traveler and book lover!
Go get the instructions: Make It & Love It
Bottle Of Memories
If you’re looking for something a little more personal or sentimental, this is it! Fill a bottle with mini items (doll house section of the craft store) that remind you of the person receiving the gift or of things you have both done together over the years. I LOVE this!
Go get the instructions & read more: 30 Handmade Days
Create A Magic Bottle
There really is something so magical about these, especially to little girls. You can fill it with glitter, sequins, plastic confetti, or anything else that sparkles. They are fun to shake and then watch as all of the stuff sinks to the bottom.
Go get the instructions: Artsy Ants
Succulents In A Tea Cup
Succulents are my favorite plants, and they are really easy to take care of. Place a few in a tea cup for a charming gift idea! You could even easily customize the cup with oil-based Sharpies to make it more personalized.
Go get the instructions: Confetti and Cleats
Framed Scrabble Tiles
I just plain like the idea of using scrabble tiles, I guess they are my new obsession next to wine corks. You could frame them with a quote, family names, or anything else you’d like. Such a neat gift idea!
Go get the instructions: Sasha
Homemade Cleaning Slime
That fun goop your kids have probably played with, you can clean with it too! What? Well, yes, it gets into all of those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. Bonus: It’s really easy and fun to make! Could be an awesome gift idea for kids and adults.
Go get the instructions: Simply Living Smart
Monogrammed Journal
Customize a journal or book with alphabet stamps! I love the idea of writing or stamping on the page ends. Use a clamp or large binder clip to keep it closed while you’re stamping. You could also use a ruler to get straighter lines for your letters on the inside of the journal.
Go get the instructions: Real Simple