Every year we take a look at Pinterest boards and websites, and we resolve that we are going to get creative, save money, and make gifts for people. And every year, we end up thinking that DIY gifts are too much work, and we are much better off shopping online. Yeah, UPS and FedEx just love us. We are happy to report, however, that this year, we have found 15 DIY gift ideas that are SUPER simple. Most have them have fewer than 8 steps, and all need only a few everyday items.
As a bonus, you can even involve the kids in making a lot of these, which will come in hand for your sanity on that random Snow Day that is bound to pop up soon.
Whether you are looking for gifts for family and friends, a teacher or even a hostess gift, there is something for everyone here.
1. The Word Lover – Scrabble Coasters
2. The Coffee or Tea Lover – Monogrammed Mug
3. The Caffeine Diva – Glitter Cup
Put a little sparkle in your caffeine lover’s life. The cup obviously doesn’t have to have a logo on it as FitnessSista does; any double-walled cup or mug will work. If you feel extra creative, you can try different colors, patterns or even stencils of glitter.
4. The New Mommy – Survival Kit
This jar could be personalized for anyone: a new mom, a college student, a niece who dances…the possibilities are endless. Be creative and put some of their favorite candies, teas, or drink mixes in the jar along with theme appropriate items, like the ones you can see at ClassyClutter.
5. The Stressed Sister – Bath Bombs (w/ or w/o toys)
Whether you decide to hide toys in them or not, these homemade bath bombs in multiple scents are sure to soothe the senses. Use the toys to make bath time fun for kids, or find toys that are themed to a friend’s interests. Party stores are great for finding trinkets that can be put into these little balls of relaxation. Take a look at how HelloCreativeFamily made theirs.
6. The Pampered Princess – Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub
This easy-to-make sugar scrub smells like summer and works like a charm. Because the ingredients are items you can buy in bulk, you can make multiple batches of it to give away or keep for yourself. Substitute any essential oil for the scent, or check out the other recipes suggested by TheIdeaRoom.
7. The Monogram Lover – Photo Collage
This collage can be as cute or as elegant as you want it to be, based on the recipient’s personality. Use black and white or sepia photos for a more polished look, or use stickers and brightly designed tape if it is for a kid, like the one at DIYNetwork. Be sure to find photos that will make the person smile whenever they look at their initial.
8. The Traveler – Heart Map Art
This could just as easily be for a military family who has moved a lot, or a friend/family member who has family living in various places. Really, it can be made for anyone who can pinpoint certain locations as being pivotal or influential in their lives.
9. The Quirky Cousin – Cleaning Slime
If you have a kid in your life, you have seen the homemade slime, and probably even made a few batches yourself. But it can also be great for cleaning hard-to-reach places like car vents and computer keyboards. File this one from Budget 101 under “who knew?” (This is definitely one that you should let the kids help you make!)
10. The Gambler – Candy Roll Coins
Just kidding. (Sort of). While this actually is a great idea for someone who likes to play slot machines, they could also be given to someone who has to use the laundromat, or park at parking meters. Roll multiple denominations and use them as a stocking stuffer for a festive alternative to a gift card. You don’t have to get fancy with the ribbon as Martha Stewart does, just use simple wrapping paper.
All these crafty things are great, but let’s face it, the season is also about the food, right? Here are 4 of the best food-related DIY gifts I found.
11. The Adventurous Eater – Dip Mix Ornaments
These clever ornaments found at SprinkleSomeFun can be filled with anything from dip mixes to dried herbs to soup mixes. Nestle them in a decorative box, or decorate a mini tree with them to put a little bit of spice into the holidays.
12. The Sweet Tooth – Fancy Oreos
Fresh cookies obviously can’t be put in a box too far in advance, but if you have to bring something to a holiday party and don’t have the time to bake, these could be a festive alternative. Use colored sugar, edible silver, and gold candy balls, or even chopped nuts for a fun twist. SoCreativeThings also has a few other Oreo suggestions for the die-hard cookie lovers.
13. The Bonfire Brother – S’more Love in a Jar
The mugs are a great way to transport the ingredients for s’mores. With the handles, they can also be used for a drink of choice after the s’mores are made. You don’t have to use the ones with handles as ANightOwl did. These would also be clever in mason jars or any kind of jar with a wide neck for easily extracting the ingredients.
14. The Home Chef – Recipe Ring with Utensils
Zen Garden
Put together a personal mini zen garden that will help anyone relax and de-stress whenever they need to. Plus side: it’s so easy and simple to make!
Spa Trio
Not all spas have to be paid for. Give someone a at-home spa day by gifting them this small spa kit. Who doesn’t love a little pampering?
Map Artwork
For the friend that you’ve gone on memorable road trips with during the best times of your life. Hand-stitch a piece of yarn onto a map of where you road-tripped to.
Homemade Fort Kit
Create a homemade fort kit for a child! What you’ll need to include are small suction cups, a clothes line, a package of clothes pins, clamps, flat sheets, and a matching flashlight.
Kindle or Passport Cover
Create a kindle and/or passport cover out of just a folding case of your choice, some adhesive paper and scissors.
Gemstone Soap
If you know someone who loves pretty soaps, make them a pretty soap yourself. Recreate these gemstone soaps out of soap base, soap colorants, and essential oils.
DIY Stash Book
If you have an old book you no longer read, repurpose it into a secret stash book. Include a tiny keepsake or money.
Gingerbread Cookie Cityscapes
Transform a mason jar into a seasonal gift by putting a gingerbread cookie cityscape into it. It’ll look like a snow globe without the snow.
Scrabble Coasters
Take a few Scrabble tiles and put them together with glue and spray to turn them into coasters. You can spell out your best inside jokes!
Gingerbread House Kit
For people who’ve always wanted to build gingerbread houses but never know where to start. Make it a little easier for them by making and providing them with a kit.
DIY Polaroid Magnets
Turn any photo you want into a polaroid magnet! This way, you can display your favorite photos in a fun and useful way.
DIY Wax Seal
Carve out a personalized wax seal for your person. You’ll need a rubber carving block and some carving tools.
Homemade Bubble Bath
Everyone needs a home bubble bath every once in awhile. Help your friend or loved one with making that happen by making this homemade bubble bath concoction.
Adventure Notebook / Sketchbook
For the person who loves to go on adventures and document it. Create them a notebook or sketchbook that they can jot things down in.
On-the-Go Reading Pillow
For the traveler who loves to read, create them this on-the-go pillow that includes a pocket for all their favorite books.
Succulent Wine-Cork Magnets
Transform leftover wine corks into magnets that have mini succulents in them. They’ll go super cute on any fridge door!
Canvas Portrait
Turn your favorite photo of you and the person you’re giving a gift to into a canvas. All you need is a gel medium, a paint brush, and a spray bottle.
Sweater Mittens
If you have old sweaters you no longer wear, cut them up and transform them into mittens! Now instead of keeping a torso warm, you’re keeping a pair of hands warm.
52 Things I Love About You
This one is super easy to make. All you essentially need is a deck of cards and a thoughtful mind to jot down 52 sweet comments.
Leather Cord Keeper
If you know someone who tends to get all their cords tangled, help them get organized by making them these cord keepers.