The holidays are such a fun time of the year where you get to celebrate with friends and family, but sometimes we lose sight of that and focus too much on the spending. When money is a little tight, you may be worried that you aren’t able to spend as much as you may want to in order to get something special for your loved ones. However, I guarantee you that these DIY gift ideas are much more thoughtful and special to them than any expensive gift that you just went and clicked “buy” to get.
DIY Gift Ideas for the Little Ones…
1. DIY Story Stones
I love this homemade gift idea for kids! You can buy a book at the store and then make this very thoughtful gift of story stones to go with it. They are easy and inexpensive to make, so adorable, and encourage kids to read. (via A Girl and a Glue Gun)
2. DIY Shibori Onesies
With this tutorial, you can take a plain, inexpensive white onesie and turn it into a shibori onesie that you would see in an expensive baby boutique. With a little time and effort, you can save major money and there is something so special about gifts that were made for you. (via The Sweetest Occasion)
3. DIY Stacking House Blocks
Make DIY stacking blocks for the special kiddo in your life that make a one of a kind gift that their parents are sure to treasure. (via Mer Mag Blog)
DIY Gifts for the Photographer…
4. DIY Rope Camera Strap
Have someone in your life who loves taking photos whether for a living or as a hobby? This rope camera strap would make the perfect DIY gift idea and it looks expensive! (via A Pair and a Spare)
5. DIY Mountain Photo Holders
Now for a cute way to display their photos, check out these adorable mini mountain photo holders that are the perfect way to decorate shelves or your desk. (via Sugar & Cloth)
DIY Gift Ideas for the Trendy Minimalist…
6. DIY Monogram Clay Keychains
These look so chic that I would definitely think they were bought at the store, but in fact you can make them yourself at home for personalized gifts for all your friends and family. (via Homey Oh My)
7. DIY Copper Bar Earrings
If I got these as a gift, I would be so thrilled! You’ll be surprised at how easy (seriously we’re talking a few minutes) it is to make these earrings that you will see at local boutiques with price tags that will make you shudder. Plus, if you’ve ever bought something on Etsy, you know the packaging makes a huge difference! So, I love the idea to make the card holder look extra special by stamping it with leaves or another unique design (via Almost Makes Perfect)
DIY Gift Ideas for the World Traveler…
8. DIY Gold Leather Passport Holder
Help your loved ones in style with this gorgeous DIY passport holder that is perfect for the wanderlust in your life. (via Lovely Indeed)
DIY Gift Ideas for the Jewelry Lover…
9. DIY Clay Trinket Dish
I have a little trinket dish like this on my bathroom counter and it comes in so handy when I am taking off jewelry to shower and want to make sure I don’t lose it. This is such an easy DIY gift idea that is also super functional and cute and guaranteed to be a hit. (via Say Yes)
DIY Gift Ideas for the Artist…
10. DIY Hand Print Pencil Case
Instantly transform a cheap, plain white pouch into a customized and thoughtful DIY gift following this genius tutorial. I bet you would never have guessed that all you have to do to make this yourself is iron on the hand pattern using transfer paper. (via Make and Tell)
DIY Gift Ideas for the Foodie or Chef…
11. Hand Stamped Spoons
I love the hand stamped metal trend and so I recently bought a set of stamps and a hammer to make my own. One of the gifts I really want to make are these cute customized spoons with punny sayings on them that I seriously can’t get enough of. They are such a genius DIY gift idea too because all you need is to buy some inexpensive spoons at Target or Walmart and then add these custom sayings to instantly look hand crafted. (via Etsy)
12. Rosemary, Lemon Thyme & Sage Honey
This edible DIY gift idea would make the perfect hostess gift for the person who seemingly has everything. (via Not Quite Nigella)
13. DIY Recipe Tea Towel Gift
While this one was purchased on Etsy, you can easily DIY this project too following these instructions. This is such a sweet and nostalgic gift that whoever receives it will cherish. It is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day or make it for Christmas with grandma’s favorite Christmas cookie recipe. (via Little Vintage Nest)
14. Funny DIY Apron
Inspired by this one from Etsy, you can easily make a funny DIY apron for the cook in your life with a plain apron and an iron on design! (via Etsy)
DIY Gifts for a Boho Babe…
15. Upcycled Baby Jars to Hanging Succulent Planters
Not only does this DIY gift idea save you money, but it uses an item that you may be constantly throwing away around the house if you have a little bambino: baby jars. Transform them into trendy hanging succulent planters following this tutorial. (via Casa Watkins Living)
16. DIY Modern Wall Hanging
Doesn’t this look like a wall hanging you’d find at West Elm or Urban Outfitters for $50+? Well, now you can make it yourself for a fraction of this price and it is so much easier than you’d think! (via Homey Oh My)
17. DIY Decorative Wood Planters
I don’t think there is anything I like admiring more in home decor than a perfectly styled shelf. However, it can get pricey buying all the accessories to style them, so I would be thrilled if someone gave me these adorable modcloth wooden planters to use around the house. I may even need to make them myself: one set for me and one set for a gift. (via The Lovely Drawer)
DIY Gift Ideas for the Fashion Obsessed…
18. Easy DIY Sunglasses Case
I am notorious for losing or breaking sunglasses, so I often don’t spend a ton of money on them out of fear that it will be a waste. However, this DIY sunglasses case is so cute I think I will actually remember to use it! Know someone like me? This may be the perfect DIY gift for them. (via I Spy DIY)
19. DIY Roman Numeral Necklace
I guarantee this DIY gift idea will be a major hit with anyone you give it to because it’s adorable and easy to personalize depending on what you put on it. I want one with the coordinates of where we got married, or a special date, etc. (via Boxwood Avenue)
DIY Gift Ideas for the Tech Geek…
20. DIY Earbud Holder
This DIY earbud holder will only take you 5 minutes to make and will be the perfect DIY gift for your tech savvy friend. (via Kristi Murphy)
21. DIY Kindle or Tablet Cover
Instead of going with a boring, solid colored cover for your new Kindle or tablet, check out this super easy way to spruce up the cover for a few extra dollars. (via Sugar & Cloth)
DIY Gift Ideas for the New Home Owner…
22. DIY Welcome Mat
Need a great DIY gift idea for a housewarming present? Make a custom welcome mat with a funny saying that will put them in a good mood every time they come home. Priceless. (via Settling in Sawdust)
23. DIY Stamped Brass Key Chain
Wow, hand stamped metal has unintentionally become a common trend for many of these DIY gift ideas. For good reason , though, because it personalizes the gift to you which is what DIY gifts are really all about. (via Etsy Blog)
DIY Gift Ideas for the Pet Lover…
24. DIY Pet Teepee
Sometimes the best way to a pet lover’s heart is to buy something for their pet instead of for them. (via Life Ann Style)
25. DIY Dog Collar Tutorial
I am so inspired to try to make my own dog collar after reading this tutorial. I love unique prints, but buying them from pet boutiques can come with a hefty price tag, so pet owners are sure to love this DIY gift that shows how thoughtful you are. (via Halifax Dog Adventures)
26. Handmade Knit Cat Bed Tutorial
Love to knit? This handmade knit cat bed tutorial is such a sweet gift for the cat lover in your life! It would also be an awesome way to donate to local rescue groups or animal shelters! (via Oh Honey Blog)
DIY Gift Ideas for the Gardener…
27. Dried Herb Mobile
Perfect for the gardener in your life, this cute dried herb mobile that is both functional and will make your home smell amazing. (via Ebay)
28. DIY Clay Plant Markers
These clay markers are so easy to make and such a sweet gift for someone who loves to garden. (via Wit & Whistle)
What to Read Next: 25+ Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas Almost Too Good to Open
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Which of these DIY gift ideas would you want to receive?
