Sometimes, you just want to put a little more effort into a gift than just going to the store and buying something. I get it. That’s why I have some homemade gifts for all different types of people, different skill levels, different efforts, and more.
If you want more gift guides for things you can buy, check out this blog post to find more options.
**I didn’t come up with these ideas and have linked to the creator who did.
Agate Coaster
These coasters look so Anthropologie! William and Sonoma sell 4 of these coasters for $160?! Like what? Who would spend that much on coasters?
To make these coasters, it’s like $20, but it does take a little bit of skill and patience, so keep that in mind when making these.
This would be an awesome gift for someone who is very spiritual and loves all things crystals, meditation, manifestation, or has a bohemian theme throughout their house.
Marble Tray
Target has some marble trays but they are like $40. Marble Slabs can be expensive so it might be better to just buy it depending on where you find a decent priced one.
Trays are so functional for so many things. Displaying items on a coffee table, holding skincare in your bathroom, or as a charcuterie tray for your next get together. Everyone loves getting homemade gifts like this!
This DIY you can do in probably 5 mins.
Monogram Desk Tray
For all those random things in your kitchen or bedroom, a tray like this is great to keep all those loose things in one place.
You could either go full out and make the tray itself or buy one premade and just paint it with the color of your choice and stencil in the initial. Easy peazy!
Starbucks Latte Soap
When I saw this one, I died! It’s so cute. Either you will love it or hate it, but for any Starbucks lover, you will appreciate this one.
Looks like a latte but it’s SOAP and so easy and cheap! You could even do this with the kids to help with the ‘sprinkle’ part or having them write the names.
Tassel Bookmark
This is super easy and quick for a last-minute gift for a reader or to add to a book, notebook, or planner that you are gifting to someone.
You can order this stuff online or run to Hobby Lobby to get the supplies.
Macrame Keychain
This one reminds me of when I went to summer camp, but I kind of love it! It’s a modern take of the plastic ones.. you know what I’m talking about right?!
You can dye the cord to whatever color or keep it the neutral color it comes in. If someone just got their license, new car, new house, or anything that has to do with keys, this would be great homemade gifts!
Macrame Plant Holder
I still feel like these are a thing. I have one in my house, but I paid more than $20 for mine from Urban Outfitters. Now you can just make one!
For anyone who loves plants or just got a new house, this is great. You could even throw in a plant to go with it. I would say do a fake plant if you go that route because hanging real plants are cute but sometimes can be messy. Or they forget to get watered….
Giant Yard Dice
For the person in your life who loves entertaining people and games, outdoor games are awesome to receive as homemade gifts. They can be expensive to buy but making it AND getting one as a gift saves you and the gift giver $$.
Some games that you can play with Giant Yard Dice:
- Yardzee aka Yard Yahtzee
- Farkle
- Buck Dice
- Beat That – great kid game!
- Run For It
- Pig
Tetris Puzzle
Teris is a fun game, but sometimes we don’t want the kids to be playing on electronics all the time. Here is a fun puzzle to make to keep them busy and using their imagination.
Heads up, this one is advanced so if you don’t have the tools, maybe just keep letting the kids play on the iPad.
Family/Friends Guess Who
This isn’t the first time I have seen this, but I am definitely making it this year (I will report back on how it was). You can personalize this Guess Who and play it with your friends at dinner parties or give it to your mom for the grandkids to play. Great idea for helping kids remember all the relatives before a big family get together.
This one seems a little time consuming, but such a perfect personalized gift for family or friends that is different than just their name on a pencil 😉
Match Striker
We all love candles and most of us use a lighter, right? But how cute are matches! They give a vintage, old time-y feel, but the match boxes are U.G.L.Y. so make this cute match striker instead.
Add this with a candle for a house warming present or just for your fellow candle lover.
Birch Tree Painting
This is a simple one and would be great for newlyweds or just to love birds. I love the detail of the initials in the tree. It makes a piece that looks like you got it from Target with a personal touch.
This is a really easy project but takes a little practice. The instructions give you guidance on how to perfect the bark, so read carefully.
Minibar In A Jar
Even though it’s “Minibar In a Jar” you could take this same concept and apply it to, “Coffee Bar in a Jar” or something like that. I just think this idea is cute. Super easy homemade gifts that you just throw in a jar are great for the last minute.
Like the picture says, it would be great for a dude gift.
Mason Jar Cocktail
I feel like this one is more appropriate for a “Thanks for inviting me over” gift for the holidays. You know those parties where either you are someones plus one or you don’t really know/like the people you are visiting but you have to…
It’s still a cute gift, but you don’t have to be super personal for this one. Just make sure they do drink and aren’t sober.
Dip Mix Ornaments
We always see cookie mixes or hot cocoa mixes during the holidays, but what about a dip mix kit? Huh? Different right!
This would be great for mother figure, someone who loves to cook and/or entertain, or a neighbor.
Brush Stroke Luggage Tag
This takes you 5 minutes and is great for a last minute gift with, yet a personal touch. Great for the frequent flyer or newlyweds.
Or you can make this for yourself and your significant other to match on your next trip and be able to identify your bag in baggage claim with all the other 50 million black bags there.
Men Gift Baskets
Men can be hard to shop for, there’s no doubt about that. That’s why I love the idea of gift baskets. This post has a bunch of ideas, but you can think of some on your own.
Think about the man you are going to give the gift to. What do they like to watch, do, eat, talk about, read, wish they could do, etc? This will get the ideas flowing of things to include in a basket. Or just use one of these ideas in the post.
52 Reasons I Love You Card Book
This is the most sentimental gift and the most rewarding. Not only does the person you are giving it to get to read all the reasons you love them, but you also get to ponder about the things you love about the person. Reflecting on the good qualities of someone helps you appreciate them more and love them even more!
I’ve done this before for our anniversary and it’s just fun to keep and see how much your love has grown throughout the years. There are so many different ways to do this, just get creative and I guarantee they will love it 🙂
I hope these homemade gifts help you come up with some ideas for gifts this holiday season. Or really whenever you need some homemade gift ideas for people no matter what the occasion.
What was your favorite one from the post?
XO, Annie
