Great Ideas for Inexpensive Homemade Gifts

Homemade Candles

Candles add warmth, light, and coziness to every space. They make an excellent gift for almost anyone! When you make them yourself, not only can you customize the color, scent, and look, but the added gesture makes the gift twice as unique. Learn how to get started making homemade candles, and soon you'll never purchase store-bought candles again!

Embroidered Leather Gift Card Holder

If you're getting gift cards for friends and coworkers this year, make the gift feel more unique and personalized with this embroidered leather card case. This tutorial will teach you how to embroider on leather (it's not as tricky as you'd think!) for a wallet-like feel to the case. It's pretty, elegant, and much more meaningful than a paper envelope.

DIY iPad Holder

You'd be hard-fought to find someone today who doesn't use their phone or tablet to refer to recipes. The problem with that, is you often end up with a wet and sticky screen. This easy 3-material DIY helps prop your iPad up while you chop, simmer and stir, so you can cook without fear of ruining your tablet. Think what a great gift this will make!

DIY iPad Holder from The Idea Room

Bath Bombs

Skip the expensive visit to a trendy soap store and learn to make your fizzy bath bombs at home. These soaps are quite popular, and they make an exciting yet simple gift. These would be especially great for Mother's Day paired with a bottle of wine.

Placemat Clutch

If you're on the hunt for a DIY gift idea that's truly unique for someone who loves a stylish accessory, we've got you covered. Grab a pretty placemat and work a little sewing magic to create this one-of-a-kind clutch that'll have everyone exclaiming, "Where'd you get that?"

Placemat Clutch from Lil Blue Boo

Arm Knitted Cozy Chunky Blanket

At this point, we're sure you've seen those gorgeous chunky arm-knit blankets that have taken over our Instagrams and Pinterest Boards. Make someone in your life very, very happy by gifting them this blanket that you've DIY'ed.

Arm Knitted Cozy Chunky Blanket from Made Up Style

Hand-Embroidered Onesie

Are you attending a baby shower soon? Whether you go with a gift from the registry or not, consider adding this very personal and adorable homemade gift. Adorn a plain onesie with the embroidery pattern of your choice and the momma-to-be will truly appreciate this standout piece among her newly acquired collection of store-bought baby clothes.

Embroidery Headphones

Headphones break all the time, and unless you dole out a big chunk of change for a quality pair, you have to constantly replace them. Keep the wires safe from everyday wear and tear (and make them look pretty!) with this neat embroidery DIY. Give a pair of these to someone you know who would appreciate these for their daily use. Bonus: the creator of this craft noted her wires no longer get tangled with the embroidery cover.

Embroidery Headphones from Agus Yornet

Clay Cactus Ring Holder

Finding a place to store your jewelry can be a nuisance. This cute cactus ring holder also doubles as decor. It's a cool gift for that someone in your life who appreciates a fun surprise or something that's out of the ordinary.

String Art

The sweetest housewarming gift, this string art project is easy to do. The craft itself is versatile; feel free to use a different shape from the house; try a pumpkin for fall or an evergreen tree for Christmas.

Embroidered Christmas Tree Card

For Christmas this year, send out these pretty embroidered cards. They are easy to stitch even for beginners. Make it a group activity and mail one to everyone on your list.

Anti-Frizz Hair Spray

Every woman knows that humidity can be a hair-ruiner. Gift your girlfriend a bottle of this DIY lavender anti-frizz spray when she needs it most (hint: summer). A little humidity is okay (in fact, appreciated) for beachy waves, as long as you can control those waves before they go wild!

Anti-Frizz Hairspray from The Merrythought

Engraved Copper Mugs

Moscow Mule drinker or not, who wouldn't love to add some copper mugs to their collection of housewares? This DIY tutorial shows you how to add subtle engravements to personalize these already super-cool mugs.

Engraved Copper Mugs from Brit + Co

Sunglasses Case

Pretty and feminine, it's hard to believe these cases aren't store-bought. Your friend will be thinking the same thing when they unwrap this gift.

DIY Sunglasses Case from Burda Style

DIY Pom-Pom Earrings

These pom-pom earrings are super creative and fun. Make these for a friend so she can showcase her style.

Cinnamon Sugar Hand Scrub

A sweet smelling hand scrub is a wonderful holiday gift idea, but you can gift this any time of year for any occasion. We love it for fall and winter especially, and you'll be hard-fought to find someone who wouldn't love receiving this little jar.

Cinnamon Sugar Hand Scrub from DIY Candy

Custom Color Nail Polish

We don't know about you, but we just found out you can make your nail polish and ​we. Are. Floored. Customize a color for your best friend, mom, sister, wife, etc. and surprise them with arguably the coolest DIY ever.

Custom Color Nail Polish from A Beautiful Mess

Colorful Paper Flower Bookmarks

These pretty bookmarks are the perfect kid-made gifts. There's nothing better than a child's delighted face when he or she presents their masterpiece.

DIY Essential Oil Perfume

Create a brand new signature scent of your design, making for a unique and personal gift. This tutorial walks you through the basics, using ylang-ylang, grapefruit, and vanilla oils, but the instructions are easily adaptable for any scent combination.

DIY Flower Gift Wrap

If you're giving the gift of a lovely bouquet, why not go the extra mile to create your gift wrap? It really couldn't be easier, and this tutorial will show you exactly how.

Hanging Macrame Plant Holder

Macrame has made a significant comeback, and these hanging plant holders are ideal for small spaces adding a bit of greenery and a bohemian flair to an apartment. We think these make an excellent gift for almost any occasion.

Mouse Slippers

Some basic sewing skills are all you need to create these adorable slippers! We love these for Christmas morning, but they certainly work for birthdays, Easter, Mother's Day or other special occasions.

DIY Mouse Slippers from Make It & Love It

Personalized Plates

Create a set of these beautiful, artistic plates for a wedding gift, bridal shower, or housewarming present. One-of-a-kind dishes always make a great gift idea.

DIY Decoupaged Plates from The Spruce

Pretty Geometric Origami Earrings

These pretty DIY earrings are the perfect way for you to try your hand at origami. They are a great small and inexpensive gift option and can be customized for anyone.

Wood Wine Rack

Rustic and modern, we love the farmhouse-feel of this DIY wine rack. Outshine the other guests at a wedding by bringing this into the reception–the bride and groom will not be disappointed.

Up, Up and Away Mobile

Skip the baby registry (or add on top of it) with this cute and clever mobile. These whimsical hot air balloons would look so sweet in a nursery for either a baby girl or boy.

Up, Up and Away Mobile from Craftiness Is Not Optional

DIY Gold Tropical Leaf Art Print

Bring the beauty of a tropical vacation to someone's home with this fun and bold display of art. This would make a special housewarming or hostess gift.

Yarn Wrapped Horseshoe Necklace

Here's a smart way to use up your leftover yarn. This pretty necklace is a great gift idea for your friend who has a fun and eclectic style. Not sure how to wear this? This bold statement necklace dresses up a neutral button-down blouse or crew neck tee with instant cool!

Yarn Wrapped Horseshoe Necklace from A Kalio Chic Life

Painted Rope Votives

These charming candle holders make perfect gifts for practically anyone. They're a great way to disguise mismatched candle jars or to hide brand names. 

Painted Rope Votives from Freutcake

Pom-Pom Wreath

These fun pom-pom wreaths aren't holiday-specific, so they'll accommodate just about any holiday and any occasion. You can make an all white one for winter or try an array of colors and give it to a college student to decorate the dorm room.

DIY Peaches and Cream Soap

Ten minutes is all you need to make this sweet-smelling soap. Make a few bars and tie it up with a ribbon for a pretty, simple and thoughtful gift.

DIY Peaches and Cream Soap from Happiness Is Homemade

Reversible Tassel Placemats

Whether you know someone who loves to entertain or are in need of a housewarming gift, these reversible tassel placemats are a fun and unique gift idea. We love the colorful choices in this DIY, but you can customize with any color or printed fabric.

Marbled Nail Polish Phone Case

We all have that one friend who bravely walks around with their phone without a case. Stop the madness by gifting them this unique DIY case. Even if all your friends have cases on their phones, we're sure you know someone who would love to receive a new one-of-a-kind phone case.

Homemade Soup Mix in Jar

There are so many occasions where this gift is perfect: send it in a care package to college students, give it someone who's sick, make a bunch for the holidays and yours will stand out among all those jars of cookie and hot cocoa mixes.

Homemade Soup Mix in Jar from Wholefully

Sharpie Dot Flower Pots

If you're planning to gift a plant, go one step further and DIY these incredibly easy, personalized flower pots. These are so cute and easy to make, you might end up with one for yourself!

Sharpie Dot Flower Pots from Cutesy Crafts

Handprint Keychain

What parent or grandparent wouldn't love to receive these tiny handprints? It won't be hard to get your kids to participate in this craft since handprint and fingerprint crafts are always a hit with kids.

Handprint Keychain from Grey House Harbor

Galaxy Color Blocked Marble Coasters

These galaxy coasters are so fresh and trendy. They'll certainly stand out as a memorable gift to anyone you make them for.

Galaxy Color Blocked Marble Coasters from A Kalio Chic Life

DIY Cozy Hooded Bath Towel

This fluffy bath towel is the warmest and coziest way to embrace your child in an endless hug. Give them as gifts to all the kids on Christmas Eve, and everyone can come downstairs Christmas morning wrapped up in their new hooded blankets.

DIY Cozy Hooded Bath Towel from A Beautiful Mess

Photo Mason Jar Lid Coasters

We know this DIY tutorial uses wedding photos, but you can use any photo to turn this into a personalized gift. Think birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, "just because" moments. There are no limitations on the gift of a good memory!

Photo Mason Jar Lid Coasters from Something Turquoise

Personalized Etched Glass Bakeware

This idea has the potential to be even more special. Hear us out: DIY a special message in a cake pan, fill it with a cake, deliver said cake and wait for the phone call that comes when the cake has been eaten, and the surprise message at the bottom of the pan has been discovered. We think this could be even sweeter than the cake itself.

Personalized Etched Glass Bakeware from The Thinking Closet

Flower Pop-Up Card

For those times when you need a card, try your hands at this easy pop-up card craft. The recipient of your handmade card will surely know you were thinking of them when they see the effort you put into the gift.

Send a Hug

Okay, this might be one of our favorites. For those family members who live farther away, surprise them with a big "hug" in the mail, so they know that you love them this much.

Send a Hug from Paging Supermom

Collegiate Scarf

College bookstore clothing is expensive, and college students can barely afford their textbooks. Help them out with this easy school scarf–no one will even know it's homemade, and when they find out, it makes it even cooler.

Collegiate Scarf from Thimbleanna

Tea Wreath

While some of us practically bleed coffee, others of us prefer tea, and that's okay. Put together this clever tea wreath for the friends who will appreciate this.

Tea Wreath from Kojo Designs

Altoid Tin Mini Toolboxes

You know how Dad is always the hardest to shop for? Skip the tie or assortment of craft beers this year and DIY these mini toolboxes made out of Altoid tins. They're perfect for holding nails, screws and the like. We bet Dad will be so impressed by your innovative thinking this time around (We won't tell him we gave you the idea).

Altoid Tin Mini Toolboxes from Alpha Mom

Homemade Limoncello With Printable Label

Even if you've never been to Italy, you've probably tasted Limoncello and know just how lemony and delicious it is. Mix up your batch and fill up mason jars with it. Then top them off with the free printable labels included in the tutorial. This is a great gift for college students planning to study abroad or anyone at all!

Homemade Limoncello With Printable Label from The Cottage Market

No-Sew Fleece Blanket

No-sew fleece blankets have been a popular craft for some time. These cozy throws are SO easy to make, and this tutorial shows you how. Give these out as Christmas gift, for winter birthdays or any other time of year when warm blankets are coveted!

Rocher Sparkling Pineapple

This "pineapple" is so clever, you might not even realize there's a wine bottle in there! Wine and chocolate are usually a welcome gift, and this easy DIY takes the presentation factor up a notch.

Rocher Sparkling Pineapple from Conny Simon

DIY Coffee Cup Holder

We love both the rustic charm and pretty blue color of this DIY mug holder. This is a beautiful homemade gift for new homeowners and serious coffee or tea drinkers.

DIY Coffee Cup Holder from Made to Be a Momma

Personalized Coffee Mugs

It doesn't get any easier than this; draw some designs or write an inspirational message on a plain white mug, bake it in the oven and you have an inexpensive, personalized gift in no time.

Personalized Coffee Mugs from Laughs, Crafts & Photographs

Crochet Baby Cocoon

This baby cocoon pattern can be worked in any color and is quick and easy to create. Gift this to new moms to mommas-to-be at their baby showers.

DIY Sangria Dispenser

There's nothing you can't put in a jar! Show up to your next party with this and everyone–not just the hostess–will love you.

DIY Sangria Dispenser from Fantabulosity

Crochet Teddy Bear

A teddy bear is a classic child's toy. Stitch up a little nostalgia with this crochet teddy and gift this at a baby shower or kids' birthday party.

Crochet Teddy Bear from Lucy Kate Crochet

DIY Flower Tote

Would you believe it: to make this tote, you hammer flowers into the fabric. Sounds a bit strange, but look at those results! We love this as a Mother's Day gift.

DIY Flower Tote from DIY Candy

DIY Cactus Scratching Post

We admit this one's a bit silly, but it's also entertaining. Every cat owner who's ever complained about how unsightly cat scratching posts are, rejoice!

DIY Cactus Scratching Post from Kaylee Eylander

Roman Numeral Clock

This clock is for pure aesthetics, and we love it so much, we don't mind that it doesn't tell time. With some paint, stickers and pre-made wooden rounds, this "woodworking" project couldn't be any easier.

Roman Numeral Clock from Handmade Haven

Modern Tassel Wall Hanging

Modern, trendy and fun, this wall hanging would be a cool gift. You can make in any color or a variety of colors to fit the tastes of the person you're making this for.

Modern Tassel Wall Hanging from Homey Oh My

Sea Glass Lanterns

Whether it's summertime or you know someone who loves beach decor, these mason jar lanterns are made out of sea glass. They're an ideal gift for each case. Make a set for a friend and bring them over the next time your friend hosts an outdoor party.

Sea Glass Lanterns from Princess Pinky Girl

Mason Jar Tissue Holder

Know someone who suffers from allergies? This DIY tissue holder is a sweet gesture that they'll surely appreciate.

Mason Jar Tissue Holder from Landeelu

Stress Balls

This is a fun and easy gift to make with kids! They're squishy and colorful, which makes them an excellent gift for kids as well, but they're perfect for adults too. Pair a few of these with a bottle of wine and some homemade bath salts, and you've got the ultimate stress-reducing gift set.

Stress Balls from The Spruce

Crochet Oven Mitt

If you know how to crochet, this gift idea is an excellent option for any occasion. We love the idea of making these for the young adults in your life who've just moved into their first home or apartment.

Faux Boxwood Wreath

Simple and elegant, a boxwood wreath is a beautiful addition to both holiday and everyday decor. This one is faux so that it will last. The DIYer who created this project was able to craft her wreath in 20 minutes for $12!

Easy Faux DIY Boxwood Wreath from Anderson + Grant

Turquoise Inlay Cheese Board

Okay, so this one requires some real woodworking skills, but if you can do it, this beauty is sure to be a head turner at any party.

Turquoise Inlay Cheese Board from The Navage Patch

Mystery Braid Bracelet

A cooler twist on the friendship bracelets you probably made in summer camp as a kid, these braided leather bracelets are the grown-up version.

Mystery Braid Bracelet from A Pumpkin and a Princess

Beeswax Candles

These gorgeous beeswax candles make great holiday or hostess gifts. Unlike some other types of candles, these are super easy to make, too!

Beeswax Candles from Oh Happy Day

Photo Puzzle

Do you know someone who loves puzzles? This DIY allows you to personalize any jigsaw with an image of your choice. Be warned this project requires patience and precision, so it may be a bit too ambitious to try for a 1,000 piece puzzle.

DIY Photo Puzzles from Capturing Joy

Origami Apple

If you want to give a small gift to your child's new teacher at the beginning of the school year, try your hand at making this origami apple. This clever paper folding project is a modern take on the traditional gift.

Candy Gram Birthday Card

This tutorial comes with a free printable template, so creating a candy gram has never been easier! This clever idea for a friend's birthday is sure to crack a (sweet) toothy smile.

Candy Gram Birthday Card from Who Arted?

Wood Salt & Pepper Shakers

Anyone who loves to entertain would appreciate an extra set of salt and pepper shakers. These are minimal and chic, so they'll blend in with almost any tablescape, holiday or not.

Wood Salt & Pepper Shakers from The Merrythought

Key Catchall Plate

We all have that one friend or family member (ditzy cousin, anyone?) who's always losing something. This catchall dish has a clever DIY feature to help you keep track of your house key.

Key Catchall Plate from Brooklyn Limestone

Tea Towel With Fern Print

It's amazing how one little fern leaf can transform an ordinary towel into a modern masterpiece. Some green paint is all you need to stamp your leaf onto a plain linen towel. Go one step further and create a whole set of beautiful stamped linens.

Tea Towel With Fern Print from Ukkonooa

Flower Gift Boxes

The wrapping and presentation can be just as much a part of the gift as the gift itself. Transform an ordinary gift box with a pretty handmade paper flower. These boxes are perfect for gift cards, jewelry, candy, and other small gifts. 

DIY Hostess Apron

While a utilitarian-style apron is better suited for messy and practical tasks like cooking and cleaning, a pretty hostess apron is ideal for entertaining. By the time guests have arrived at the dinner party, they'll know nonetheless that you were wearing anything less than your best the whole time. This is the ideal gift for your friend who loves to throw a good party.

DIY Hostess Apron from Style Me Pretty