Giving handmade gifts is a special way to show you care. Handmade gifts are unique ad often one-of-a-kind. I love giving and receiving DIY gifts, but I’m a busy mom on a budget, so I need frugal and easy DIY gift ideas. I’ve collected over 80 easy DIY gift ideas that you really can make and be proud to give as gifts. There’s something for everyone on your gift list.
Short on Time? Start Here
If your December is already full, start with these. They’re the quickest gifts in this guide, each about 15 minutes or less, and most cost a dollar or two. One finished gift makes the rest of your list feel a lot more doable.
About 10 Minutes
- Easy Repurposed Jar Vase: under $1. An earth-friendly gift that’s charming filled with fresh flowers.
- DIY Snowflake Votive: under $2. A cute addition to a gift basket for coworkers, neighbors, or friends.
- DIY Cake Plate Stand: under $4, 10 minutes active time. Festive on its own or paired with a homemade baked gift.
- Repurposed Pants Wine Bag: under $5. A one-of-a-kind gift bag for a bottle of wine.
About 15 Minutes
- Personalized Christmas Tree Ornaments: under $3, 15 minutes active time. A sophisticated gift that’s easy for beginning crafters.
- Easy DIY Notepad: under $2. Sweet stocking stuffers or gifts for coworkers and neighbors.
- Captain America Notebook: under $2, 15 minutes active time. A fun stocking stuffer or a partner for a gift card.
- DIY Laundry Bag: under $10. An easy-to-sew gift for college students and travelers.
Have a little more time or want more ideas? Keep scrolling. The ideas below are sorted by who you’re making them for.
DIY Christmas Gifts
What Are Do It Yourself Gift Ideas?
- DIY gift ideas are a meaningful way to show someone you care. You can personalize the gift and the effort you’ve put into making the gift is invaluable. For those on a budget, DIY gifts are often budget friendly.
- A DIY Monogram Mug
- A Handmade Kawaii Pillow
- A DIY Gift Card Envelope for Sports Fans
- DIY Personalized Christmas ornaments
- Homemade Spicy Pecans
- Handmade Superhero Coasters
- DIY LEGO Head Storage Bin
- Handmade Felt Bookmarks
- Homemade Sweet Bread
- Upcycled Rice Heat Packs
- DIY Fashion Gifts
- DIY Gifts Using a Sharpie Pen
DIY Christmas Gifts
These DIY Christmas gift ideas are broken out into categories to make it easy to find the perfect easy-to-make DIY gift for everyone on your list.
For each easy DIY gift idea you’ll find the approximate cost and the approximate amount of time it takes to make the gift.
DIY Christmas Gifts with a Christmas Theme
DIY Holiday Cake Plate Stand – under $4 – 10 minutes active time – A fun and festive gift that is perfect alone or in addition to a homemade baked gift.
DIY Snowflake Votive – under $3 – 10 minutes – A cute gift that is ideal in a gift basket for coworkers, neighbors or friends.
Personalized Christmas Tree Ornaments – under $3 – 15 minutes active time – A sophisticated gift that is easy to make for novice crafters.
Easy DIY Ornaments – under $3 – 15 minutes – Make these smaller personalized ornaments for larger groups, like coworkers, every member of a family, neighbors and so on.
Christmas Decor from Repurposed Game Blocks – under $4 – 20 minutes -This is a charming gift that is perfect for those with basic crafting skills.
Upcycled Book Page Christmas Wreath – under $4 – 30 minutes – Make a sophisticated Christmas decoration from upcycled materials.
Christmas Pillow Slipcover – under $10 – 20 minutes – An easy-to-sew gift for coworkers, neighbors and friends.
Easy to Personalize DIY Christmas Gifts
Easy Sharpie Dot Mug – under $2 – 30 minutes – Personalize to make the perfect gift for anyone on your list.
Easy Sharpie Dot Mug – under $5 – 30 minutes – Personalize to make the perfect gift for anyone on your list.
DIY Personalized Gift – under $5 – 20 minutes – A personalized gift that is lovely and useful.
DIY Air Force Keepsake Box – under $2 – 30 minutes active time – Make a one-of-a-kind gift for the veteran on your gift list.
Personalized Repurposed Tin Can – under $2 – 20 minutes active time – Make this personalized gift as a stand-alone gift or to hold homemade baked goods.
Easy-to-Make Flannel Blankets – under $15 – 30 minutes – Beginner sewing project and unique gifts that you can personalize to the recipient’s interests.
Personalized Cloth Napkins – under $7 – 20 minutes – Personalize these fun napkins in the choice of fabric. This is a beginning sewing level craft.
Giant Clothes Pin Gift Idea – under $5 – 20 minutes – Choose craft paper and stickers to personalize this gift. It’s perfect for beginning crafters.
For the Home
Japanese Tie Dye Shibori Napkins – under $10 – 1 hour – Beautifully modern decor that makes a great gift for many situations
DIY Muffin Pillow with Free Pattern – under $20 – under 1 1/2 hours – A cuddly and cheerful gift for kids from 1 to 99.
Easy to Make DIY Lavender Linen Spray – under $12 – under 15 minutes – A quick and easy recipe for Lavender Linen Spray to freshen up linens & room.
Kool-Aid Dyed Yarn DIY Plant Pots – Under $5 – 3 hours active time – A fun, creative gift for moms, friends, teachers, neighbors and coworkers.
DIY Tie-Dyed Dish Towels – under $6 – 1 hour active time – Unique and cheerful gifts for teachers, coworkers, friends, neighbors and more.
Easy Sharpie Dot Mug – under $3 – 30 minutes – Personalize to make the perfect gift for anyone on your list.
DIY Personalized Gift – under $5 – 20 minutes – A personalized gift that is lovely and useful.
Sharpie Dotted Cup – under $1 – 30 minutes – A charming handmade gift that’s perfect for almost anyone.
Stencil Glitter Decorated Flower Pot – under $1 – 20 minutes – A cute gift that is perfect for coworkers, neighbors or teachers.
How to Add an Image to a Candle – Easy Tutorial – under $8 – 20 minutes – Create personalized gifts with this truly simple tutorial.
Easy Repurposed Jar Vase – under $1 – 10 minutes – An earth-friendly gift that is charming when filled with fresh flowers.
Big Bang Theory Sheldon’s Bazinga! Pencil Cup – under $3 – 20 minutes – A smart and useful gift for the science, Big Bang Theory and pop culture fans.
Necklaces Organizer DIY Repurposed Craft – under $5 – 20 minutes active time – The perfect gift for anyone who loves fashion and necklaces.
Repurposed Cocoa Cans – under $3 – 20 minutes active – Sophisticated and earth-friendly organizing decor.
DIY Cake Plate Stand – under $5 – 10 minutes active time – A fun and festive gift that is perfect alone or in addition to a homemade baked gift.
Upcycled Skirt Throw Pillow – under $15 – 20 minutes – An earth-friendly and beautiful gift.
Personalized Cloth Napkins – under $5 – 20 minutes – Personalize these fun napkins in the choice of fabric. This is a beginning sewing level craft.
Personalized Cloth Napkins – under $5 – 20 minutes – Personalize these fun napkins in the choice of fabric. This is a beginning sewing level craft.
Book and Planner Ideas
DIY Pen Strap for Bullet Journals and Planners – under $2 – 30 minutes – An easy-to-make elastic strap to hold pens and keep a bullet journal or planner shut.
DIY Pen Strap for Bullet Journals and Planners – under $5 – 30 minutes – An easy-to-make elastic strap to hold pens and keep a bullet journal or planner shut.
DIY Character Bookmark – under $5 = 30 minutes – Make an adorable bookmark that readers will love
![Tips to encourage after-school reading and an easy tutorial to make a fun bookmark. #Back2SchoolReady [ad]](https://organized31.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DIY-Bookmark-Encourage-Reading1.jpg)
Farm Animal Book Hugger Bookmarks – under $5 – 30 minutes – A fun gift for your favorite reader.
Felt Flower Book Hugger Bookmarks -under $5 – 30 minutes – A lovely gift for the reader on your list.
Upcycled Book Page Christmas Wreath – under $4 – 30 minutes – Make a sophisticated Christmas decoration from upcycled materials.
Superhero and Comic Book Gift Ideas
DIY Avengers Clipboard – under $8 – 20 minutes active time – The comic book and superhero fans will cheer for this one-of-a-kind gift.
Upcycled Comic Book Can – under $2 – 30 minutes – A creative and fun gift for comic book and superhero fans.
Superhero Coasters – Under $10 – 30 minutes – A fun gift for the comic book, pop culture and superhero fan on your gift list.
DIY Superhero Repurposed Blocks – under $1 – 45 minutes active time – Simple-to-make hand-painted gifts for the superhero fan.
Captain America Notebook – under $1 – 15 minutes active time – A great stocking stuffer or gift to accompany a gift card.
DIY Rocket Racoon Bag – under $7 – 1 hour – A fun gift bag and organizing gift for the Guardians of the Galaxy or superhero fan.
DIY Superhero Repurposed Blocks – under $6 – 30 minutes active time A fun DIY project to decorate Jenga game blocks.
Upcycled Comic Book Clementine Crate – under $1 – 20 minutes active time – A fun way to organize craft books and other items using an upcycled crate.
Homemade Food DIY Christmas Gifts
Edible Wizard Crafts – under $5 – 30 minutes – Fun, creative edible gifts for the Harry Potter or fantasy genre lovers on your list.
Chili Mixed Nuts Recipe – under $5 – 35 minutes plus cooling – A flavorful, but not too spicy mixed nut treat.
Warm Seasoned Pecans – under $8 – 40 minutes plus cooling – Mildly spicy pecans that are so good that they’re almost addictive.
Easy Protein Zucchini Bread – under $5 – 65 minutes plus cooling – A hearty and flavorful bread that is always a hit.
Gingerbread Loaf Bread – under $5 – 70 minutes plus cooling – A delicious holiday bread with a very subtle ginger flavor.
General DIY Christmas Gifts
How to Make Homemade Glycerin Soap – under $8 – 40 minutes active time – A handmade unique beauty gift.
![How to Make Homemade Glycerin Soap using repurposed packaging molds and Hydrate Winter Skin #WetSkinMoisturizer [ad]](https://organized31.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/How-to-Make-Homemade-Glycerin-Soap-sq.jpg)
Movie Tickets Gift – under $4 plus movie tickets – 20 minutes – A fun way to present movie tickets as a gift.
Giant Clothespin Gift Idea – under $2 – 10 minutes active time – A great gift for teachers, classmates, coworkers and friends.
Easy DIY Notepad – under $2 – 15 minutes – Make these cute gifts as stocking stuffers or for coworkers and neighbors.
Small Gift Idea – under $4 – 15 minutes – Cute small gifts that are ideal for stocking stuffers and gifts to accompany a gift card.
Big Bang Theory Sheldon’s Travel Log – under $1 – 15 minutes active time – Perfect for the Big Bang Theory or pop culture fan.
DIY Football Fan Gift Envelope – under $1 – 20 minutes – A perfect way to gift cash or a gift card to the football fan.
Upcycled Cup Sleeve – under $3 – 10 minutes – An earth-friendly gift for coffee lovers. Perfect to accompany a coffee gift card.
DIY Repurposed Can Lego Head – under $2 – 20 minutes – An easy-to-make gift for the LEGO fan.
Check out these 30+ Creative Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas, 15 Upcycled Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas and Creative Christmas Gift Wrapping Bows and More!
For Kids to Make
DIY Tie Dye Shoes – under $10 – 45 minutes active time – A fun creatively fashionable gift.
DIY Tie Dye Shoes – under $20 = 45 minutes active time – A fun creatively fashionable gift.
Easy DIY Ornaments – under $2 – 20 minutes – Personalized gifts that are both relaxing and fun to make.
Teacher
Teacher Appreciation Gifts – under $2 plus candy – 20 minutes – A creative way to gift candy to your favorite teacher.
![Make personalized DIY Teacher Appreciation Gifts tonight in just minutes. | Organized 31 [sponsored]](https://organized31.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DIY-Teacher-Appreciation-Gifts-sq1.jpg)
DIY Football Fan Gift Envelope – under $1 – 15 minutes – A perfect way to gift cash or a gift card to the football fan.
Fashion
Decorated Ladies Winter Gloves – under $6 – 20 minutes – Unique gloves that are easy to make.
Decorated Flip Flops – under $7 – 30 minutes – A great gift in a foot care gift basket.
Fabric Headband for Women – under $5 – 20 minutes – An easy-to-sew gift for a stocking stuffer or as part of hair or face care gift basket.
![Make an easy DIY fabric headband as part of college care package ideas for women to go with a pampering care package. #FiercelyCleanPores [ad]](https://organized31.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DIY-Fabric-Headband.jpg)
Repurposed Sweater Mittens – under $5 – 30 minutes – An earth-friendly gift that is fun and fashionable.
Tee into Upcycled Skirt – under $5 – 45 minutes – This earth-friendly skirt is a fun and easy-to-sew gift.
Easy to Sew
DIY Rice Heat Packs – under $5 – 20 minutes – An easy-to-sew gift that is perfect for grandparents, parents, friends and coworkers.
DIY Rice Heating Pads – under $5 – 20 minutes – An easy-to-make heating pad for aches and pains or to keep your feet warm in the winter.
Pillow Sham Pattern – under $8 – 30 minutes – An easy-to-sew gift that can be personalized.
Pamper Your Senior Dog with a DIY Hooded Towel – under $15 – 15 minutes – Beginner sewing project for the dog lover on your list.
DIY Dungeons and Dragons Drawstring Bag – under $1 – 15 minutes – A beginner’s sewing project that makes a fun gift for the fantasy fan on your gift list.
DIY Dog Poop Bag Holder – under $3 – 20 minutes – An easy-to-sew gift for the dog lover.
Christmas Pillow Slipcover – under $5 – 20 minutes – An easy-to-sew gift for coworkers, neighbors and friends.
DIY Laundry Bag – under $7 – 15 minutes – An easy-to-sew gift for college students and travelers.
Upcycled Skirt to Zippered Pouch – under $5 – 30 minutes – Perfect gift on it’s own or as part of a gift basket.
Repurposed Cloth Napkin Boxes – under $5 – 30 minutes – Great gift for friends and family.
Repurposed Pants Wine Bag – under $5 – 10 minutes – A fun one-of-a-kind gift bag for a bottle of wine.
Tee into Upcycled Skirt – under $3 – This earth-friendly skirt is a fun and easy-to-sew gift.
Easy to Crochet
Easy Houndstooth Crochet Pattern Scarf – under $15 – 2+ hours depending on skill – A beautiful gift that’s perfect for anyone on your gift list.
Crochet Shower Pouf – Perfect as part of a pampering gift basket.
Easy Crocheted Square Basket – A great gift filled with treats or as the basket of a gift basket.
Crochet Casserole Cozy – A charming gift for anyone who loves to entertain.
Easy Crochet Basket – A great gift on it’s own or as the basket of a gift basket.
DIY Christmas Gifts FAQ
Start with projects that need no special skills, like the Easy Sharpie Dot Mug, the DIY Snowflake Votive, or the Easy Repurposed Jar Vase. Each one takes about 30 minutes or less. If you’d like to try sewing, the Easy-to-Make Flannel Blankets are a great first project.
Many of the gifts in this guide cost under $1 to make, including the DIY Snowflake Votive, the Easy DIY Notepad, the Upcycled Comic Book Can, and the DIY Football Fan Gift Envelope. Upcycled projects keep costs low because they reuse things you already have, like tin cans, sweaters, and skirts.
Choose small gifts you can make in batches. DIY Lavender Linen Spray is easy to quicly make in mulitples. The Easy DIY Ornaments are designed for larger groups like coworkers and neighbors. The Easy DIY Notepad and the DIY Snowflake Votive also work well tucked into small gift baskets.
The “For Kids to Make” section above has ideas kids can help with, including Wooden Clothespin Crafts, Easy DIY Decorated Clothespins, and Kool-Aid Dyed Yarn DIY Plant Pots. These make lovely gifts for grandparents, teachers, and caregivers.
Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need, especially for sewing and crochet projects. Non-food gifts can be made weeks ahead and set aside. Save homemade food gifts, like the Warm Seasoned Pecans or Gingerbread Loaf Bread, for the last week or two so they’re fresh when you give them.
Thoughtful wrapping makes any handmade gift feel finished. Browse these 30+ Creative Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas and 15 Upcycled Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas. If you’re mailing baked goods, these tips on how to package brownies for shipping will help them arrive in one piece.