Giving gifts to loved ones is one of life’s greatest joys. However, between constantly rising prices and busy schedules, finding the time and budget to create thoughtful gifts can be a challenge. Thankfully, with a bit of creativity, many beautiful and decorative presents can be made at home on the cheap.
Introductory Paragraph
Gift-giving is a wonderful way to show appreciation and strengthen bonds with friends and family. Homemade gifts add an extra special touch of thoughtfulness and care. Although nice gifts don’t have to be expensive or store-bought, the pressure of finding affordable yet meaningful gifts can still feel daunting. This guide features 10 DIY gift ideas to craft attractive, decorative presents on a budget. With a small investment of time and supplies, you can create beautiful keepsakes to delight gift recipients. The ideas range from quick and simple to more advanced projects suitable for various skill levels. Follow the step-by-step instructions to make these thrifty homemade delights that look anything but cheap.
Gift Idea #1: Decorative Votives and Candle Holders
Candles make classic, crowd-pleasing gifts. With minimal time and money, you can create customized candle holders that add flair to any space. Consider these quick and easy votive and candle holder ideas:
Painted Glass Votives
Recycle glass jars and bottles into lovely painted votives. Clean and dry previously-used containers thoroughly. Apply a coat of spray paint in any color — try metallic for a glam look. Add interest with patterns using painter’s tape or by “ombré-ing” from light to dark. Finish by dropping in a store-bought votive or LED light.
Supplies needed:
- Glass jars/bottles
- Spray paint
- Painter’s tape (optional)
- Votive candles or fairy lights
Estimated time: 30 mins
Estimated cost: $5
Etched Glass Votives
Create one-of-a-kind etched glass votives with this simple technique. Clean and dry glass jars or vases thoroughly. Tape off any designs with painter’s tape. Spray or brush on etching cream, following package directions. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash off. The exposed glass will now have a frosted look. Finish by adding candles or string lights.
Supplies needed:
- Glass jars/vases
- Painter’s tape
- Etching cream
- Votive candles or fairy lights
Estimated time: 1 hour
Estimated cost: $15
Concrete Candle Holders
Make basic candle holders with concrete in any shape — try recycling yogurt cups, cans, or other cylindrical containers. Clean and dry containers thoroughly. Coat the inside with cooking oil or spray. Mix concrete according to package directions and pour into molds. Let cure 24 hours, then gently remove molds. Decorate with paint, embellishments, or leave plain.
Supplies needed:
- Cylindrical molds (yogurt cups, cans, etc)
- Cooking oil or spray
- Concrete mix
- Acrylic paint or embellishments (optional)
Estimated time: 1 hour, plus 24 hour curing time
Estimated cost: $10
Gift Idea #2: Homemade Food Gifts
Edible gifts made from scratch are a tasty way to show you care. Try these delectable ideas:
Jar Mixes
Make custom dry ingredient mixes in jars for easy baking. Try combinations like cookies, pancakes, breads, and more. Layer ingredients attractively in jars. Print and attach recipes and baking instructions. These thoughtful mixes take the hassle out of baking for the recipient.
Supplies needed:
- Ingredient mixes
- Glass jars
- Recipe and gift tag
Estimated time: 1 hour
Estimated cost: $10
Infused Oils and Vinegars
Flavored oils and vinegars add punch to cooking and make impressive gifts. Try infusing with herbs, garlic, citrus, or peppers. Place ingredients in bottles and cover with oil or vinegar. Allow to infuse for 1-2 weeks, shaking occasionally, then strain. Rebottle, attaching usage tips.
Supplies needed:
- Herbs, spices, fruit, veggies
- Oil or vinegar
- Glass bottles
- Strainer
- Funnel
- Gift tag
Estimated time: 10 mins prep, 1-2 weeks infusing
Estimated cost: $15
Homemade Sweets
Nothing says “I care” like personally prepared baked goods or candy. Get creative with cookies, fudge, brittles, caramels, truffles, or your specialty. Package attractively in tins, boxes, or jars. Include a handwritten note for a heartfelt touch.
Supplies needed:
- Baking and candy-making ingredients
- Packaging supplies
- Gift tag/note
Estimated time: Varies by recipe
Estimated cost: $20
Gift Idea #3: Personalized Home Décor
Make someone’s home extra special with these custom DIY décor projects:
Photo Coasters
Preserve cherished memories and protect surfaces with personalized coasters. Print out 4×4″ photos, crop to fit a 3.5″ ceramic tile, and adhere with a glue stick. Apply several coats of clear acrylic sealer, allowing drying between coats. Finish by attaching felt pads to the bottom.
Supplies needed:
- Ceramic tiles
- Printed photos
- Glue stick
- Acrylic sealer
- Felt pads
Estimated time: 1 hour
Estimated cost: $15
Paint Chip Art
Create budget-friendly abstract art using paint chip samples. Arrange paint chips on canvas in an aesthetically pleasing pattern and adhere. Coat with clear acrylic sealer for a glossy look. Finish by framing or displaying as-is.
Supplies needed:
- Canvas or wood panel
- Paint chips
- Craft glue or mod podge
- Acrylic sealer (optional)
- Frame (optional)
Estimated time: 30 mins
Estimated cost: $5
Framed Fabric
Make basic artwork with fabric remnants. Wrap and adhere fabric around cardboard or canvas. Insert into a ready-made frame. Get creative with patterns, textures, layering fabrics, embroidery, or adding appliques. This thrifty art looks high-end.
Supplies needed:
- Fabric scraps
- Cardboard or canvas
- Craft glue
- Photo frame
Estimated time: 30 mins
Estimated cost: $10
Gift Idea #4: Homemade Bath and Body Products
Pamper loved ones with relaxing self-care products you crafted yourself. Consider making:
Sugar or Salt Scrubs
Exfoliate and moisturize with these spa-like skincare treats. Mix 1 part oil (almond, olive, coconut) with 2 parts sugar or salt. Add essential oils or extracts for fragrance if desired. Package in jars or tubes with pretty labels.
Supplies needed:
- Sugar or salt
- Carrier oil
- Essential oils or extracts (optional)
- Jars or tubes
- Labels
Estimated time: 30 mins
Estimated cost: $10
Bath Bombs
These fizzy, colorful bath bombs make tub time extra fun. Mix 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid, 1/2 cup cornstarch, and optional Epsom salts. Slowly spritz with witch hazel while mixing. Add several drops essential oil for scent. Pack tightly in molds and let dry completely before unmolding.
Supplies needed:
- Baking soda
- Citric acid
- Cornstarch
- Epsom salts (optional)
- Witch hazel
- Essential oils
- Mold
Estimated time: 1 hour
Estimated cost: $20
Body Butter
Whip up ultra-hydrating body butter with just a few ingredients. Cream together 1 part each coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil. Add optional beeswax for thickness. Mix in essential oils for scent. Allow to cool fully before packaging in jars.
Supplies needed:
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Olive oil
- Beeswax (optional)
- Essential oils (optional)
- Jars
Estimated time: 30 mins
Estimated cost: $15
Gift Idea #5: Handmade Jewelry
Create on-trend jewelry pieces without blowing your budget. Consider making:
Beaded Bracelets
String together assorted beads in fun color combinations for minimalist-chic bracelets. Opt for wood, stone, glass, or porcelain beads. Finish by knotting ends and adding a clasp.
Supplies needed:
- Beads
- Jewelry cord
- Clasps
Estimated time: 30 mins
Estimated cost: $10
Tassel Earrings
Bright tassels make a playful pair of handmade earrings. Wrap embroidery floss around a piece of cardboard several times. Tie one end to create loops. Cut the other to form tassels. Attach findings.
Supplies needed:
- Embroidery floss
- Cardboard
- Earring hooks or posts
Estimated time: 15 mins
Estimated cost: $3
Jewelry from Hardware
Upcycle nuts, bolts, and washers into edgy jewelry pieces. Deconstruct large washers into rings. Use nuts and bolts as-is or spray paint them for extra flair. Attach jewelry findings to create necklaces, earrings, and more.
Supplies needed:
- Nuts, bolts, washers
- Jewelry findings
- Spray paint (optional)
Estimated time: 30 mins
Estimated cost: $5
Gift Idea #6: Handmade Cards and Stationery
Make simple DIY paper goods full of personality.
Embossed Cards
Create elegant letterpressed cards using common household items. Place a doily or other design between cardstock and wax paper. Run through a laminator, iron on medium heat, or rub vigorously with a spoon to transfer the design.
Supplies needed:
- Cardstock
- Doilies or other designs
- Wax paper
- Laminator, iron, or spoon
Estimated time: 15 mins
Estimated cost: $5
Folded Paper Flowers
Make a bouquet that will never wilt. Fold and glue paper, crepe, or tissue paper using origami techniques to create roses, tulips, and other blooms. Group into mini bundles and tie with ribbon.
Supplies needed:
- Assorted papers
- Glue
- Ribbon
Estimated time: 30 mins
Estimated cost: $5
Hand-Lettered Notes
Pen heartfelt messages with hand lettering. Practice basic brush lettering or calligraphy styles. Use markers, brush pens, or even fountain pens and ink to create greeting cards, thank you notes, and other custom stationery.
Supplies needed:
- Nice paper
- Lettering pens
- Envelopes
Estimated time: Varies
Estimated cost: $15
Gift Idea #7: Handmade Bags and Accessories
Stitch cute totes, pouches, and other carryalls for loved ones. Try making:
Simple Tote Bag
Sew a basic tote bag from cotton or canvas fabric. Cut two rectangles the same size and sew together along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open. Finish by turning right side out and adding straps or a handle.
Supplies needed:
- Cotton or canvas fabric
- Thread
- Straps or handle
Estimated time: 1 hour
Estimated cost: $10
No-Sew Scarf
Wrap gifts in a stylish homemade scarf. Cut long strips from woven fabric. Finish raw edges with fabric glue. Attach fringe as desired.
Supplies needed:
- Woven fabric
- Fabric glue
- Fringe (optional)
Estimated time: 15 mins
Estimated cost: $5
Fabric Pouches
Fold fabric into rectangles and sew sides, leaving the top open. Finish by turning right side out. Use to hold small items or give as a bonus gift.
Supplies needed:
- Fabric
- Thread or sewing machine
Estimated time: 15 mins
Estimated cost: $2
Gift Idea #8: Sentimental Homemade Gifts
Make gifts from the heart that showcase your one-of-a-kind creativity.
Photo Transfer Ornament
Mod podge a printed photo onto glass ornaments for a custom decoration. Print out photos and cut to fit ornament shape. Adhere photo to inside of ornament using decoupage or clear glue.
Supplies needed:
- Glass ornaments
- Printed photos
- Mod podge or glue
Estimated time: 30 mins
Estimated cost: $10
Handprint Cement Crafts
Preserve child or pet handprints with this lasting gift idea. Press hands into wet cement in a mold. Allow to fully cure and dry per cement instructions. Paint or decorate if desired. Consider embedding in a picture frame.
Supplies needed:
- Cement
- Mold
- Acrylic paint (optional)
Estimated time: 30 mins + curing time
Estimated cost: $10
Recipe Book
Type up favorite family recipes to gift in a binder or printed booklet. Include special memories and photos for extra personalization. This heartfelt gift will become an heirloom.
Supplies needed:
- Recipes
- Nice paper
- Binders or printing
Estimated time: 2 hours
Estimated cost: $20
Gift Idea #9: Upcycled Gifts
Breathe new life into discarded items by reinventing them as one-of-a-kind gifts.
Silverware Wind Chimes
Craft musical wind chimes from old cutlery. Drill holes in handles of vintage spoons, forks, and knives. Connect using jump rings between each piece and tie the end to a dowel. Hang outside to add whimsical sound to porches, patios, and gardens.
Supplies needed:
- Vintage silverware
- Jump rings
- Dowel
- String
Estimated time: 30 mins
Estimated cost: $5
Repurposed Lighting
Turn lighting fixtures like lamps or hanging lights into unique gifts with a simple makeover. Consider refreshing with spray paint or wrapping the base in rope or burlap. Rewire if needed. Add personality with tassels, fringes, or hardware.
Supplies needed:
- Old lamps or light fixtures
- Spray paint, rope, burlap, etc.
- Hardware and embellishments
Estimated time: 1 hour
Estimated cost: $20
Picture Frame Calendar
Upcycle old frames into custom perpetual calendars. Print out or hand draw a monthly calendar and place behind the glass. Gift to friends or family to keep on a desk or hang on the wall.
Supplies needed:
- Picture frame
- Calendar pages
Estimated time: 30 mins
Estimated cost: $5
Gift Idea #10: Experience Gifts
Give the gift of time and memories by gifting shared experiences.
Couples Cooking Class
Surprise foodie friends with enrollment in a new cooking class for two. Check schedules to find a workable date, then book and prepay for a class in their cuisine of choice—Italian, sushi-making, pastry techniques and more. Present the details in a cute DIY gift certificate envelope.
Estimated cost: $150
Annual Park Pass
For the nature-lover, give an annual parks pass providing unlimited access to national, state, or local public lands and recreation areas. Check your state’s park options—some have passes under $100. Package with a custom map of their favorite hiking trails.
Estimated cost: $50-100
Museum Membership
Treat art aficionados to a year-long membership or season tickets to a local museum or cultural institution. Membership perks may include free admission, guest passes, discounts, and invites to member events. Give them a memorable day using the passes.
Estimated cost: $50-150
Wine and Paint Night
Book spots at an instructional paint-and-sip class for an afternoon of creativity and conversation—no skills needed! Give giftee first choice on the class theme and time. Offer to drive or join them for an extra fun memory.
Estimated cost: $30 per person
Conclusion
Finding special but inexpensive gifts for loved ones can feel daunting when money is tight. However, homemade gifts allow you to give from the heart on any budget. With minimal investment and a dash of creativity, the gift ideas in this guide can help you craft beautiful, decorative presents that look and feel luxurious. Show how much you care through the art of homemade gift-giving. From foodie favorites to sentimental mementos, you can create gifts as unique as your relationship. Follow the instructions to make gifts tailored to your favorite people and budgets. The thought and care you put into homemade gifts will make them treasured for years to come. With this guide, gift-giving is made simple, thrifty, and still completely heartfelt.
