Life
15 Easy DIY Gifts to Make When You Have No Idea What Else To Give Someone
You could go the store-bought route when it comes to buying presents for everyone this year, but I think DIY holiday gifts are the way to go. Allow me to explain. Exchanging gifts during the holidays seems like a great idea when it’s the beginning of November and you’re imagining all of the presents you’ll get to open while sitting around a fire drinking hot chocolate. But fast forward a few weeks to the craziness of December, when the stores are crowded 24/7, your wallet is suspiciously empty, and your mind is suddenly blank on what this person might want to receive, and it no longer seems so great. In fact, it just seems downright inconvenient.
Whether you’re trying to find the perfect gift for a close friend, a family member, a co-worker, or even just a random Secret Santa grab bag, you’ve probably had that moment where you think, “WTF am I supposed to buy this person?” No matter how many stores you go into, every option seems so ridiculous or expensive that you’re left seriously contemplating whether you should just give in and get an impersonal American Express gift card.
But wait! There’s hope, and it comes in the form of DIY gifts. If you’re the kind of person who likes to make presents a little bit more thoughtful, DIY is your best bet. And even if you have no clue what this person might want, these next few options will work. They’re general enough to be something anyone could use, while still being personal enough to make it look like you put a ton of thought into them — and they’re all pretty simple. Check out these 15 DIY gifts for when you have no idea what to give someone.
Lavender Lemon Scrub
Scrubs that smell this wonderful seem so luxurious that anyone will appreciate receiving one — even more so if it’s homemade. And it’s not even difficult!
Image and Tutorial: JulieBlanner.com
All Natural Lemongrass Lavender Sugar Scrub, $26, amazon.com
Nutella Truffles
Everyone loves getting delicious desserts as gifts, especially when those delicious desserts are Nutella truffles. These are so easy to make, but they’re so decadent they seem super impressive. Wrap them up in a pretty box or bag for a cute presentation.
Image and Tutorial: Miss Renaissance
Skinny Leather Bracelet
Who doesn’t love a good arm party? Get crafty with these slim leather bracelets for a female friend. Unique, homemade jewelry is (almost) always better than something generic that everyone else owns.
Image and Tutorial: A Beautiful Mess
Cookie Butter
Cookie butter is arguably the best spreadable food item out there. Anyone would appreciate a jar of this stuff — as long as you don’t eat it all before you give it away.
Image and Tutorial: A Beautiful Mess
Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter (Pack of 2), $17, amazon.com
Travel Jewelry Wrap
Almost every female out there has looked at her jewelry while packing for vacation and wondered, “How am I supposed to pack this without ruining everything?” and then shoved them into a little felt bag, only to open it later to find a mass of tangles. Make things easier for your friend with this sweet travel jewelry wrap.
Image and Tutorial: VitaminiHandmade.com
Tree Slice Ornament
It’s the holidays. What could be more appropriate than a cute ornament? This is a pretty perfect Secret Santa option.
Image and Tutorial: JosieJones.com
Simple Lace Scarf
You don’t have to be an expert at sewing to make this pretty lace scarf for a friend or a Secret Santa bag — you just have to have the basics down. It’s worth it, because you’re left with a unique gift anyone could love.
Image and Tutorial: ABeautifulMess.com
Marbled Clay Ring Dish
Everyone out there could use a small, pretty dish, even if they don’t realize it. They’re useful in so many ways! These marble clay dishes are gorgeous, and look so much more difficult than they actually are.
Image and Tutorial: A Beautiful Mess
Hot Cocoa Mix
This is another perfect Secret Santa option because literally everyone loves hot chocolate. (Right? Please tell me that’s right.) Dress up the jar as a snowman, because why not?
Image and Tutorial: DeliaCreates.com
Gold Leaf Clutch
Make a boring clutch way more interesting by using this gold glue. You’ll be so pleased by the end result that you may even want to keep it for yourself.
Image and Tutorial: VitaminiHandmade.com
Mint Milk Bath
This isn’t a reminder that your friend needs to take a bath. It’s a reminder that your friend needs to take some time to relax with a soothing bath and a glass of wine. Doesn’t that seem like the best gift ever?
Image and Tutorial: JulieBlanner.com
You Are My Sunshine Sign
OK, you definitely don’t have to write “You Are My Sunshine” on this. You can write whatever you want. The point is, people are into quote signs like these for their home, making this a great gift.
Image and Tutorial: JosieJones.com
Christmas Hand Towel
Everyone could use more hand towels in their lives, am I right? Make an appropriate holiday theme, or go for something that can be used year-round.
Image and Tutorial: JulieBlanner.com
Sequin Pillow
This is a sequin pillow. I mean, come on. Who doesn’t want that?
Image and Tutorial: Swiish.com
Sequin Pillow, $9, amazon.com
Copper Candles
Candles are the best. Simple candles that smell good are maybe even better.
Image and Tutorial: TheMerryThought.com
