I looked through all those "DIY articles" to save you time so you can start making gifts that are actually worth giving. You're welcome. To make the cut, they needed to be relatively cheap, not need a lot of extravagant materials, and not be too time consuming. I also love gifts that are easy to make multiple so you can cross off a few people on your list. Plus, DIY gifts allow you to personalize it for each person! Here are the 7 best DIY gifts I found:
1. Record Bowls
I made these (see above) as gifts last year and they were well received! Step one, go to a thrift store/goodwill. Step two, buy cheap old records. Step three, stick em in the oven atop a glass bowl. Step four, remove from oven and shape. Viola! Fill them up with candies, hot chocolate, K cups, or something else for a cute little gift/holiday care package!
Detailed instructions can be found
2. Cross Stitch
I am so proud of this gift. It took me awhile to make, but that's mostly because I struggle with finishing any kind of project and always wait until the last minute.
Hear me out, cross stitching is surprisingly easy to learn and to do. If I can teach a hyperactive 14 year old boy to cross stitch, you can learn too! You can find cheap patterns on Etsy and even some free ones with a simple google search. Cross stitch TV characters, swear words, quotes, you name it! Also, places like JoAnns have kits that give you everything you need! This does require some planning and time, but you can get it done while watching Netflix, so win-win!
Some great inspiration here.
3. Marble Votives/Shot Glasses
You can buy everything you need for these at the dollar tree. That's my kind of craft. Have a friend who's not good with fire? Put in one of those LED fake candles in!
Find out how here! and here!
4. Chalkboard Mugs/Cheese Plates/Object
Grab some chalkboard paint at your local craft store (or an amazon), grab something cheap (like a mug from the dollar store), and BOOM, you got yourself a cute gift. Plus the paint should be enough for a few objects, so bang out gifts for the whole fam.
Home Depot gives a how-to here.
5. Tea Bag Wreath
I have some friends who love tea almost as much as I love coffee. Almost. This is another great gift if you need to make a few gifts and don't mind giving everyone the same thing. You can customize each with different colors or teas. Plus save some tea for yourself to enjoy on a chilly day.
6. Homemade Booze
No, I'm not suggesting you make your own wine or beer (though I'm also not discouraging this). A great DIY is infused vodka and other boozy creations.
6 great ideas can be found here!
7. Bottle Cap Crafts
So if you don't save bottle caps, now's a great excuse to pick up a 6 pack...or several. I keep bottle caps in a big glass on my bar cart. My hope is to make a side table covered in them. While I've yet to do that, this list of bottle cap ideas has given me motivation to do something with them! Decorate a frame, make jewelry, magnets, ornaments, you name it! Great for the beer lover in your life!
