Unique and thoughtful handmade gift ideas for moms, dads, friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, Secret Santas and more!
Handmade gifts are my favourite gifts to give and receive! I believe nothing is more thoughtful than something that is personally made.
I’ve put together a roundup of 20 easy DIY gift ideas that are fun and easy to make and a pleasure to receive. Whether you’re looking for a DIY gift idea for your best friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, mom or dad, this list has a little something for everyone!
DIY Handmade Gift Ideas
1. Cookie Mix in a Jar
This is one of my favourite handmade gift ideas! Everybody loves cookies, so here’s a delicious DIY gift everyone can enjoy. Simply add all the ingredients of cookie mix layer by layer in a jar. Seal it tight and pretty it up with some fabric and ribbon. Get the cookie recipe over at Bakerella.
Great handmade gift idea for: Secret Santas, foodies, friends, and coworkers.
2. DIY Vintage Teacup Candles

These homemade vintage teacup candles are easy to make, super cute, and perfect for gift giving.
If you haven’t tried making candles before, it’s really so much easier than you’d think! Follow my simple candle tutorial to make your own DIY Vintage Teacup Candle!
Great DIY gift idea for: best friends, girl friends, moms, vintage lovers.
3. Homemade Flavored Vodka

Spread some holiday cheer with some homemade flavoured vodka. This DIY gift idea is always a hit during the holiday season!
Fill some mason jars with vodka and add some fresh fruit. Let it sit for in the fridge and marinate for at a few days to a week. Serve & drink.
Great homemade gift idea for: hostesses/hosts, foodies, and friends.
4. DIY Cinnamon Vanilla Candle

The home decor lovers on your list will love this cinnamon vanilla candle. This homemade candle requires no wax pouring, so this it’s an easy one to do that turns out beautifully! Plus it usually cost under $10 to make! Check out the full tutorial here!
Great handmade DIY gift idea for: home decor lovers, girlfriends, friends, and moms.
5. Hot Chocolate Spoons


This is an all ages treat that’s sweet that is easy to make! Melt chocolate and dip wooden spoons in the melted chocolate, then sprinkle on with your favourite candies and toppings. See more at: Uitpaulineskeuken
Great DIY gift idea for: just about anyone, kids and adults alike!
6. Personalized Cork Coasters

Everyone loves a personalized gift, and this DIY gift idea one where you can get creative. Buy some inexpensive cork coasters and decorate them to your liking.
Use a monogram stencil or doodle special message or quote. All you need is a Sharpie or any permanent marker. Tie them up with a pretty ribbon and a a sprig of cedar or little pinecones, and they’re ready for gift giving! See more at: French Country Cottage.
A great handmade gift idea for: decor lovers, new home owners, friends and family.
7. Pearl Hair Pins

For the ladies on your holiday list, these DIY pearl hair pins are a timeless gift that they’ll love.
These pearl hair pins are much easier to make than you think! Get all full tutorial here: DIY Pearl Hair Pins.
A great DIY gift idea for: sisters, girlfriends, friends,, and moms.
8. Hanging Frame Memory Box

Looking to create a truly personalized memento for something special? This DIY hanging frame memory box is a wonderful decorative keep sake. Learn to make it yourself at Beautiful Inspiring Creative Life.
Great gift idea for: boyfriends, girlfriend, best friends, parents, any one special to you!
9. Teacup Succulent Arrangement

This one is for the plant lovers on your list! This cute DIY project that takes less than 10 minutes to put together costs less than fifteen dollars.
All you need is a teacup set, some small succulents and potting soil. It’s a great gift to bring life to the indoors, especially during the cold winter months.
This is a great DIY gift idea for: coworkers, teachers, Secret Santas, plant and decor lovers.
10. Mango Whipped Body Butter

This is luxurious DIY gift the beauty lovers on your list can appreciate! Homemade body butter is great natural beauty product and perfect for winter dry skin blues. Get all the details here.
This is a great DIY gift idea for: beauty lovers, friends, sisters, and moms.
11. S’mores Kit

This is a sweet gift everyone can appreciate. Simply pack marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate in a pretty package and you’re all set! See more at Jenny Cookies’ website.
A great DIY gift idea for: dads, brothers, Secret Santas, foodies, friends, and just about anyone!
12. Macrame Plant Hanger

Macrame plant hangers are a great way to display plants and are a great handmade gift idea. Follow this easy step by step tutorial to learn to make one for your yourself.
A great handmade gift idea for: decor lovers, plant obsessed, friends, and moms.
13. DIY Goddess Candle

These Venus candles are a stunning gift idea your receiver is sure to love! I love the luxe touch with gold flakes. We all know how pricey these types of candles can be, so check out this tutorial from Beautiful Inspiring Creative Life.
A great DIY gift idea for: home decor lovers, friends and girl friends
14. Peppermint Chocolate Sugar Scrub


Give the gift of self care with wonderful exfoliating body scrub. The best part is its made out of ingredients everyone already has in the kitchen. See more DIY scrubs at: Sugar and Cloth
A great homemade gift idea for: mama friends, girlfriends, friends, moms or anyone that need a little self care time!
15. Floor Cushions

I know I could never have too many pillows. And these floor cushions will have all your home decor friends in swooning! Inspired by Urban Outfitters, learn to make these cute DIY cushion at Beautiful Inspiring Creative Life.
16 . Monograph Soap Dispenser

Everyone loves a personalized gift. And can easily be a soap dispenser or a hand sanitizer dispenser which is great to just have out for holiday gatherings. See how to make this monogram soap dispenser at: The Idea Room.
A great handmade gift idea for: hostesses/hosts, families, friends, and moms.
17. DIY Bath Bombs

There are few things more relaxing than a bath, and you can promote a little self care this season with these DIY bath bombs. Get the Rainbow Sprinkles DIY step-by-step tutorial here.
A great handmade gift idea for: sisters, friends, girlfriends, moms, and any hardworking friends you have.
18. Dog Tug Toy

Many of my friends have adopted dogs this past year. So why not make this cute dog tug toy for them? All you need is a t-shirt, a pair of scissors and tennis ball! See the full tutorial here.
19. DIY Ribbon Bookmarks

Make your own charming handmade bookmarks for your favourite bookworm!
Cut some velvet ribbon into nine-inch lengths and use ribbon clamps the same width as your ribbon for the ends. Finish by attaching charms, trinkets, or vintage earrings to the clamps with jump rings.
A great homemade gift idea for: book lovers, homebodies, moms, dads, and friends
20. Soothing Jasmine Bath Salts

We can all admit the holiday season is stressful, so why not give the gift of relaxation with these homemade soothing jasmine bath salts. Another great DIY from Beautiful Inspiring Creative Life.
A great gift idea for: new moms, girl friends, friends, any one needs a little relaxation in their life.
Have any DIY gift ideas to share?
Link them in the comments below!
More gift guides and handmade gift ideas:
- 10 Homemade Gifts for Mom
- 8 Personalized Gift Ideas That They’ll Love!
- Holiday Gift Ideas for Her
- Christmas Gift Ideas that Will Put You On Everyone’s Nice List
- DIY Rainbow Sprinkles Bath Bombs
- 10 DIY Christmas Ornaments You Can Make In 5 Minutes
- Budget Friendly SHEIN Holiday Shopping Guide
- 20 Decorative Mason Jar Crafts
The article was first published on October 20, 2021, and updated on October 23, 2023, to update broken links.

Lenne Zulkiflly
October 22, 2021These are all brilliant ideas, Eileen! I love that macrame plant hanger. It’s so pretty xx
Eileen
October 22, 2021Thanks Lenne! That’s one of my favourites too!
heather noire
October 21, 2021This is so fun and creative and looks so tasty. Perfect gift to give someone or have at an event. Thanks for sharing this. My birthday was yesterday and it was so much fun. Puts you in the mood to celebrate the festive season.
https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2021/10/trending-now-autumn-suits_21.html
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Eileen
October 22, 2021Happy Belated Birthday Heather! Thanks so much!
Jennifer
October 21, 2021These are all cute ideas!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
Eileen
October 22, 2021Thanks so much Jennifer!