20 Creative DIY Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Whether for a holiday, birthday, anniversary, or any other day, giving your loved ones a gift is a nice gesture to let them know you care. While store-bought gifts are lovely, they don’t have the same thoughtfulness as DIY gifts.

You can customize personalized DIY to suit the recipient’s personality and interests, making the gift as unique as the recipient. Not only are these gift options meaningful, they can be cost-effective and fun to make, giving you a newfound hobby.

If you want to give someone you know a beautiful DIY gift but don’t know where to start, don’t panic. We’ve compiled a list of the most popular DIY gifts that are sure to be loved by anyone.

1. Custom DIY photo book

A custom DIY photo book is an easy gift for almost anyone in your life. If this is a new project for you, start by learning some basic tips for creating a photo book, like how to organize photos and what to look out for when proofing.

Mixbook Studio makes this DIY project a cinch—just select and upload your favorite photos, choose a book type and theme that speaks to your recipient, organize your pictures and add optional content, proofread your work, and voilà—your album is ready to purchase.

With Mixbook Studio’s user-friendly collaboration option, you can send friends and family members an email invitation to add photos and pages directly to the photo book.

2. DIY essential oil roller blends

DIY essential oil roller blends are a practical and thoughtful gift. Not only does the roller bottle make on-the-go use simple, but there are endless customization options for your recipient’s needs, wants, or overall personality. For this project, you’ll need roller bottles, a carrier oil (like olive, sesame, or grapeseed), and dropper pipettes.

Choose your carrier oil and essential oil blend. Determine the ratio of carrier oil to the essential oil blend you’ll use (though a good starting point is ten drops of essential oil to 10 ml of carrier oil). With your dropper pipette, add your carrier oil to the roller bottle, then add the essential oils to the bottle with the dropper pipette. Roll or shake the roller bottle to mix the solution, and label.

3. Crochet thermal potholder

Potholders are an everyday kitchen staple—why not turn something typically mundane into something personal? Crochet thermal potholders are durable and customizable with unique patterns and colors, making them a perfect gift for just about anyone.

For this project, you’ll need a needle and thread, yarn, and a crochet hook. Create the base of the potholder, crochet the rows until you’ve hit the desired size, close the potholder, and weave in any loose ends.

4. DIY herb garden kit

For the chef in your life, consider making a DIY herb garden kit filled with various herbs to spice up their life. Nothing beats the taste of homegrown herbs, and with some basic garden tools, small planters, potting mix, and herb seeds, you can make your recipient a special personalized DIY gift.

Fill planters with potting mix, plant the seeds according to the package, and water thoroughly. Label to tell your recipient what is planted, and decorate (if desired) for a festive touch.

5. Personalized jewelry dish

When thinking about DIY gifts for Mom, a personalized jewelry dish is a winning idea. It’s incredibly useful and a great way to say “I’m thinking of you” than with something so meaningful—you can add a special date or message to make it personal.

For this DIY project, you’ll need a ceramic or porcelain dish, paint markers or acrylic paints, brushes (only if using acrylic paints), and a clear sealant. After ensuring your dish is clean, choose the design you want to add and add it with either paint markers or acrylic paints. Let dry completely, and apply a sealant to protect the paint from chipping off.

6. Microwavable neck warmer

Perfect for the one that is always cold in your life, a microwavable neck warmer is a simple DIY gift to make and give. These cozy and versatile warmers are perfect for chilly nights and mornings, and your recipient will surely say “thank you” for it.

You’ll need fabric (plush, fleece, or cotton), rice, needle, and thread. Cut fabric into two rectangles, 12 inches by 8 inches. Sew along three sides, fill with rice, and close the opening. Microwave for 30 seconds and enjoy the warmth.

7. Laser-engraved wooden serving tray

If you’re a DIY pro and want to showcase your skills, consider gifting a laser-engraved wooden serving tray. These can be used in many ways, from serving a meal to displaying your favorite decorative items.

For this, you’ll need a wooden serving tray, a laser engraving machine, design software like Adobe Illustrator, wood finishing (like stain or varnish), and masking tape.

First, create your engraving pattern using your design software. Clean your tray and apply masking tape to the areas you want to protect from the laser. Load the tray into the laser engraving machine and start the process. Once done, remove the masking tape and apply a finishing coat to protect the wood.

8. Hand-stamped jewelry

Want to give homemade gifts that will truly make a statement? Try DIY hand-stamped jewelry, perfect for any holiday, anniversary, or as a “just because gift.” You don’t need to be a master jeweler to craft such a thoughtful gift—you’ll just need:

• Metal stamping blanks
• Metal stamping hammers and punches
• Jewelry tools like pliers and wire cutters
• Jewelry findings like chains and clasps

After cleaning and polishing the metal blank, place the punch where you want the stamping to show. Strike the punch with the metal stamping hammer, and attach your jewelry findings to finish the piece.

9. Aromatherapy candles

There's no better way to show appreciation to loved ones than with a DIY aromatherapy candle. These unique gifts can help reduce stress and promote mood enhancement—plus, they’re beautiful home decor centerpieces.

You’ll need soy wax, wicks, essential oils, a saucepan, candle containers (glass works best), and something to stir with. Melt the wax in the saucepan, add your essential oils, insert the wicks into the containers, pour, and let cool. Decorate for your favorite recipient and let them light up their day.

10. Homemade bath bombs

Baths aren’t just for kiddos—adults love to soak in the soothing comfort of a hot bath at the end of a long day. Homemade bath bombs are fun, unique, and, best of all, soothing. Combine baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, and cornstarch, mixing well. Slowly add a few drops of water to your dry ingredients—you’re aiming for a sand-like feel and consistency.

To personalize these, add colors or essential oils, making sure to stir well. Pack the mixture into your bath bomb mold and let dry for at least 24 hours.

11. Customized coffee mug

Do you know someone who can’t start their day without a big caffeine boost? One of the essential homemade gifts made easy, a customized coffee mug just makes sense for the java-lover in your life. They’ll be sure to think of you every time they reach for a wake-me-up, and because they are highly customizable, you can personalize it for just about anyone.

You’ll need to clean a plain ceramic mug and apply your chosen design using paint markers or acrylic paints. Be sure to let it dry thoroughly and apply a sealant to protect your creation. Give it as a gift during the holiday season or as a just-dropping-by gift to wake up your recipient.

12. DIY macramé plant hanger

Indoor plants help improve air quality—for the green-thumbed person in your life, why not gift something beautiful to showcase their precious greenery? Not only is the gift practical, but it’s also highly customizable, with different colors and knot patterns.

Before getting started, gather a macramé cord, a sturdy base, scissors, and measuring tape. After creating a basic macramé knot, you’ll want to attach the macramé cord to your base. Then, you can start creating the plant hanger's body using various knotting techniques. Once you’ve reached the perfect length, tie off the cord and gift it to your recipient.

13. Personalized recipe book

Personalized recipe books are the perfect DIY Christmas gifts for the home cook or aspiring professional chef in your life. Gather up some of their most-cooked recipes (or choose some of your favorites to share), select your layout, and start designing your gift—it’s that easy.

Creating the narrative ahead of time can help you make this gift thoughtful and personal. Is your recipient a grill master? If so, create a recipe book around grilled entrees, sides, and desserts. Know someone who’s on a special diet? This is the time to show them some new meal ideas.

14. Homemade spice blend

If you’re wondering what to gift a food enthusiast, consider a homemade spice blend to give their food some zest and zing. These homemade Christmas gifts are practical and valuable—your recipient can often use this blend while cooking.

After choosing the spices you want to include in your blend, grind them with a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until very fine. Combine your spices in a jar or container, ensuring you mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly. Label the jar with its contents and be ready for your recipient to spend time perfecting their recipes with their new favorite cooking blend.

15. Personalized wine stoppers

If you are searching for a personalized gift for your wife, look no further. Personalized wine stoppers are not only functional for the avid wine-lover in your life but are durable and memorable—one look at it, and she’ll be sure to think of you and smile.

You’ll need wine stoppers, paint markers or acrylic paints, a clear sealant, and a brush if using acrylic paint. After cleaning the wine stopper, decide what personalization you’ll apply. Use either paint markers or acrylic paint with a brush to write or draw your message, let dry, and apply a sealant.

16. DIY terrarium kit

If you know someone who loves plants but doesn’t necessarily love taking care of them, a DIY terrarium kit is a beautiful gift. These mini-ecosystems need minimal maintenance and can be personalized with the recipient’s favorite plants and decorative elements.

Start with a clean glass container and add a layer of pebbles or gravel. Sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal on top of the pebbles, then fill with potting mix, leaving room at the top. Place the plants in the soil and add any decorative elements.

17. DIY leather keychain

What DIY gifts do you give the person who seems to have everything they could want? One of the top DIY anniversary gifts is a leather keychain, which is both durable and functional—after all, keychains are often used daily.

To make this gift, you’ll need a leather strip, keyring, hole punch, scissors, and decorative elements like stamping tools or paint markers. Measure and cut the length of the leather strip, punch a hole at one end and attach the keyring. Decorate with stamping, a special date, or initials, and give to your favorite recipient.

18. Handmade pet bandana

Who says that DIY gifts are only for people? There are plenty of gifts for pet parents—gift your pet the pawfect gift with a handmade pet bandana this season. Gather up some fabric (cotton or flannel usually works best), scissors, your sewing machine or needle and thread, and some measuring tape.

Start by measuring the circumference of your pet's neck and cut a square piece of fabric. The sides should be slightly longer than the neck measurement. Fold to make a triangle, then fold the top corner of the triangle down towards the base. This will be the tie.

Sew the sides of the triangle, leaving the top open. Trim the corners to make your desired shape, and fold the tie in half. Finally, sew the ends together to make a loop.

19. Hand-sewn fabric bookmarks

Give the gift of a hand-sewn fabric bookmark for the one in your life who can’t seem to put the book down. This last-minute gift idea can be unique to every recipient, making them truly unique.

You’ll need fabric like cotton or linen, scissors, a sewing machine or needle and thread, and embellishments like beads or embroidery floss. Cut your fabric into a rectangular piece, fold it in half lengthwise, and sew along two sides, leaving one side open. Turn the bookmark inside out and sew the remaining open end closed. Decorate with beads or appliqués to make it unique.

20. DIY coasters

No one wants unsightly rings from a drinking glass on their nice end table. Give a DIY coaster set to not only prevent damage to a nice piece of furniture but also to provide your recipient with a truly unique, handmade gift.

You’ll need cardstock or other thick paper, scissors, glue, decorative elements (think fabric, stickers, glitter, or other personalizations), and clear sealant. Cut your desired coaster shape from the cardstock, decorate with creative elements, and let dry. Seal with a clear sealant to protect from condensation or spills, and make a set of them to put a smile on the recipient’s face.

Create lasting memories with Mixbook

Let Mixbook help you create lasting memories and loveable DIY gifts for everyone close to you. There are tips to leave a lasting impression with DIY gifts to give the right message every time. Create a custom photo book for family members to cherish as the years go by, or DIY one of the other beautiful options we’ve listed above. Happy gifting.