Easy Diy Gifts for Your Best Friend

If you're looking for clever, unique, and creative gift ideas, take a look here! I've put together a list of 75+ amazing homemade gifts for adults! They are fabulous and I guarantee you'll find something here that your special friend or family member will just love! These are all-occasion handmade gifts ideas for friends – perfect for Christmas or any time of the year! Keep reading to get inspired!

The Genius of Handmade Gifts

I'm not sure why this never really crossed my mind before. I have little ones (5-year-old twins), and making craft presents for the adults in our lives, from the kids , is something we do all. the. time.  But it's hard for me to believe that it took a Facebook post from someone else to clue me in to the genius of handmade Christmas gifts (or any occasion gifts) for adults – for family, friends, etc.

Last year, a blogger I follow mentioned that she and her sister were exchanging DIY gifts for Christmas. Oh my gosh…  I really can't believe I never thought of doing that with my sisters. I mean, we may have done it randomly over the years, but it was never an organized 'thing.'

Til this year.

So after I saw that post, I immediately went to Pinterest and starting pinning homemade gift ideas for adults. And I knew I wanted to do a post on this – for y'all, for sure – but for me! Because this was now going to become 'a thing' for me and my sisters.

Right now, it's mid-August, and I've already text messaged my 3 sisters and asked if they'd be into doing it this year. It was a unanimous 'yes,' so game on!

Why Homemade Gifts  for Adults are Such a Great Idea

If you're here, I don't think you need convincing – and I might be stating the obvious, but here's why handmade gifts are so genius:

Budget-Friendly: Most of the time, it will cost less to make a gift than to buy it, especially if you use thrifted or upcycled materials. And yes, that's perfectly acceptable to do.

Personal: Not only can you personalize the gift to your friend's tastes and likes, it's so much more personal for them to receive a gift that you put time and energy into.

Creative: I love how the gears in my mind start turning when I do any kind of DIY or craft. Did you know that crafting and working with your hands keeps your brain sharp, can help fight anxiety and depression, and is a natural mood booster? Yup, all that. Plus a gift for a friend.

Fun: It really, really is a lot of fun to do this. Yes, sometimes annoying if you hit a snag, but mostly fun!

Other Specific Categories of DIY Gifts

To be honest, I haven't totally been off the DIY gifts wagon, but only certain kinds. Mostly, I've focused on kid-made gifts:

I put together 50 ideas for homemade gifts from the kids, which is my go-to any time it's a special occasion for someone special in our lives.

I've listed kid-made gifts for dads as well as kid-made gifts for Grandma.

I even have homemade gift ideas for teachers.

So, if you have littles, you can get them in on the homemade gift fun.

I've also put together DIY gifts that you can make from mason jars – a for-sure homemade gift, but sort of in its own category. But if mason jar gifts are something you really love, you can also peruse it for crafty gift ideas as well. I put the mason jar gift ideas in that post.

You can also give homemade gift baskets in all kinds of unique themes ! Those are super-fun to create! You can even make a handmade DIY basket!

But, honestly, it never really occurred to me until recently to put together a master list of DIY gifts from adults to other adults: the ultimate friends and family homemade gift list. But that's what we have here today.

The Ultimate Master List of Handmade Gifts Ideas for Friends & Family

Typically, I'm not a huge fan of such a long round-up. When I see lists this long – anything over 50, really, I get overwhelmed and a little lost sometimes. If that's you, I feel ya, sister! But there were so many good choices, I just didn't want to leave any out.

I've tried to arrange them (loosely) by category… for example, I grouped all the picture frames together, the coasters, the food ideas, the self-care, and pampering ideas… hopefully, my system will make some sense for you. I suggest grabbing a paper and pen and jotting down the ones that interest you so you don't lose your way.

I also recommend giving yourself enough time to make these gifts. Some are super-easy and suitable for last-minute Lucy. But some require a little more. It will suck all the fun out of the project if it becomes a stressful race to the finish. Try your best to plan ahead and give yourself time to enjoy the process (hence why I texted my sisters in August, lol).

I truly hope you find something you love! Many on this list are easy gifts to make at home; some require a little more skill (such as sewing). But most are doable for anyone. These are wonderful handmade Christmas gift ideas for adults – or really, for any occasion you want to make a DIY gift. Most, with just very few exceptions, are 'Non-Christmas-Specific.'

Ok, let's get started!

75+ DIY Gifts for Friends, Family, and All the Special Adults in Your Life

Aroma Diffuse

Photo Credit: www.francinesplaceblog.com

Wonderful idea for giving a fragrant gift! This is easy to put together - and it uses chopsticks, which is genius! There are other fun gift ideas in this post as well.

DIY Aromatherapy Room Spray 

Photo Credit: www.cheaprecipeblog.com

This is a genius idea if you have perfume samples in your possession. Mix with distilled water and essential oils, and you have a lovely gift.

DIY Room Sprays with Printable Labels

Photo Credit: www.homeyohmy.com

Here's another option for room spray using witch hazel and essential oils. Many recipes to choose from plus free printable labels!

DIY Pine Scented Soy Candles

Photo Credit: sugarandcharm.com

If you want to take it up a notch, try this striped pine-scented soy candle! Not only adorable, but pine smells so, so good.

Teacup Candles

Photo Credit: www.postcardsfromtheridge.com

How adorable are these? Candles are usually a welcome gift, and if you have someone who loves coffee or tea, this would be super-sweet!

Easy Lap Desk with Storage

Photo Credit: housefulofhandmade.com

This is such a smart idea for a gift! Not only is it a lap desk (which we all need these days), but it has storage inside!

Birthday Board

Photo Credit: funmoneymom.com

This is a fabulous gift, especially for those with large families! Super-cute and functional!

Memo Boards

Photo Credit: girlinthegarage.net

This is a clever and practical gift using a frame from old artwork. So many possibilities. I love the idea of stringing jute string across with clothespins for a real farmhouse style gift.

Faux Nail Head Trimmed Cork Board

Photo Credit: www.twotwentyone.net

Here's another fun idea for a corkboard - this time with fabric! Easy to make and customize! You can also push hook in the board and make it a jewelry holder as well!

 Clip Photo Board

Photo Credit: anoregoncottage.com

If you like ideas with fabric, here's an easy photo board that is super-fun to make and give!

DIY Scrabble Tile Picture Frame

Photo Credit: www.roseclearfield.com

Another super-cute idea for a picture frame! Scrabble tiles are fun for games, for home decor - and here- even for picture frames.

Newspaper Frame

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

This is such a fun and unique way to make a frame - with newspapers! And it's one that even kids can help make. This looks amazing!

Scrap Wood Frames

Photo Credit: craftsbyamanda.com

Picture frames are always a wonderful gift, and this is an easy, rustic gift that will mean so much because of a perfect picture being displayed. These are super-popular these days!

Personalized Photo Magnets 

Photo Credit: craftivitydesigns.com

How sweet are these magnets? This is another great gift ideas using photos!

DIY Magnets

This is another fun alternative for DIY magnets! You can use all sorts of fun images for the magnet such as scrapbook paper, maps, sheet music - whatever!

DIY STAMPED CLAY MAGNETS.

Photo Credit: www.gatheringbeauty.com

Speaking of magnets, you can make these classy little beauties with air dry clay and stamps. Oh the possibilities with this, even if you didn't want to make a magnet. Let your mind imagine a little!

Photo Coasters

Photo Credit: www.abrideonabudget.com

This is wonderful personalized gift! You can sneak on friends or family's Facebook or Instagram account, grab their pictures, and make beautiful coaster. Genius.

Marble Coasters With Leftover Tiles

Photo Credit: www.makingmanzanita.com

This is a great way to have an upcycled project that you can use for a gift! They are stylish, and it's a perfectly good way to put old tiles to good use!

Wine Barrel Tray 

Photo Credit: www.madewithhappy.com

Another gift that is on trend! Wine barrel trays are very popular, and a personalized one would make a fantastic gift.

Printed Image Home Decor

Photo Credit: www.theartofdoingstuff.com

This tutorial gives you endless possibilities for wooden gift ideas (or really, many materials): for wood risers, decorative boxes, cutting boards...it's all about printing on wax paper and transferring designs. SO. MUCH. FUN.

Monogrammed Soap Dispenser

Photo Credit: www.theidearoom.net

This truly is a genius idea! Personal and classy- and really easy to make!

DIY Garden Markers

Photo Credit: witandwhistle.com

If you have a gardener in your life, this set of clay garden markers are perfect and will be so appreciated!

 Pinecone Fire Starters

Photo Credit: somethingturquoise.com

How clever is this? If you know someone with a fire place or loves to make fires outdoors in a fire pit, this is such a treat!

DIY Sharpie Mugs

Sharpie mugs are one of my favorite gifts to make and give. There are so many ways to customize them and decorate them in your own signature style. Filling them up with goodies is another fun addition.

Apothecary Jars

Another very easy DIY made from Dollar Tree materials! These jars are fun to fill with all kinds of treats for the recipient!

DIY Floral Wall Hanging

This floral wall hanging mixes a little farmhouse with a little boho. Very easy to make and customize using greens and flowers of your choice!

Macrame Wall Hanging

Photo Credit: www.thewalletmoth.com

Even if you've never done macrame before, this is easy enough for beginners! Macrame is on-trend right now and would make a perfect gift!

DIY Tassel and Macrame

Photo Credit: www.thinkmakeshareblog.com

Speaking of macrame and yarn projects, how about keychains? These are so cute - practical and trendy.

DIY Rustic Clay Tags

Photo Credit: canarystreetcrafts.com

I just adore these! These tags would be amazing with beaded garland, embellishments for home decor, as a keychain, a necklace, hanging from a rear view mirror... endless possibilities with this!

Etched Glass Water Bottle

Photo Credit: www.creativegreenliving.com

Fancy water bottles are super-trendy - and this etched version is just so pretty! Many ways to make it customizable to your taste!

No Sew Felted Mug Cozies

Photo Credit: gardentherapy.ca

How adorable are these?!? They are easy to make as a no-sew gift idea! Great for someone who always has a cup of coffee or tea in hand!

DIY Reusable Tea Bags

Photo Credit: happiestcamper.com

An environmentally friendly gift for a crunchy or budget-conscious tea drinker friend! So cute!

Linen Bread Bags

If you like easy sewing projects and have a friend who likes to bake bread, this is the perfect combo of the two! These linen bread bags were made from thrift store napkins, so it's budget-friendly, too! If YOU bake, you can even gift it with a loaf of your own bread!

Beeswax Wraps

Photo Credit: www.beyondthechickencoop.com

Cute, stylish, and a fabulous gift for your crunchy, environment-conscious friends. These are ideal for covering food bowls and wrapping sandwiches.

Stencil Tea Towel

Photo Credit: www.lanaredstudio.com

I love, love, love tea towels. I think these custom ones made with a stencil are just adorable.

Fern Printed Tea Towels

Photo Credit: hearthandvine.com

If botanicals are a little more your thing (and stencils aren't), this is another beautiful option for tea towels. You probably will want to make a few extra and keep some for yourself as well!

Glitter Wine Glasses

Photo Credit: www.creativegreenliving.com

How fun and fancy! Such an easy way to take a regular glass up to fun and flashy elegance!

Burlap and Fabric Produce Basket

Photo Credit: www.schneiderpeeps.com

This burlap and fabric produce basket is adorable and fully functional! You truly can make this to suit the style and taste of the recipient.

DIY Rope Baskets 

Photo Credit: decorhint.com

Rope baskets are super-popular these days, and you can make one for a fraction of the cost! Anyone who loves to be up on the home trends will love this one.

DIY AIR DRY CLAY BOWLS.

Photo Credit: www.gatheringbeauty.com

How beautiful are these bowls? And they are so easy to make - way easier than they look. Just a gorgeous gift to give!

Personalized Doormat

Photo Credit: athomeinthenorthwestblog.com

This is another project that is so easy but looks super high-end! Fancy-looking but very budget-friendly. And lots of ways to customize once you get the technique!

Rosemary, Orange & Thyme Flavored Herb Salt

Photo Credit: www.therisingspoon.com

Doesn't that combination of spices sound and look amazing? If you have someone who loves to cook or experiment with flavors, this is the perfect DIY gift.

Lemon-Infused Olive Oil

Photo Credit: cookingwithmammac.com

If you have a person in your life who loves to cook, this delicious oil will be put to good use.

Dip Mix Ornaments

Photo Credit: sprinklesomefun.com

This dip mix is SUCH a fun idea for a food gift! Try this in ornaments of all sizes and shapes, too!

DIY Clay Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace

Photo Credit: www.therisingspoon.com

If you have a friend or family member who loves essential oils, this diffuser necklace is perfect! It's stylish and will give all the benefits of aromatherapy all day long.

DIY Stamped Washer Necklaces

Photo Credit: www.the36thavenue.com

How great are these stamped necklaces? If you have someone who loves unique and industrial type jewelry, this is the way to go!

Rose Water Face Spray

Photo Credit: pinkfortitude.com

This is a wonderful girlie gift for those days when someone just needs a little spritz of refreshment. I love my rose water, and I promise, this is a welcome choice.

Easy Homemade Lip Balm in 5 Minutes

Photo Credit: onelittleproject.com

Lip balm is another super-easy gift to make that is always well-appreciated! Your choice of flavors! Yum!

DIY BEAUTY SPA KIT

Photo Credit: www.francinesplaceblog.com

This is a beautiful choice with all kinds of DIY goodies in here: bath salts, body scrubs, toner and mist, lip balm, body oil, and face serum. Yes, recipes for ALL OF THAT is here. What a phenomenal gift to give (and receive!).

DIY Bath Tub Tray

Photo Credit: www.makingmanzanita.com

A relaxing bath is always much needed and very welcome! A bathtub tray for a book and a glass of wine is the perfect way to help your person unwind.

DIY bath bomb recipe with rose petals 

Photo Credit: simplybeyondherbs.com

Bath bombs are a trending gift idea, and the rose petals really put this into the luxuriant category, as far as baths go!

Orange Honey Oat Bath Soak

Photo Credit: momswhosave.com

This is a beautiful, soothing bath soak idea. These natural ingredients will be perfect for someone who needs a bath to wind down.

Homemade Lavender Soap

Photo Credit: www.feastforafraction.com

Lavender is lovely anywhere it's used, but as a soap, it's just a sweet and endearing gift.

Homemade Goats Milk and Honey Soap 

Photo Credit: practicalselfreliance.com

If you want to try another kind of soap, this one is made from goat's milk and honey, for a soothing, all-natural variety.

Homemade Hard Lotion Bar

Photo Credit: www.sustainablecooks.com

Lotion bars... I just love these! Super-practical but feels so good!

Silky DIY Body Lotion 

Photo Credit: healthychristianhome.com

If a lotion bar isn't your thing, how about this silky body lotion? Just 4 ingredients and you pick the scent.

Easy DIY Body Butter 

Photo Credit: healthychristianhome.com

Body butter is another soothing cream for the skin. This one has magnesium for relaxation and wellness - a much-appreciated bonus!

Lavender Pillow Spray

Photo Credit: gardentherapy.ca

Help your loved one get the gift of sleep! Lavender is known for its soothing, relaxing, and sleep-inducing qualities.

Dishwasher Detergent DIY

Photo Credit: happiestcamper.com

Dishwasher detergent may not seem like gift material, but when it's homemade without all the harsh ingredients, oh, it definitely is.

DIY Laundry Scent Boosters

I've just recently begun using this myself, and I LOVE it. The clothes smell so fresh, and I love knowing there are no harsh chemicals in there. A fantastic family-friendly gift. Lots of scent recipes in this post!

DIY Wool Dryer Balls 

Photo Credit: conservamome.com

Here's another DIY that might not seem like gift material, but trust me, if your friend or family member is into toxin-free living, these will be just perfect.

DIY WATOJI PAPER JOURNAL

Photo Credit: www.francinesplaceblog.com

If you have a friend or family member who loves to journal or write, this is a gorgeous handmade journal using the Japanese binding technique. I promise this will be cherished.

Heating Pad or Bed Warmer

Photo Credit: www.thegirlcreative.com

This is my sister's blog, and she actually made me one of these and gave it to me for Christmas YEARS ago. And I still use it. This is a great one! 🙂

Sherpa Infinity Scarf 

Photo Credit: beginnersewingprojects.com

Who doesn't love a cozy scarf? This is perfect for a beginner in sewing and those who love sewing hacks as well!

Rice Hand Warmers 

Photo Credit: beginnersewingprojects.com

This is such an adorable as well as practical gifts! These rice warmers are perfect to keep inside pockets on chilly days - and the rice stays warm for hours!

$5 Blanket Flannel Scarf!

Photo Credit: www.ourhomemadeeasy.com

These blanket scarves are cozy, popular and a useful gift! Easy to make and budget-friendly! There's even a no-sew version!

Chunky Knit Blanket

Photo Credit: www.thewalletmoth.com

These chunky blankets are the BEST! If knitting is your thing or you're willing to learn, this is a fabulous gift.

DIY Reusable Lavender Sachet

Photo Credit: homesteadlady.com

This is a thoughtful gifts! Sachets are perfect for freshening up drawers and lavender is a beautiful scent for this.

DIY Custom Family Cookbook 

This is such a wonderful idea for a DIY gift. It's not your traditional craft, but you create a family cookbook with all of your family recipes compiled in one place! This is super-meaningful and sure to be treasured from generation to generation!

Giant Jenga Yard Game

Photo Credit: www.creativegreenliving.com

Now this is a fun gift! Regular Jenga is a blast, but this oversized version is sure to be a hit!

Handmade Gifts and Craft Presents for The Win

I hope you found something (or many things) you loved! There are so many great ideas here! I know I'll be coming to list this list many times as special occasions pop up. These are wonderful homemade gifts ideas for family, friends, teachers – many even make great neighbor gifts!

If you'd like to see more DIY crafts and video is more your thing, take a look at the video below for even MORE handmade gift inspiration!

If you create any of these handmade gift ideas, I'd love to see them! Please tag me on Instagram @100affections or leave a comment on Pinterest! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Other Non-DIY Gift Ideas

While I love homemade gifts because they are fun, personal and often cheap and budget-friendly, it's not always practical for every situation. If you need other ideas for gifts you need or want to purchase, here are a few other guides I've put together:

Gift Ideas for Mobile Babies: 9-24 Months

Gift Ideas for Little Boys: 2-4 Years Old

Unique and Out-of-the-Box for the Really Special People in Your Life

Subscription Box Ideas for Kids

Essential Oil Gift Ideas for Your Crunchy Family and Friends

Happy Gifting! 🙂

Thoughts? I'd love to hear them! Leave a comment below !

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Source: https://ahundredaffections.com/75-easy-diy-gifts-friends/

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