With birthdays, holidays, and special occasions popping up throughout the year, finding unique and affordable gifts can be a challenge. Luckily, with a little creativity and some spare time, you can make some cool DIY gifts that are sure to impress without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll share some ideas for gifts you can make for under $20.
Photo Coasters
Photo coasters are a great personalized gift that anyone can use. All you need are some ceramic tiles, Mod Podge, and your favorite photos. Cut your photos to the size of the tiles, apply a layer of Mod Podge to the tile, and place the photo on top. Once dry, add a few more coats of Mod Podge and let them dry completely. Finish by adding felt pads to the bottom of the tiles to protect surfaces.
Mason Jar Herb Garden
For the plant lover in your life, consider making a mason jar herb garden. You’ll need some small mason jars, potting soil, and herb seeds. Fill the jars with soil and plant the seeds according to the instructions on the packet. Label each jar with the name of the herb, and add a decorative touch with some twine or ribbon.
Personalized Mug
A personalized mug is a simple yet thoughtful gift that anyone can appreciate. You can use a plain white mug and decorate it with Sharpie markers or paint pens. Write a message, draw a design, or add some doodles that reflect the recipient’s personality. Once you’re happy with your design, bake the mug in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes to set the ink.
Homemade Bath Bombs
Who doesn’t love a relaxing bath? With a few simple ingredients, you can make your own bath bombs. Mix together baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salts, and essential oils. Add a few drops of food coloring if you want to add some color. Pack the mixture into a mold and let it dry overnight. Wrap them up in cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon for a cute presentation.
DIY Jewelry
Jewelry is always a popular gift, and you can make your own unique pieces with just a few supplies. You can use beads, wire, and pliers to create necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. You can also try using polymer clay to make your own beads and pendants. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor your designs to suit the recipient’s style.
Hand-Stamped Kitchen Towels
For the kitchen whiz in your life, consider making some hand-stamped kitchen towels. You can buy plain white or colored towels and use fabric paint and stamps to create your designs. Use kitchen-themed stamps like utensils, fruits, or vegetables, or create your own designs using letter stamps. Once dry, these towels are a great way to add a personal touch to any kitchen.
Customized Tote Bag
A customized tote bag is a practical and stylish gift that anyone can use. You can buy plain canvas tote bags and use fabric paint or iron-on transfers to add your designs. Write a favorite quote, draw a fun picture, or use stencils to create your design. Once dry, your recipient will have a one-of-a-kind bag that they can use for shopping or carrying their essentials.
Homemade Candles
Candles are a classic gift, but you can make them even more special by making them yourself. You’ll need some wax, wicks, and essential oils. Melt the wax in a double boiler and add your oils for fragrance. Pour the wax into a mold and add the wick. Once the wax has cooled and solidified, you can remove the candle from the mold and trim the wick to the desired length. Wrap the candle in tissue paper or add a decorative label for a finished look.
Painted Planter Pots
For the plant enthusiast in your life, consider making some painted planter pots. You can buy plain terra cotta pots and use acrylic paint to add your designs. Paint them with stripes, polka dots, or your favorite patterns. Once dry, you can plant some small succulents or herbs in them for a gift that keeps on giving.
Embroidered Tea Towels
Embroidered tea towels are a great gift for anyone who loves to cook or bake. You can buy plain white or colored tea towels and use embroidery floss to add your designs. Choose your favorite kitchen-themed designs like a whisk, measuring cups, or a rolling pin. You can even personalize them with the recipient’s name for an extra special touch.
Homemade Body Scrub
For the beauty lover in your life, consider making some homemade body scrub. You’ll need some sugar or salt, coconut oil, and essential oils. Mix together the sugar or salt and coconut oil until you get a scrub-like consistency. Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. You can package the scrub in a jar and add a ribbon or label for a pretty presentation.
Personalized Keychains
Keychains are a practical gift that anyone can use. You can buy some plain keychains and add your designs using Sharpie markers or paint pens. Write a message, draw a picture, or add some doodles that reflect the recipient’s interests. Once you’re happy with your design, apply a clear coat of nail polish to protect the ink.
Homemade Soap
Homemade soap is a luxurious and thoughtful gift that anyone can appreciate. You’ll need some soap base, fragrance oils, and colorants. Melt the soap base in a double boiler and add your fragrance oils and colorants. Pour the soap into molds and let it cool and solidify. Once you remove the soap from the molds, you can package them in tissue paper or a gift box for a finished look.
Decorated Picture Frames
Picture frames are a great gift that can be customized to suit any recipient. You can buy plain wooden frames and use paint or markers to add your designs. Use stencils, stamps, or freehand designs to create a unique frame. Once dry, you can add a favorite photo or leave it empty for the recipient to choose their own.
In conclusion, there are plenty of cool DIY gifts that you can make for under $20. Whether you’re looking for a personalized gift or something practical, there’s something on this list for everyone. Remember, the key to a successful DIY gift is to have fun and let your creativity shine. Happy crafting!