Everyone appreciates a gift that was crafted with love. These creative DIY birthday gifts will show how much you care for your friends and family.
Make a recipe jar filled with all the ingredients needed to bake cookies or your signature dish. Include a recipe card for added personalization.
Add personalized details like team colors, inside jokes or music that means something to them. The little touches will make this a truly special gift!
Tube Bead Necklace
A handmade gift shows how much you care about your friends and family members. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just want something small and thoughtful, these creative DIY gifts will surely impress your bestie, mom, grandmother, or coworker.
Even a beginner can make this gorgeous necklace with a bit of yarn, a needle, and some beads. It’s a super simple DIY that makes for the perfect birthday surprise.
Give your friend a unique way to enjoy their favorite photos. Design them a set of custom coasters so they can see their grandkids, pet, or travel destination every time they sip from their coffee cup or glass of water. These personalized drinkware gifts from Shutterfly are a helpful and stylish option for any occasion. They’re also eco-friendly.
Personalized Necklace
Create a personalized necklace that features a meaningful message or symbol to show your best friend or family member how much you love and appreciate them. This creative gift idea will make them feel special every time they wear it.
To make this DIY jewelry project, choose a pendant base and decorative charms that speak to the recipient’s personality. Then, string the charms to the pendant base using jump rings. Ensure that all of the beads are even before closing the jump rings.
Give a practical gift to your loved one with this easy and fun sewing project. Sew them a personalized tote bag that they can use for shopping or commuting. Add a monogram for extra personalization. This DIY gift is also perfect for the college grad starting their first job or your nephew who loves their morning cup of coffee.
Birthstone Beads
Between anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, and graduations, there are plenty of opportunities to give gifts to friends and family throughout the year. But gift giving doesn’t have to drain your bank account. You can surprise your loved ones with creative DIY gifts that show how much you care.
Make them a personalized necklace featuring their birthstone beads. They’ll love the sentiment behind the thoughtful gift, and you’ll be able to customize it to your budget. You can also give them a handmade recipe jar filled with their favorite treats, or help them de-stress with homemade bath salts.
Personalized Jigsaw
Personalized gifts are an excellent way to show someone you care. Not only do they usually cost less than a store-bought present, but they also allow you to create something unique and thoughtful.
For example, give your BFF a jar of memories to enjoy whenever they want with this fun craft idea. It’s a creative birthday gift that is easy to make and sure to put a smile on their face.
Another fantastic DIY gift idea is a photo jigsaw puzzle. This custom gift will help them unwind with some interactive, tactile fun while also helping improve their memory and social skills. Plus, you can even customize it with a message piece and themed whimsies to really wow them! For more personalized DIY gifts, check out these custom mugs and calendars.
Origami Apple
Origami is an elegant paper craft that is perfect for a variety of occasions. This easy origami apple is great for a birthday gift or even a simple decoration.
Embroidery isn’t just for shirts – a pretty design can make any piece of fabric into a thoughtful handmade gift. These embroidered salt and pepper shakers would look great on any table, especially in the kitchen.
If you know your friend is a fan of baking, a homemade mixer cover will be an amazing surprise. The pattern is easy to customize for their style, and you can even add a monogram!
If you don’t have a mixer, a recipe jar is also an awesome gift idea. Simply fill it with the ingredients for their favorite dessert or meal, and include a copy of the recipe. They’ll love you for it!
Candy Gram
Make your favorite family member, friend, or work colleague feel loved on their birthday with a homemade gift, and also have birthday video ideas for them to enjoy watching. These creative ideas for cards, personalized gifts, and unique decorations will show them how much you care.
You’ll find easy DIY presents for any budget, including scented candles, custom mugs, and beautiful jewelry. If you want to go above and beyond, try a homemade photo collage or a custom-made scrapbook. Or, get practical and give them a paracord survival bracelet so they’re ready for anything. For a funny treat, give them a batch of homemade gag gifts that will definitely put a smile on their face. They’ll love you for it!
Jigsaw Puzzle
A jigsaw puzzle is a classic birthday gift that’s easy to make yourself. Start with a photo of your loved one or even a goofy selfie and design it to include their favorite hobby, location, or sentimental memory.
You’ll need glue and spray lacquer. Liquid craft glue will work best for this project as it can reposition pieces easily. Spray lacquer works well because it’s multi-purpose and doesn’t damage photographs. You can also back your puzzle with plywood if you’re skilled at using a saw.
To cut out the puzzle pieces, you can use scissors or a craft knife with fine blades. Before you cut, practice on some scrap cardboard to get the hang of it. You can also use a laser cutter to cut the pieces from wood instead of cardboard. These machines are available at most home and DIY stores.
Felt Flowers
Felt flowers are a great gift idea that will add a pop of color to any room. They’re also easy to make, making them a great DIY project for beginners.
If you know your friend has a special hobby, consider giving them a gift that will enhance it. Book a pottery class, for example, for a fun and creative gift they can enjoy.
If your friend loves to entertain, give them a unique handmade gift they can use during game night. Customizable drinkware and serving trays make excellent options. Or you could make them a recipe jar to go with their favorite meal or dessert. They’ll love the personal touch and will think of you every time they use it.
Monogrammed Hangers
Show your friends and family that you care by making them a unique DIY gift. These gifts are both personalized and creative, making them a great choice for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Christmas, or any occasion you want to celebrate.
Turn your favorite memories into a custom keepsake box for a loved one. Add a personal touch by adding photos or words to the box.
If your BFF is a self-proclaimed bookworm, create a themed bundle of books they’ll love with a custom book tag and a blind date with a book.
Make a personalized doormat with an uplifting quote they’ll love, or get creative and add a photo. Then, pair it with a set of matching pillow covers for an aesthetic yet functional homemade gift. They’ll thank you every time they walk in the door.
Rice Bag Warmers
If the person you’re celebrating has a hard time staying warm, this DIY gift can help. They’ll love these cute rice bag warmers, adorned with their monogram or initials.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a talented crafter, these DIY birthday gifts will wow. These ideas are fun, easy, and budget-friendly. Plus, they show the recipient that you care.
Give your bestie a chance to unwind after their birthday festivities with a self-care gift basket. Fill a decorative jar with homemade or store-bought cookies, brownies, or another favorite treat. For a special touch, include a bag of stress-relief tea. Alternatively, give your friend an online painting class as an experience gift. They’ll appreciate the creative inspiration and social interaction. These fun gift ideas will make your friends feel cherished and loved on their big day.
