Another gift-giving occasion has arrived, and the frantic googling has begun. Are you having trouble thinking of that perfect gift that’s sentimental without being cheesy or useful without being boring? DIY gifts can be a quicker, cheaper, and more personal alternative to scouring store shelves for doo-dads or thingamabobs your giftee may or may not enjoy.
But then, of course, there’s the problem of actually ‘doing it yourself’. There are hundreds of lists of DIY gifts available online - but oftentimes, the craft in question becomes far more advanced than advertised.
No sewing machine? No wood-burning tool? No problem. Below are eight DIY crafts for the beginner, I-don’t-usually-make-these-kinds-of-things gift-giver. They can be made (mostly) with things already lying around your house. Most importantly, the giftee will love them - no matter if it’s your parent, partner, friend, or co-worker.
Happy making!
Revamping old containers is always a great place to start with DIY projects. Mason jars, teacups, depression glassware - any glass receptacles with a wide mouth will work for this one.
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Remember! Never leave your double boiler unattended. The temperature of wax spikes sharply once it’s completely liquified, so keep an eye on it and remove from heat as soon as it’s entirely melted.
Pro tip: add glitter, your favorite essential oils, or dried flowers to the wax for an extra touch of color or scent.
A bottle of homemade limoncello is a unique alternative to the classic wine or bourbon gift. Not only can this gift be enjoyed long after it’s first received, but you can make a complete one-of-a-kind spirit by customizing the flavor, color, and label.
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A painfully easy and perfectly customizable gift for your favorite bookworm. The design possibilities are virtually endless. Think of their favorite movie, book, color, sports team, quote, animal, or food, and go from there. They’re so easy, you can even make a complete set of 5 or 6 for their home book, their travel book, cookbook, planner book… you get the idea.
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Tailor-make a recipe book to your giftee’s exact tastes. Whiskey lover? Gather 8 to 10 killer bourbon cocktail recipes. Snack lover? Find a bundle of recipes that can be made in 15 minutes or less. Veg-head? Compile a list of vegetarian-friendly dinners. Include as many or as little recipes as you’d like. I recently made a recipe book for my sister-in-law, whose diet excludes chemically processed ingredients. These can be handwritten or typed out - it’s up to you!
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If you live near a copy and print center (Office Depot, Staples, and public libraries are a good place to check), you can upload your recipe book as a PDF, and the C + P center will print and bind your book for you!
In my opinion, photographs are one of the best things you can give someone. The people and memories immortalized in pictures are invaluable. Turn a simple photograph into a gorgeous piece of memorabilia with an inexpensive frame and an old CD.
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Your DIY gift doesn’t need to be one large item - if you’re really stumped, go for lots of small treats and goodies you’d know they love. Incorporate their favorite color, sports team, candy, or beauty brands into the overall theme. And yes, it’s still DIY! You’re picking out items, designing the box and arrangement, and most important - completely tailoring the gift to your giftee’s taste.
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Too many amazing photos to choose from for a single frame? Display multiple photographs with an embroidery hoop photo hanger. Use multiple hoops for a chandelier effect!
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Alternatively, you can also punch a hole in the top of the photograph and use the string to tie up the picture instead!
Perhaps the shortest-lived but most-appreciated present, special homemade treats are meant to be made with love and eaten up as soon as possible. Lucky for you, you can find amazingly delicious recipes right here on Oola.
Baking can seem tricky at first, but don’t sweat it. Follow the instructions as written, google any terms you might not recognize (no shame!), and don’t be afraid to try again if the first batch is less than ideal.
Here are some of my favorite recipes from our team here at Oola, sure to make any lucky giftee happy and full.