True, not everyone appreciates the thoughtfulness behind a handmade gift. But for those who do, it’s always nice to have a few DIY gift ideas to choose from at this time of year. That way, you can get started on those handmade presents early enough to gift them on time. Perhaps this collection of potential gift ideas will help you get ahead of the curve this holiday season.
Semi-Thrifted Gift
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods for the Charlotte Region ReStores.
While not DIY, per se, this is a great gifting concept for those of us that love all things secondhand: The Semi-Thrifted Gift. A semi-thrifted gift is a combination of thrifted pieces and new items to round out a thoughtful AND mindful present for someone you care about. In this example, a thrifted platter and wine glasses were thrifted and turned into a fun idea for a Girls’ Night In or a romantic evening with a loved one. The semi-thrifted gift is a great way to gift an experience…not just things. And this blog post that I wrote for the Charlotte Region ReStores is full of other semi-thrifted gift ideas.
DIY Gift Ideas for a Sewist
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Any avid sewist will adore this handmade gift idea! A hidden pin cushion in a vintage teapot is a darling idea, especially in a home filled with curious kids or pets. Plus, you can add a few new sewing notions to the teapot as well.
For the Spa Lover
Image credit: Domestically Speaking.
Self-care gifts are always in style and usually well-received, especially for someone who loves anything to do with spas. This DIY lavender foot soak is an excellent (and all-natural) gift that is absolutely perfect for someone who loves to pamper themselves.
DIY Wine Glass Charms
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Wine glass charms are a great DIY gift idea for someone who regularly hosts dinner parties or book clubs- and they’re a lovely hostess gift, as well. This version is easy (and fun!) to make using jewelry charms and pretty beads.
For Coffee and Tea Lovers
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Maybe you need a gift idea for someone at the office, or perhaps a good friend absolutely loves to drink coffee or tea. Either way, these DIY gift boxes are a thrifty approach, using vintage canisters and funky coffee mugs from the thrift shop!
DIY Gift Ideas for Readers
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Got a dedicated bibliophile in your life? Well, if they love all things “book”, then this mini book charm necklace has got to go on your crafting list. Is this not the cutest little mini book necklace, or what? And it’s made from an old book and a very small scrap of soft leather- so perfectly sweet and easy to make.
Drawer Sachets
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Lavender sachets are the perfect “thank you” gift to give neighbors, colleagues, teachers, and friends. Plus, one only needs some basic sewing skills to make them. This version was made with a vintage French country look in mind, but just about any style of fabric would work.
Chic Friendship Bracelets
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Why should kids and teens have all the fun with friendship bracelets? These chic and romantic versions are made from vintage handkerchiefs– but any lightweight fabric with a delicate print would be perfect! Plus, they’re super easy to create- which comes in handy if you want to make them for a bunch of your friends.
Leather Decanter Tags
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Need a gift idea for a mixologist or cocktail enthusiast? Perfect for a home bar or bar cart, these leather decanter tags started out as a leather belt. But with some alphabet stamps, a leather punch, and some metal fittings, it’s easy to make an entire set of tags for their bar.
Environmental Seed Bombs
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
These eco-friendly wildflower seed bombs are the handmade gift that keeps on giving. Which makes them the perfect DIY gift idea for your “greenest”, most eco-conscious friends and family. (AND they use recycled paper from some of those padded Amazon mailers you might have been receiving more of these days…)
DIY Gift Ideas for Wine Lovers
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Ok, so the fancy bottle of wine is the *actual* gift in this scenario, but how cute are these DIY (and upcycled) gift bags? They are made from button-down shirts and neckties from the thrift store and are a HUGE hit at holiday parties!
Insulated Coffee Sleeves
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If they regularly drink Pumpkin Spice Lattes or Peppermint Mochas at this time of year, then a DIY insulated coffee sleeve like this is a fun little gift idea! Not only is it reusable over and over again, but it’s made from a flannel shirt cuff.
The tutorial for this project can be found in my book, “Crafting with Flannel”, by Sarah Ramberg.
Matching Necklaces for Your BFF (or Mother…or Daughter…)
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
For a meaningful DIY gift that you’ll share with someone special, take a gander at these matching one-of-a-kind necklaces. Pairs of vintage clip-on earrings were repurposed into necklace pendants so that there are two identical necklaces that look like nothing else. Sharing these with a loved one or cherished friend is about as sweet as it gets…
Fancy Bookmarks
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Whether you make them for yourself or to give as gifts for a reader, these DIY bookmarks with vintage jewelry are as functional as they are pretty. And they’re always a hit with bibliophiles, which really do make them the perfect gift.
Don’t Forget About Fluffy!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Will a cat hop into the first cardboard box they see? Yes. Will they love it even more if you add one of your old t-shirts to the mix and turn that box into a cave? Absolutely! You can even make a few catnip toys from your old t-shirts, as well.
Welcome Basket
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods for Charlotte Region ReStores.
Having guests during the holidays? A plain basket just needs a colorful makeover (hello, spray paint!) to make it guest room ready. Fill it with books, snacks, personal sundries, and the Wi-Fi password and your guests will feel right at home.
DIY Gift Ideas for a Handmade Holiday
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Everyone on your list can receive a DIY gift this year with enough planning- and hopefully inspiration from this collection! Buying him another tie or her another sweater isn’t a bad idea, of course…but perhaps one of these DIY Gift Ideas will make for a more meaningful and memorable holiday season.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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