Disclaimer: This post will be a part of the series of “Easy Gifts To Make” for the Christmas season. Recipients included are boyfriend, girlfriend, friends, dad, mom, coworkers, teachers, and kids. Feel free to check my other posts if you happen to be interested in any one of them!
Hey there! We all know how awesome it is to receive a heartfelt gift from a friend. But you know what’s even more special? Giving them something you made with your own two hands. These are easy gifts you can whip up right at home to surprise and delight your buddies. No need to be a crafting pro – we’ve got your back with these straightforward ideas.
Table of Contents
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #1: Customized Photo Magnets
Stuff You’ll Need:
- Printed photos (pick out some awesome memories)
- Small magnetic strips (grab ’em from a craft store)
- Scissors
- Clear adhesive paper (optional, for extra protection)
- A flat, clean surface to work on
- Your friend-tastic spirit!
Steps to Create Your Custom Photo Magnets:
Step 1: Choose Cool Pics Select some memorable photos that’ll make your friends smile. Selfies, group shots, or vacation pics – go wild!
Step 2: Size It Right Cut the photos into small, snazzy squares or rectangles. Around 2×2 inches is a great size for magnets.
Step 3: Stick on the Magnets Peel the backing off your small magnetic strips. Stick one to the back of each photo. Center it well, so your pic doesn’t go wonky on the fridge.
Step 4: Seal the Deal (Optional) If you want extra protection and shine, put a small square of clear adhesive paper on top of each photo. Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles.
Step 5: Clean Finish Trim off any extra adhesive paper from the edges, making your magnets look spiffy.
Step 6: Share the Love Now, you’ve got these awesome Custom Photo Magnets ready to roll. Give ’em out with a smile or surprise your friends by jazzing up their fridges!
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #2: Homemade Infused Oils
Stuff You’ll Need:
- A bottle of good-quality olive oil (or any cooking oil you like)
- Herbs, spices, or ingredients of your choice (rosemary, garlic, chili flakes, or even citrus peels)
- A clean glass bottle with a sealable lid
- A funnel (makes pouring easier)
- A clean, dry surface to work on
- Your culinary creativity!
Steps to Create Your DIY Infused Oils:
Step 1: Pick Your Flavors Think about what flavors your friends adore. Is it the zing of garlic, the heat of chili, or the earthiness of rosemary? Choose your ingredients accordingly.
Step 2: Clean the Bottle Make sure your glass bottle is clean and dry. You want your oil to stay fresh and tasty.
Step 3: Get Creative Time to add your chosen ingredients to the bottle. You can mix and match or keep it simple with one flavor. Get creative!
Step 4: Pour in the Oil Using a funnel, pour your oil into the bottle, covering the herbs or spices. Fill it up, leaving a little space at the top.
Step 5: Seal the Deal Put the lid on your bottle and seal it tight. Give it a little shake to mix the flavors.
Step 6: Let It Hang Out Place your infused oil in a cool, dark spot for about a week or two. This gives the flavors time to blend and make the oil taste amazing.
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #3: Mini Succulent Gardens
Stuff You’ll Need:
- Mini succulents (you can find these at garden centers or online)
- Small pots or containers (get creative – teacups, tin cans, or any small containers will do)
- Cactus or succulent soil mix (easily found at garden stores)
- Decorative pebbles or sand (optional, for added flair)
- A spoon or scoop
- A flat surface to work on
- A towel (for any messes)
- Your plant-loving spirit!
Steps to Create Your DIY Mini Succulent Gardens:
Step 1: Choose Your Pots Pick out some containers for your mini gardens. Just make sure they have drainage holes to keep your succulents from getting soggy.
Step 2: Fill ‘Em Up Fill each pot about 2/3 full with the cactus or succulent soil mix. This type of soil is great for helping your succulents thrive.
Step 3: Plant Your Succulents Gently remove your mini succulents from their containers. If their roots are a bit tangled, you can use your fingers or a spoon to loosen them up. Dig a little hole in the soil and pop your succulent inside. Pat the soil gently around it to keep it steady.
Step 4: Add Some Style (Optional) If you’re feeling fancy, you can sprinkle some decorative pebbles or sand on top of the soil. This not only looks cool but also helps with moisture control.
Step 5: Clean Up Your Act Give your mini garden a little tidy-up. Use a towel or your fingers to wipe away any extra soil from the edges of the pots.
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #4: Knitted or Crocheted Dishcloths
Stuff You’ll Need:
- Knitting needles or crochet hooks (size 7-9 for knitting, G or H for crocheting)
- Cotton yarn (choose their favorite color or a set of coordinating colors)
- Scissors
- A tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
- A ruler (to check your progress)
- Your crafty spirit!
Steps to Create Your Knitted or Crocheted Dishcloths:
Knitting:
Step 1: Cast On Make a slipknot and put it on one knitting needle. Now, cast on 30 stitches. This forms the foundation of your dishcloth.
Step 2: Knit Away Start knitting! Knit every row until your dishcloth is a square, about 8 inches by 8 inches. If you’re not sure how to knit, you can find loads of beginner-friendly tutorials online.
Step 3: Bind Off Once your dishcloth is the right size, bind off all the stitches. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread that tail through the last loop and pull tight.
Crocheting:
Step 1: Chain It Up Make a slipknot and create a chain of 30 stitches. This will be the foundation for your dishcloth.
Step 2: Single Crochet Rows For the first row, insert your hook into the second chain from the hook and single crochet in each chain across. At the end of the row, chain one and turn.
Step 3: Continue the Pattern Keep single crocheting each row until your dishcloth is a square, around 8 inches by 8 inches.
Step 4: Fasten Off Once you reach the desired size, fasten off by cutting the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the last loop to secure it.
For Both Knitting and Crocheting:
Step 5: Weave in Ends Use your tapestry needle to weave in any loose ends of yarn. Make sure they’re nice and secure so your dishcloth doesn’t unravel.
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #5: DIY Friendship Bracelets
Stuff You’ll Need:
- Knitting needles or crochet hooks (size 7-9 for knitting, G or H for crocheting)
- Cotton yarn (pick your favorite colors)
- Scissors
- A tapestry needle (for those loose ends)
- A flat surface to work on
- Your crafty spirit!
Steps to Create Your Knitted or Crocheted Dishcloths:
Knitting:
Step 1: Cast On Start with a slipknot and cast on 30 stitches. This forms the base of your dishcloth.
Step 2: Knit Away Now, knit every row until your dishcloth is about 8 inches by 8 inches square. If you’re new to knitting, there are loads of beginner-friendly tutorials online.
Step 3: Bind Off Once your dishcloth is the right size, bind off all the stitches, and cut the yarn, leaving about a 6-inch tail. Thread that tail through the last loop to secure it.
Crocheting:
Step 1: Chain It Up Make a slipknot and create a chain of 30 stitches. This forms the foundation for your dishcloth.
Step 2: Single Crochet Rows For the first row, insert your hook into the second chain from the hook and single crochet in each chain across. At the end of the row, chain one and turn.
Step 3: Continue the Pattern Keep single crocheting in each row until your dishcloth is about 8 inches by 8 inches.
Step 4: Fasten Off Once you reach the desired size, fasten off by cutting the yarn, leaving about a 6-inch tail. Pull that tail through the last loop to secure it.
For Both Knitting and Crocheting:
Step 5: Weave in Ends Use your tapestry needle to weave in any loose ends of yarn. Make sure they’re nice and secure so your dishcloth doesn’t unravel.
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #6: Scented Sachets
Stuff You’ll Need:
- Fabric scraps (think old napkins, handkerchiefs, or any fabric scraps you have)
- Dried herbs or flowers (like lavender, rose petals, or even some of your favorite tea leaves)
- Needle and thread
- Scissors
- A funnel (or roll up a piece of paper)
- Ribbon or twine
- Your crafty mojo!
Steps to Create Your DIY Scented Sachets:
Step 1: Choose Your Fabric Start by picking out some cool fabric scraps. You can go for colorful patterns or keep it simple and elegant.
Step 2: Cut Some Squares Cut the fabric into squares. About 4×4 inches is a good size, but don’t sweat it if they’re not perfect.
Step 3: Fill ‘Em Up Take one fabric square and put a handful of your dried herbs or flowers in the center. Use a funnel or your homemade paper funnel to make it neater.
Step 4: Fold and Sew Fold the fabric square in half, making a little herb-filled pouch. Thread your needle and sew up the open sides, sealing in those lovely scents. Knot the thread when you’re done.
Step 5: Trim the Edges Tidy up your sachet by trimming any extra fabric around the edges. We want it looking sharp!
Step 6: Add a String Thread a piece of ribbon or twine through the top of your sachet and tie it in a knot. This makes it easy to hang or place wherever you want.
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #7: Homemade Vanilla Extract
Stuff You’ll Need:
- Vanilla beans (around 5-6 beans per 8 oz. bottle of extract)
- Vodka (get a decent-quality one, no need to splurge)
- A clean glass bottle with a sealable lid (around 8 oz. capacity)
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A flat surface to work on
- A dash of patience!
Steps to Create Your DIY Homemade Vanilla Extract:
Step 1: Get Your Beans Start by taking those vanilla beans out of their packaging. You’ll be amazed by their fragrance.
Step 2: Split ‘Em Open Place a vanilla bean on the cutting board and, using a sharp knife, carefully slice it open lengthwise. Don’t worry about perfection; we’re aiming for flavor here.
Step 3: Repeat the Split Repeat this process for all the vanilla beans you want to use. Aim for around 5-6 beans per 8 oz. bottle.
Step 4: Combine with Vodka Place the split vanilla beans into your clean glass bottle. Then, pour in the vodka, filling the bottle to the top. Seal it up tight.
Step 5: Shake It Up Give the bottle a good shake to mix the vanilla goodness with the vodka.
Step 6: Let It Rest Now, here’s the hard part – you’ve got to let it sit. Store your vanilla extract in a cool, dark place for about 2-3 months. Shake it up gently every once in a while to keep those flavors mingling.
Step 7: Gift It After 2-3 months, your Homemade Vanilla Extract is good to go. Pour it into smaller bottles if you like and gift it to your friends who love to bake or cook. Or, simply keep it in your own kitchen for some top-notch flavoring.
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #8: Customized Coffee Mugs
Stuff You’ll Need:
- Plain ceramic coffee mugs (grab as many as you need)
- Permanent markers or paint pens (variety of colors)
- Stencils or stickers (optional)
- An oven (to set the design)
- A flat, clean workspace
- Your artsy vibes!
Steps to Create Your DIY Custom Coffee Mugs:
Step 1: Mug Selection Start by choosing your plain ceramic mugs. Make sure they’re clean and dry.
Step 2: Design Time Get creative! Use the permanent markers or paint pens to draw, write, or doodle on the mugs. You can use stencils or stickers for a neater look, or go freehand for some artsy charm.
Step 3: Let It Dry Give your design some time to dry completely. This might take an hour or so, depending on the thickness of the ink.
Step 4: Heat It Up Now, it’s time to set the design. Pop your mugs in a cold oven, then set the temperature to 350°F (180°C). Let them “bake” for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: Cool Down Turn off the oven and leave the mugs inside to cool down slowly. This helps prevent any cracking from sudden temperature changes.
Step 6: Final Check Once they’re cool, take out your Custom Coffee Mugs. Give them a gentle wash to remove any marker smell or residue.
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #9: Embroidered Bookmarks
Stuff You’ll Need:
- Aida cloth or plain fabric (you can find this at craft stores)
- Embroidery floss in your favorite colors
- Embroidery hoop (optional, but it makes things easier)
- Embroidery needle
- Scissors
- A ruler
- Iron-on adhesive (like Heat ‘n Bond, optional)
- A flat, clean surface to work on
- Your crafty spirit!
Steps to Create Your DIY Embroidered Bookmarks:
Step 1: Cut Your Fabric Start by cutting your fabric into strips, about 2 inches wide and 6-8 inches long. These will be the base for your bookmarks.
Step 2: Design Your Pattern Plan out your embroidery design. It can be simple initials, a cute pattern, or even a tiny message. Sketch it lightly onto the fabric with a pencil.
Step 3: Thread Your Needle Thread your embroidery needle with a color that matches your design. Knot the end of the thread.
Step 4: Start Stitching Begin stitching your design following the pencil marks. You can use basic stitches like the backstitch or running stitch. If you’re new to embroidery, there are loads of online tutorials to help you out.
Step 5: Finish Your Design Once your design is complete, tie a knot at the back of your fabric to secure the thread. Trim any excess thread with scissors.
Step 6: Optional: Back It Up If you want to give your bookmark some extra durability, you can iron on some adhesive backing (like Heat ‘n Bond) following the instructions on the package.
Step 7: Final Touches Trim any excess fabric around the edges, making your bookmark neat and tidy.
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #10: Homemade Bath Salts
Stuff You’ll Need:
- Epsom salt (you can find this at most drugstores)
- Coarse sea salt (for that extra spa feel)
- Baking soda
- Essential oils (like lavender, eucalyptus, or your favorites)
- A clean glass jar or container with a lid
- A mixing bowl
- A spoon
- A flat, clean surface to work on
- Your zen vibes!
Steps to Create Your DIY Homemade Bath Salts:
Step 1: Mix the Salts In your mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of Epsom salt, 1/2 cup of coarse sea salt, and 1/4 cup of baking soda. Mix ’em up nicely.
Step 2: Scent It Up Add about 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) to the salt mixture. You can mix and match scents or keep it simple with one. Stir it in so the scent spreads evenly.
Step 3: Let It Settle Let your bath salts sit for a bit to allow the scents to meld with the salts. It’s like aromatherapy in action!
Step 4: Transfer to the Jar Using your spoon, carefully transfer the scented bath salts into your clean glass jar or container. Fill it up nicely but leave a bit of space at the top for easy scooping.
Step 5: Decorate (Optional) Get creative! You can decorate the jar with a ribbon, a label, or some paint to make it extra special.
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #11: Decorative Mason Jar Vases
Stuff You’ll Need:
- Mason jars (you can use any size you like)
- Acrylic craft paint (variety of colors)
- Paintbrushes (different sizes)
- Sandpaper (for that rustic look)
- Decorative twine, ribbon, or lace (optional)
- A flat, clean workspace
- Your artsy spirit!
Steps to Create Your DIY Decorative Mason Jar Vases:
Step 1: Clean the Jars Start by making sure your mason jars are clean and dry. No one likes dusty vases!
Step 2: Pick Your Colors Choose your paint colors. You can go for one solid color or get funky with a rainbow of hues. It’s all up to you!
Step 3: Paint Away Get your paintbrush and start painting the outside of the mason jar. You can go for a smooth finish or make it a bit rustic with a textured brushstroke look.
Step 4: Dry It Out Let the paint dry completely. This might take a couple of hours, so be patient.
Step 5: Distress It (Optional) For that shabby-chic vibe, lightly sand the painted areas with sandpaper. This will give it a weathered look.
Step 6: Add Some Decor If you want to go the extra mile, tie some decorative twine, ribbon, or lace around the neck of the jar. It adds a sweet touch!
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #12: Handmade Pot Holders
Stuff You’ll Need:
- Cotton fabric (pick out fun patterns or colors)
- Insulated batting (keeps the heat away)
- Sewing machine (you can also hand-sew if you prefer)
- Matching thread
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Iron and ironing board
- A flat, clean workspace
- Your crafty spirit!
Steps to Create Your DIY Handmade Pot Holders:
Step 1: Cut the Fabric Start by cutting your fabric and insulated batting into squares. A good size is around 8×8 inches, but you can go bigger or smaller if you like.
Step 2: Layer It Up Place one square of fabric right-side down, then put a piece of insulated batting on top. Finally, add another square of fabric right-side up. You’ve got a fabric-insulated fabric sandwich!
Step 3: Sew It Together Using your sewing machine (or needle and thread), stitch around the edges of the fabric layers. Leave a small opening so you can turn it inside out.
Step 4: Trim the Corners Trim the corners at an angle to reduce bulk. Just be careful not to snip through your stitches!
Step 5: Turn and Press Turn your pot holder right-side out through the opening. Use a ruler or your fingers to push out the corners. Then, give it a good press with an iron to make it nice and flat.
Step 6: Topstitch It Stitch all around the edge of your pot holder to close up the opening and give it a finished look.
Step 7: Quilt It (Optional) For extra charm, you can do some quilting stitches across the pot holder. This not only looks cool but also keeps the layers in place.
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #13: Decorative String Art
Stuff You’ll Need:
- A piece of wood (plywood works great)
- Nails (about 1-1.5 inches long)
- Hammer
- Colored embroidery floss or string
- Scissors
- A ruler or measuring tape
- Pencil
- A flat, clean surface to work on
- Your artsy vibes!
Steps to Create Your DIY Decorative String Art:
Step 1: Prepare the Wood Start by cutting your wood into the desired size and shape for your art. Sand the edges so they’re nice and smooth.
Step 2: Design It Think of a design you want to create. It can be simple shapes, initials, or something more intricate. Use a pencil to lightly draw your design onto the wood.
Step 3: Hammer Time Here comes the fun part! Place nails along the lines of your design, leaving about half an inch sticking out. Space them out evenly, about 1/2 inch apart.
Step 4: String It Up Tie one end of your embroidery floss or string to one of the nails. Start looping it around the nails, following your design. You can go in any direction you like – be creative!
Step 5: Fill It In Keep looping and crisscrossing until you’ve filled in your design. If you run out of string, tie it off securely and start with a new piece.
Step 6: Secure the End When you’re done, tie off the string tightly on a nail, and trim any excess. Make sure it’s nice and secure.
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #14: Homemade Lip Balm
Stuff You’ll Need:
- Beeswax pellets (about 1 tablespoon)
- Coconut oil (1 tablespoon)
- Shea butter (1 tablespoon)
- A microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
- Small containers or empty lip balm tubes
- Essential oil (optional, for fragrance)
- A flat, clean workspace
- Your creative flair!
Steps to Create Your DIY Homemade Lip Balm:
Step 1: Prep Your Container Start by getting your empty lip balm containers ready. Clean and dry them, so your lip balm stays fresh.
Step 2: Melt the Ingredients In your microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, combine 1 tablespoon each of beeswax pellets, coconut oil, and shea butter. If you want a scented lip balm, add a few drops of essential oil too.
Step 3: Heat It Up Carefully melt the mixture in the microwave or on the stove. If you’re using a microwave, heat in short 20-30 second bursts, stirring in between until it’s all melted and smooth.
Step 4: Fill ‘Em Up Pour the melted mixture into your prepared lip balm containers. Be quick, it sets fast!
Step 5: Cool It Down Let your lip balm cool and harden for about 30 minutes. You can speed up the process by popping them in the fridge.
Step 6: Label or Decorate (Optional) Get creative! You can label your lip balm containers or decorate them with stickers, washi tape, or whatever you like.
Easy Gifts To Make At Home for Friends #15: Framed Inspirational Quotes
Stuff You’ll Need:
- Picture frames (pick your preferred size)
- Cardstock or heavy paper
- Printer (or your best handwriting)
- Scissors
- Glue or double-sided tape
- A flat, clean workspace
- Your creative flair!
Steps to Create Your DIY Framed Inspirational Quotes:
Step 1: Frame Selection Start by choosing the picture frames you’d like to use. You can pick different sizes and styles to mix things up.
Step 2: Select Your Quotes Search for inspirational quotes online or write down some personal favorites. Choose quotes that resonate with you and your friends.
Step 3: Design Your Quote Cards Create a simple document on your computer or write out your quotes neatly by hand. Format them to fit the size of your frames. Leave some space around the text for a clean look.
Step 4: Print and Cut (or Write) Print your quote cards on cardstock or heavy paper. If you prefer a handwritten touch, write them out neatly. Then, cut them to fit perfectly inside your frames.
Step 5: Mount the Quotes Secure the quote cards inside your frames using glue or double-sided tape. Make sure they’re centered and look just the way you want.
Step 6: Frame It Up Place your newly framed inspirational quotes in spots where your friends will see them daily, like their workspace or by the front door. You can even add them to a gallery wall for extra charm.
And there you have it, folks! Easy-peasy gifts you can create at home for your friends. Whether it’s a scented sachet, a framed quote, or a pot holder, these handmade treasures carry a bit of your love and thoughtfulness. They’re going to love your thoughtful creations.
You may also like:
● 15 LOVELY AND EASY GIFTS TO MAKE AT HOME FOR GIRLFRIEND
● 15 PRACTICAL AND EASY GIFTS TO MAKE AT HOME FOR BOYFRIEND
● 14 DIY CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS ON A BUDGET: HEARTWARMING AND COST-EFFECTIVE
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