101 Handmade Gift Ideas

101. DIY Sock Monkeys

2016-12-15T11:41:00.001-07:00

I couldn't end this list without having at least one sock monkey tutorial. These dolls are just fun. I've included links to several different tutorials here, but they all use the same basic materials: one pair of socks, needle and thread, and poly fill stuffing. All you have to do is choose the pattern and get crafting!
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100. Homemade Apple, Pear, & Pumpkin Butters

2016-12-14T19:12:00.001-07:00

Fruit butters, like apple, pear, & pumpkin, are sweet, seasonal treats that are simple to make (especially if you have a slow cooker). Slow cook the fruits with a little sugar and spice and they'll break down in their own juices.

99. DIY Design Tea Towels

2016-12-14T18:17:00.001-07:00

Here's a fun (and practical) gift for cooks, bakers, new home owners (or apartment dwellers). These cute tea towels are designed using Sharpie markers! You can use the templates provided here or create your own designs.

98. Homemade Vanilla Extract

2016-12-14T15:26:00.001-07:00

Homemade vanilla extract may take a little advanced planning to make, but what a cool gift! Most vanilla recipes call for vodka or alcohol as the base. A lot of people don't know that you can also use food-grade vegetable glycerin as a base. Here are a couple of recipe versions to make your own vanilla extract...

97. Free Printable Mandala Coloring Book

2016-12-14T11:20:00.001-07:00

We all need a little zen time now and again. For that reason, I've put together a set of mandala coloring pages in the form of a free printable coloring book. Simply download, print on 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper and follow the instructions for my pamphlet bound book tutorial [PDF download].

96. Flavored Butters

2016-12-14T09:31:00.002-07:00

Here's a gift for anyone who loves, well, butter. (And honestly, who doesn't?) These flavored butters add a little pep to both savory and sweet foods. (or, you know, you can just slather them on a hunk of bread and go to town.)

95. Message Stones

2016-12-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

People's creativity never ceases to amaze me. This little gems are super easy and fun to make and can add a little light to someone's day. All you need are some smooth stones, some paint and some uplifting quotes.
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94. Felted Soap

2016-12-12T16:21:00.000-07:00

I know felted soap may sound a bit odd, but it's the perfect soap & scrubby delivery method. With 10 minutes, some wool roving (from the craft store), a bar of soap, and hot water you can transform a plain ol' bar of soap into something gift-worthy.
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93. Bird Seed Ornaments

2016-12-12T11:48:00.003-07:00

Bird seed ornaments are a great gift for bird lovers. This is another project that uses only a few ingredients, and is easy enough that kids can make (or help make) them.

92. Pinecone Fire Starters

2016-12-12T10:40:00.002-07:00

If you live some place where pinecones are plentiful, why not take yourself for a little walk, collect a bunch, and make these simple fire starters?
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91. DIY Spa Gift Basket

2016-12-11T10:44:00.002-07:00

Everyone needs a little pampering. Why not create your own spa gift basket, filled with luxurious (hand made & inexpensive) ingredients...

90. DIY Vanilla Latte Spa Candle

2016-12-11T08:05:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you, but most store-bought candles these days are a bit too overpowering (olfactorily speaking). That's why I LOVE these subtly scented candles. They won't overwhelm your senses, but they will offer up some mild, relaxing scents.

89. Quick Jam Recipe

2016-12-10T16:15:00.001-07:00

Quick jams are fast and easy, requiring less time and fewer ingredients than the preserves most people put up over the summer. They also won't last as long, but that's okay—they're so good, people will eat them up pretty quickly.

88. DIY Instagram Projects

2016-12-10T09:01:00.002-07:00

It's crazy to think that when I started this blog, Instagram didn't exist—That it wouldn't exist for another 4 years! But here we are in the Instagram era, so how could I not include projects that make use of the ever-expanding photo-app's popularity? Here are some of the more cool Instagram crafts currently out there (imo)...
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87. Coffee Cup Sleeves

2016-12-09T19:06:00.001-07:00

Here's a simple project for coffee (or tea) lovers. Using a paper coffee cup sleeve as a template, cut out fabric (cotton or felt) and sew the ends together to make a simple fabric coffee cup sleeve.
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86. DIY Sock Kitten

2016-12-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here's another quick and easy project, great for kids, fun adults, and cat lovers. These cute little Sock Kittens are made with a pair of socks, needle and thread, and poly fill.

85. DIY Fabric Hobo Bag

2016-12-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hobo bags are simple structures and fairly easy to construct with a minimal amount of material.

84. DIY Instagram Magnets

2016-12-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

I found this project over at The Surznick Common Room website and it seems fairly easy as DIYs go. They have lots of pictures if you need a visual tutorial.

83. DIY Three Ingredient Lip Balm

2016-12-08T12:22:00.005-07:00

This is a fairly simple gift to make, especially if you already have these three ingredients...
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82. Little Peeps Baby Blanket

2007-11-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

How cute is this blanket? You'll need 10 fat quarters, 1 1/2 yards of backing flannel, some batting, and fusible web to get you started...

81. Bird House

2007-11-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

Whether you buy the gourd or grow it, this makes a cute little bird house. I can see multiple houses in lots of different colors....
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80. Altoid iPod Speakers

2007-11-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

For those makers among us, here's a cool use of an altoids tin and an old set of headphones (not to mention that cool little switch).
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79. Going Green T-Shirt Shopping Bags

2007-11-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Turning an old T-shirt into a reusable shopping or grocery bag is a simple, clever craft to help everyone be "green." It's a Good Thing that will help protect the environment.
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78. Bath Mitts

2007-11-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

For a generous source of lather and to put an end to searching for the soap on the bottom of the tub, slip a soap bar into a pocket made from a luxurious terry washcloth.
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77. Mock Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars

2007-01-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

A favorite during the holiday season, Starbuck's Cranberry Bliss Bars are a little taste of heaven. Now you can make these delectable treats at home...