When a gift is handmade, it carries special meaning. It shows you took the time and effort to make something truly extraordinary. From coasters to cupcakes to potted plants, there are plenty of creative DIY gifts for everyone—including best friends, grandmothers, parents, and party hosts. We’ve collected 57 unique DIY gift ideas that will inspire you to start creating. Keep in mind that the best gifts are both personalized and practical. Whether you’re celebrating special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, or graduations, personalized gifts are a fantastic way to let someone special know you’re thinking of them.
Note your favorite tutorials and try them out the next opportunity you have to give special gifts or Christmas gifts. And once you’re done with this list, don’t forget to check out our gift finder for extra help finding the perfect present. Start creating your perfect DIY project now:
1. Marbled Ring Dish
Create a beautiful place to store rings and other jewelry. Bake pieces of colorful clay in marbled patterns to make exquisite jewelry dishes. Personalized jewelry is the perfect way to transform your most treasured photos into beautiful gifts.
2. Leather Mason Jar Sleeve
Fashion a sleeve with a handle out of heavy-duty leather. Cut a shape like a diamond or a triangle out of the sleeve to personalize the look. Feature your favorite photo or choose one of Shutterfly’s fun design options for custom cups any beverage drinker will love.
3. Washi Tape Mirror
Add some personality to an ordinary mirror by using washi tape. Choose a few colors then layer the tape in a consistent pattern around the mirror. This will surely add personality to any friends or family’s home decor.
4. Photo Blanket
To keep cozy on cold winter nights or on hand for an impromptu picnic, these photo blankets are a unique DIY gift. For families, you can make is a collage of action shots from the kid’s favorite sports. Or try it for the college grad by decorating it with photos from Greek life or your study abroad trip.
5. Roasted Cinnamon Almonds
Bake up a batch of roasted almonds with a cinnamon flair for a sweet gift. This delicious gift is perfect for greeting new neighbors, thanking hosts or surprising someone with a yummy treat.
6. Photo Book
A photo book is the ultimate DIY gift. Completely versatile from cover to cover, you can make your photo book about anything. For new parents, create a baby photo book filled with touching family moments. If you’re a newlywed surprise your partner with a wedding photo book filled with your favorite memories. If it’s for your bestie, utilize their Instagram account for a book filled with their favorite snaps.
7. Mini Pallet Coasters
Form wooden coasters out of popsicle sticks and thin boards. Decorate your pallets with patterned washi tape for a gift that’s great for coffee and tea lovers alike. Coasters make for the perfect housewarming gift to welcome new neighbors or say goodbye to parting friends.
8. Decorative Sign
Personalized wall art for kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms makes for truly creative gifts. Add a photo of your last family outing as a gentle reminder of how much you love spending time with them. Or add a motivational quote to get them geared up every Monday.
9. Photo Mugs
Pack a double pick me up with a personalized mug. For the college grad gearing up for their first job or your nephew who loves hot chocolate, pair a mug with a photo that will make them smile. Complete the gift with a recipe for your favorite hot beverage or a gift card to a local coffee shop.
10. DIY Birthstone Bracelet
Construct a custom bracelet that’s easy, cute, and customizable. Find birthstone beads to incorporate into the jewelry for a personal touch. You can also add more than one photo charm and an initial or birthstone charm.
11. Dog Treat Jar
For every dog lover in your life, create a gift that’s thoughtful and useful. Glass etch encouraging words or the dog’s name onto a mason jar for special treats. Fill a jar or two with treats or flowers and give them away as thoughtful birthday gifts or as housewarming gifts to new neighbors. They’re also perfect wedding gifts, bridal shower favors, or any other special occasion you’re celebrating.
12. Stovetop Potpourri
Mix together a lovely smelling potpourri made of cloves and orange peels. Fill a glass jar and label it for a classy gift. These DIY and handmade gifts are a great way to give something special and also have fun while making!
13. Love Map Wall Art
Cut heart shapes out of maps from important places: where you and your significant other met each other, where you were engaged or where you got married. Label each location and frame the piece for keepsake art gift for your significant other.
14. Painted Bowls
Enhance wooden bowl or ceramic bowls, great for nuts and appetizers, with small painted designs. Consider polka dots, stripes, and flowers for your patterns.
15. Lemonade Kit with Pitcher
Give a refreshing gift: a lemonade kit complete with the pitcher and wooden spoon. Include fresh lemons and sugar for this energizing treat.
16. Custom Cheese Board
Have a friend who loves to host dinner parties? Make a custom cheese board! The cook in your life will love showing their skills on their very own personalized wood cutting board. Budding chef in your kitchen? A custom cutting board engraved with their initials is a wonderful way to encourage their new hobby, and they will beam with pride each time they use it.
17. Fabric Tote
Sew a tote bag for carrying books, magazines or crafts. Choose fabric that matches the style of the person you’re gifting it to. Personalized totes are an environmentally-friendly way to get your groceries—but they have many more uses besides shopping!
18. Custom Laptop Case
Create a special laptop case for the person in your life who’s always on the move. Our DIY laptop cases make terrific gifts for birthdays, holidays or as a way to congratulate your child for a special achievement.
19. Specialty Butter
Whip up delicious butter varieties, like honey and berry, then package it in small jars. These delicious butters can be spread on toast, bagels and pancakes. It’s a perfect gift for friends or family that love to cook.
20. Homemade Salsa
Salsa and chips are a favorite snack to many. Mix a large batch of salsa together and pour it into mason jars. Tie each lid with a ribbon and tag.
21. DIY Quote Pillow
Customize a pillow to fit the style of the person you are gifting it to. Choose a quote that’s uplifting and add photos for a personal touch. Whether your giftee is a decorating pro or needs a little help, a personalized pillow is an easy DIY gift to brighten up a space.
22. Photo Puzzles
Puzzles can make a perfect DIY gift for any age—from your niece in elementary school to your grandfather. With the ability to personalize your puzzle you can make it extra special by adding a photo of the last family reunion, their favorite vacation spot or a goofy photo of you.
23. Jewelry Holder
Build a beautiful display for hanging necklaces, bracelets, and headbands. Choose your favorite design to be the anchor for the jewelry board. Perfect for celebrating births, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and family moments in general, a DIY jewelry holder is an everyday reminder of what’s important in life.
24. Fancy Cupcakes
Bake a batch of vanilla or chocolate cupcakes and decorate them in style. Fresh berries, whipped cream and syrup make for delicious toppings.
25. Washi Tape Gift Box
Find simple boxes and decorate them with patterned washi tape. Fill your gift boxes with jewelry, candies, or photo prints.
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26. Leather Passport Holder
Make traveling for your sister or coworker a little more fun. Fashion a leather passport holder that they can take all over the world. Add on a personalized luggage tag so they can spot their luggage in the carousel after a long flight.
27. Terrarium Kit
Terrariums come in many shapes and sizes. Create a plant terrarium kit for a sibling or coworker by including a jar, soil, rocks, and plants. This way they can personalize their plant’s home.
28. Knitted Infinity Scarf
Infinity scarves can be worn in spring, fall and winter. Make one using a knitting loom in a color of yarn that will match a range of outfits.
29. Floral Coat Rack
Create a custom coat hanger by adhering floral wrapping paper. Paint the knobs and border in a complementary color.
30. Personalized Notebook
For a friend who loves to write and jot down memories, personalize a journal that they’ll keep close to their heart. Add words and phrases to the cover that will inspire them.
31. Magnet
Have a friend or family member who is always in the kitchen? Gift your favorite gourmand with a personalized photo magnet. Include a photo from a recent foodie event, like the neighborhood BBQ they hosted last summer or your annual Thanksgiving feast. Pair your gift with recipe cards or a custom spice blend.
32. Embroidery Hoop Wall Art
From birthday gifts for her, to gifts for him, and everything in-between, the best creative gift ideas are ones that are personalized. Take an embroidery hoop, cover the circular space with fabric and add a monogram.
33. Playing Cards
Another timeless pastime, playing cards are perfect for the Poker champ or the casual game night. Pick a photo that matches the spirit of their favorite game, like a playful photo for ‘Go Fish’ lovers or a serene landscape for nights of Texas Hold’em.
34. DIY iPad Case
Does your friend have an iPad or e-reader? Sew a custom case out of felt and add a button with an elastic hook for easy opening and closing.
35. Wire Photo Frame
Create a unique picture frame where many photo prints can be hung. Secure wire across an old frame or window pane. Clip photos with clothespins to personalize it even more. Shutterfly photo prints range from a modest 4×4 to a more sizable 20×30. Standard photo print sizes are 4×6, 5×7, and 8×10.
36. Colorful Trivet
Dip dye upholstery cording in bright colors, then wrap the pieces in circular fashion to form round coasters or custom trivets. These creative gifts make for great decor in the kitchen, dining room, and living room.
37. Elastic Bookmark
Made out of elastic bands and fabric, these bookmarks hold the right page and don’t slip during travel. Add to your gift by including a book or journal. It doesn’t matter if this is their first new addition or seventh, our selection of personalized photo gifts, baby journals, and personalized journals allow you to give the perfect gift each and every time.
38. Stretchy Headband
If you’re not a seamstress, don’t worry. Stretchy headbands can be made from fabric scraps using a simple pattern. These hair accessories can be worn for workouts or Saturday morning brunches.
39. Zippered Clutch
Who said organizing your purse, bag or case had to look boring? This creative DIY gift idea is a good go-to. Clutches make great mini purses for going out or storing makeup. Personalize the clutch by adding a monogram.
40. Quirky Lamp
Add character to a friend’s room by painting the base of a lamp with a fun color like green, blue or pink. Pair the base with a patterned lampshade for extra style.
41. Puppy Salt and Pepper Shakers
Whether you’re welcoming a neighbor or attending a friend’s housewarming party, our personalized kitchen gifts make a thoughtful and unique addition to any new space. Bring personality to the dinner table of the animal lovers in your life. Paint gold accents on the paws and ears for an attention grabbing touch.
42. Reusable Shopping Bag
Whether you’re eco-conscious or looking for a way to upgrade your grocery store shopping, these reusable shopping bags make gifting easy. Turn your DIY bag into a personalized gift basket by including a gift card to a local delicatessen, homemade jams and unique snacks.
43. Striped Rug
Enhance a simple rug by painting stripes from end to end. Make it an accent or complimentary piece to a living room or bedroom. Whatever gifts you’re on the hunt for: thoughtful gifts, funny gifts, just because gifts –– consider increasing the emotional impact with added personalization.
44. Mouse Pads
Work doesn’t have to be all about the 9 to 5. Make a moment they’ll enjoy by personalizing a mouse pad for the professional in your life. Include a photo of their favorite vacation spot or your last family outing. They’ll be reminded of how much you appreciate their hard work.
45. Hanging Cork Board
Line a cork board with fabric and use that same fabric to create the board’s hanger. Purchase matching push pins and add photos with quotes that will make your friend smile.
46. Painted Herb Pot
Boost the look of a potted plant by painting it in a solid color and engraving a message. Place a basil or thyme plant in the pot to produce herbs that can be used all year long.
47. Cupboard Door Serving Tray
Repurpose a cupboard door to create a serving tray for coffee, tea and snacks. Paint yours white or design it with a pattern.
48. Stenciled Scarves
Accent a scarf with a simple design like flowers or feathers. Stencil on your design with fabric paints.
49. Gemstone Picture Frame
Jazz up a picture frame with gemstones of the same color. Place a photo inside to personalize your gift even more. Framing photographs allows you to turn special memories and beautiful scenes into home and office decor.
50. Colored Vases
Paint a vase with thick stripes of varying colors. Add fresh blooms for a complete gift that makes for stunning decor.
51. Ceramic Tiles
These personalized ceramic tiles are a great way to add some luxe to your living room. Each comes with their own wrought iron easel so you can display them easily. Pick a family photo and pair it with some flowers or a new book to create some serious bookcase envy.
52. Teacup Candles
Find decorative tea cups in your home or at second-hand stores, then fill them with melted wax. Add a wick for a charming and calming gift.
53. Buckled Clutch
Both pleather and leather are easy to work with and can be formed into a clutch. Accent with stars and hearts, then attach a buckle for a clutch your friends will be proud to tote.
54. Newspaper Art
Make wall art out of newspaper clippings—ideally a paper with special meaning like a high school sports clipping. Layer it with a favorite quote or phrase.
55. Gold-dipped Jewelry Trays
Looking for creative gifts for her? Consider a dipped jewelry dish for your mom, sister or best friend. Choose a metallic color for a glamorous feel.
56. Dyed Handkerchiefs
Handkerchiefs are versatile. Dye a batch a variety of shades for everyone on your guest list.
57. Sangria Kit
Create a Spanish-inspired gift with a sangria kit. Include personalized glassware and plenty of fresh fruit. Add in a recipe so your loved one knows just how to stir up the delicious drink.
Wrapping Up
These creative DIY gift ideas will be sure to put a smile on your loved one’s faces. Something as simple as a photo mug with a favorite snapshot from a trip or outdoor adventure will go a long way. Explore and create additional personalized gifts with Shutterfly’s wide range of gifts for everyone.
