Sometimes the simplest gifts are the best way to truly express your love and gratitude. Whether you’re sending a simple thank you card to a friend and want to include a gift, you’re finding that perfect gift for mom for her birthday, or your searching for Christmas list ideas, these customizable DIY gift ideas cover all your bases.
Explore unique options such as handsewn unicorn pillows and painted serving spoons, or stick to tradition with frosted champagne flutes and a self-curated photo calendar. These simple crafts also make fantastic Christmas gift ideas, showing off the time and thought you put into personalizing each item.
Whether you’re a DIY expert or prefer to keep things simple, peruse this versatile list of 33 small gift ideas to find the perfect present for any housewarming, wedding, birthday or anniversary in your life.
1. DIY Doggie Collar
Source: Always Rooney
Your loved one’s favorite furry friend deserves love as well. Start with a unique colored leather band and add cute designs and rivetts to make your own DIY dog collar.
2. Colorful Yarn Key Covers
Source: Creme de la Craft Blog
A lovely housewarming gift for your spouse or roommate, this yarn-wrapped key project keeps keys looking bright, colorful and easy to organize.
3. DIY Sharpie Mug
Source: Shutterfly
Add a little excitement to every cup of morning coffee by hand decorating your favorite person’s coffee mug with a sharpie and personalized design.
4. Copper Ring Cutting Board
Source: Always Rooney
Perfect for the home chef or generous host, add a stylish copper ring to a finished block of wood to create this small cutting and serving board.
5. Witty Wall Decor
Source: We Can Make Anything
Customize a personal message across three embroidery hoops. When hung side-by-side, this playful decor idea adds a bit of sass to the bedroom or kitchen.
6. Customized Travel Tags
Source: Shutterfly
What does the avid traveler really want? They would like any gift that makes their trip a little easier. These travel tags are the perfect small gift idea and even include special notes for safety and care in case of emergencies.
7. DIY Antioxidant Face Mask
Source: The Free Spirited
Made with simple ingredients to liven up the skin, this antioxidant face mask fits perfectly in a mason jar and pairs well with your favorite handmade soap for a spa-day set.
8. Photo Coaster and Jewelry Tray
Source: Shutterfly
Seal a family photo into this mini, multi-use tray and coaster for a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift idea. Consider pairing with a DIY jewelry project!
9. Cat Accent Pillows
Source: Idle Hands Awake
These cozy accent pillows are perfect for your favorite cat-loving friend. The no-sew pattern makes this an easy DIY for all levels of crafters.
10. DIY Unicorn Pillow
Source: Bugaboo City
Add a little magic to your loved one’s home by combining a rainbow array of felts, embroidery floss and pillow form for this whimsical bedtime friend.
11. Personalized Tea Towel
Source: Shutterfly
Every kitchen needs an all-purpose tea towel. Add a family photo or monogram as a personalized gift for mom or festive Christmas gift idea.
12. DIY XO Serving Spoons
Source: Oleander and Palm
Before your group’s next dinner party, paint these “hugs and kisses” salad spoons to gift to your favorite host or loved one. Include color or keep them simple with a black and white color scheme.
13. Monogrammed Candle
Source: Shutterfly
This little customizable present makes a memorable thank you gift for a bridesmaid or teacher. A monogrammed candle is the perfect gift that will go well with any home decor.
14. Exfoliating Loofah Soap
Source: Dream a Little Bigger
Meld a loofah with the soap mold for a unique bathroom accessory. This all-in-one home spa addition will improve your loved one’s pampering game.
15. Family Deck of Cards
Source: Shutterfly
Want to bring back the tradition of family card games? Gift mom or dad with a card deck decorated with monogrammed letters, family memories of the kids or your past trips and put a smile on their face.
16. Chicken Pin Cushions
Source: Loganberry Handmade
A perfect gift for your fellow sewing buddy–these chicken pin cushions come together with just a swatch of fabric, felt and sequins. Pair with some quality sewing materials for a gift set.
17. Family Photo Calendar
Source: Shutterfly
Lovely on a nightstand or desk, greet mom every month with a new family photo she can cherish with the passing of the year. These easel calendars don’t take up a whole wall and are decorated with cute designs to complement your photos.
18. Festive Frosted Champagne Flutes
Source: Twinspiration
Ring in the new year by painting and gifting these silver-frosted champagne flutes, perfect for a winter toast or wedding shower.
19. Foliage Border Key Ring
Source: Shutterfly
This nature-inspired birthday gift idea sends a reminder of love every time they grab their keys. Add your favorite two photos and a personalized monogram.
20. Glass Jewelry Plate
Source: Shutterfly
A lovely and simple birthday gift for mom, this photo-filled glass jewelry plate adds personalized charm to a dresser or nightstand.
21. Hand Painted Metallic Napkins
Source: The Learner Observer
Add a bit of shine to simple dinner napkins with gold and silver metallic paints. Create a unique design for each or compose a matching set.
22. Headphone Taco Case
Source: Local Adventurer
In just a few simple steps, create these DIY mini-tacos to snap up your headphones, keeping them tangle-free and making an excellent simple gift.
23. Love Photo Magnets
Source: Shutterfly
Greet your spouse every day with little reminders of your amazing memories together. These refrigerator magnets encapsulate mini photographs with love and style.
24. Monogrammed Phone Case
Source: Shutterfly
Phone cases are a gift that travels everywhere you go. Add a pattern or photo fit to their style and a monogram to make it theirs.
25. Nail Polish-Painted Headphone Cord
Source: Creme de la Craft Blog
Give the gift of style with these reinforced headphone wires. Add color to the cords making them look fun and festive! This project only requires your choice of nail polish colors.
26. Personalized Charms
Source: Shutterfly
These tiny personalized accent bracelets can make a huge impact. Choose each charm fit for your loved one’s distinct personality and style.
27. Quote Paperweight
Source: Shutterfly
Spruce up mom’s desk at Christmas or for her upcoming birthday by preserving a heartfelt quote in an elegant glass paperweight.
28. Vintage Tin Clock
Source: Lana Red Studio
In only a few simple steps transform any vintage tin into an adorable desk clock This is perfect for your DIY-loving friend or as a throwback for mom’s decor.
29. Personalized Flask
Source: Shutterfly
Keep every party going with your closest groups of pals by gifting these matching, personalizable flasks. Add the date of a special event for an extra touch.
30. Wooden Arrow Decor
Source: 100 Things to Do
Freshen up those woodworking skills to gift a matching pair of homemade arrows. This stylish, minimalist decor makes a statement in any bedroom, kitchen or living room.
31. Picture-Perfect Coasters
Source: Shutterfly
Display a collection of beloved family photos in a set of coasters. Gift to mom and dad with a gift set of glasses or stemware.
32. Wooden Coffee Carrier
Source: We Can Make Anything
Looking for a unique gift for the coffee or tea lover in your life? This wooden carrier will hold two steaming hot cups in the morning when they are on the move. This wooden box can also work as coffee table decor.
33. XOXO Necklace
Source: Shutterfly
Simple and classic, show your love for a teen or favorite lady in your life with this gold accent necklace, great for all ages and occasions.
Even the smallest present can mean a lot. Take the time to personalize your small gift ideas and watch your loved one’s face light up. Go the extra mile and include a handwritten note on unique stationary with the gift. And make sure to check out our gift finder to pick out the perfect gift for everyone on your gift list.
