37 Fun & Easy DIY Gift Ideas for Every Occasion in 2024

Are you searching for DIY gift ideas for a birthday, anniversary, wedding or holiday? If you’re on a budget or just feeling crafty, DIY gifts provide a fun and thoughtful way to celebrate mom, dad, grandma or your best friend.

Whether it’s white elephant gift ideas, graduation gift ideas and Mother's Day gift ideas or Father's Day gift ideas and Valentine's Day gift ideas, any occasion is an excellent time to break out the creative spirit and make personalized, practical and thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list.

From custom mugs, calendars and themed baskets to pottery, painting and other experience gifts, we’ve gathered a collection of DIY gift ideas for every occasion.

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• Creative DIY Experience Gifts
• DIY Gift Basket Ideas
• Personalized DIY Gift Ideas
• Last-Minute DIY Gift Ideas
• Holiday DIY Gift Ideas

Creative DIY Experience Gifts

1. Paint and Sip Session

Whether it’s paint and sip in Milwaukee, paint and sip in Orlando or paint and sip in Los Angeles, the recipient is bound to enjoy a fun and interactive evening of painting and sipping wine, champagne, coffee, tea or whatever they choose.

Classes are designed for all levels. Instructors make the event fun while sharing skills and techniques for painting with watercolors, acrylics, oils and more. Check out a variety of paint and sip near you to pick out the perfect DIY gift idea.

2. Online Painting Classes

Online painting classes are a wonderful DIY gift idea for a friend who enjoys playing with paint, canvas and creative inspiration. They can set up in the comfort of their own home while connecting with instructors via the Internet.

Along with learning new techniques, they’ll pick up birdhouse painting ideas, flower pot painting ideas and rock painting ideas to use in their own projects.

3. Classpop! Gift Card

Gift cards are one of the best DIY gift ideas anyone can receive. A Classpop! gift card makes it easy for the recipient to choose from art, pottery, sewing and other creative classes. Gift cards are available for any amount over $10 and never expire.

4. Art Classes

From art classes in Portland and art classes in San Diego to art classes in Atlanta, your friend or family member can learn how to draw, paint, sculpt or sketch like a pro.

They’ll learn how to choose paint brushes, mix colors and outline to create works of art they can display in their home or office. Check out art classes near you to find wonderful DIY gift ideas for everyone on your list.

5. Pottery Classes

From pottery classes in Boston to pottery classes in Houston and pottery classes in San Francisco, your mom, dad, sister or best friend can learn how to throw, shape and paint beautiful pieces of clay.

They’ll have fun while connecting with others and creating vases, mugs, bowls and sculptures. Get started by booking pottery classes near you as your next DIY gift idea, or give a gift card.

6. Virtual Flower Arranging Classes

If your recipient is home-bound, out-of-town or just likes the comfort of their own living room, virtual flower arranging classes are a terrific DIY gift idea.

All they need is a mobile device and an internet connection to join classes on flower bouquets, holiday wreaths, corsages and more.

7. Sewing Classes

It’s always fun to learn a new-to-you-skill, and sewing classes may be just what your best friend, mom or neighbor would enjoy.

They’ll learn basic skills like sewing machine safety, hand stitching, hemming, working with patterns and more. This makes a unique DIY gift idea for any occasion.

DIY Gift Basket Ideas

8. Artist’s Basket

Art lovers always need new supplies. For artsy gift basket ideas, artsy raffle basket ideas and arts and crafts for adults, fill a basket with tubes of acrylic and oil paint, palettes of watercolors, new brushes, canvas and sketch pads for a fun and functional DIY gift idea.

9. Spa Day Basket

Are you searching for DIY Mother’s Day gift ideas, DIY gift basket ideas or DIY birthday gifts for someone who needs a day of pampering and relaxation?

Elevate their spa day with a basket overflowing with bath bombs, facial treatments, pedicure supplies, indulgent moisturizers and a candle or two.  

10. School Supply Jar or Basket

Fill a big glass jar or basket with school or office supplies such as tape, sticky notes, glue sticks, rubber bands, paper clips, markers and more.

This makes for thoughtful and functional DIY gifts for teachers and gifts for crafters.

11. Bees and Balm Basket

If you have a friend or co-worker who loves their lip balm, a balm-inspired basket is the perfect DIY gift idea. Choose a few of their favorites, pick out some new ones or even make your own.

Lip balm is pretty easy to make, and you may already have some of the ingredients. The main components are beeswax beads, coconut oil, essential oils (such as Young Living’s lemon or peppermint) and lip balm tubes.

Since bees are such a helpful factor in lip balm, why not mix in some local honey, lip scrub and a cute bumble bee pin to go along with this fun basket?

12. Teatime Basket

Are you searching for DIY gift ideas for mom or DIY gift ideas for your best friend who appreciates a great cup of Darjeeling, oolong or chamomile?

A basket full of herbal tea bags, strainers, loose-leaf tea and maybe a fun new mug is the perfect way to celebrate their birthday, anniversary or new job.

13. Cookbook and Kitchen Supplies

Pick out a favorite type of cuisine — seafood, Italian, French pastries or BBQ — and pop it in a basket. Fill in with herbs, spices, kitchen tools, potholders, local sauces and more.

This is a wonderful DIY gift idea for a housewarming, wedding, graduation or recent transplant to a new city.

Personalized DIY Gift Ideas

14. Calendar

Calendars make excellent DIY gift ideas all year round. Give this one a personal touch with custom photos and birthdays and special events already added in.

Grandparents will love seeing photos of their grandchildren every month, and friends will enjoy their favorite travel photos.

15. Wall Art

Wall art is one of the most personalized and thoughtful DIY gift ideas you can give to a parent, grandparent, best friend or college graduate. Choose canvas, tiles or a framed print of their pet, grandchildren or favorite travel destination.

Shutterfly and Zazzle are the places to go for quick and easy uploading, creating and ordering of custom DIY gift ideas you can order online.

16. Mouse Pad

Whether you’re in the market for DIY Father’s Day gift ideas, DIY gifts for teachers or DIY Christmas gift ideas, a mouse pad sporting a photo of their grandkids, pets or favorite travel memory is a wonderful way to incorporate a useful gift with something they’ll enjoy seeing every day. If you want to go all out for the working guy or gal, why not look at some IKEA desk hacks and create a workplace masterpiece.

17. Photo Book

Celebrate milestones and anniversaries with first anniversary gifts that show you care. Visit a site such as Shutterfly, Snapfish or VistaPrint to create a beautiful photo book of your first year together. This also makes a terrific DIY gift idea for a birthday, graduation or holiday.

18. Magnet

Magnets are one gift that everyone can use and enjoy. They make terrific DIY gift ideas for your best friend, grandma or grandpa. Simply choose a photo and upload to a site like Shutterfly where it’ll become a fun magnet. They’ll think of you every time they open the fridge or stick a note under it.

19. Travel Tumbler

Hydration is all the rage. If you’re looking for DIY 21st birthday gift ideas or any other age, you can’t go wrong with a tumbler. Companies like Shutterfly and Tervis are excellent options for transferring a favorite selfie, travel photo or pet pic onto a water bottle, mug or tumbler.

20. Quote Pillow Cover

Searching for craft gift ideas for adults who have everything? Choose one of their favorite quotes, sarcastic comebacks or even a monogram and stencil it onto a pillow cover.

21. Photo Puzzle

If you’re searching for DIY Father’s Day gift ideas for the dad who likes a good challenge, consider a custom photo puzzle. Choose a favorite travel memory or create a collage of family, pet and car shots.

Last-Minute DIY Gift Ideas

22. DIY Tote Bag

A DIY Tote Bag is one of the easiest gifts you can make. Most craft stores have basic canvas totes and all the paint needed for tote bag painting ideas. Simply stencil, paint or airbrush a colorful design or favorite quote onto the front.

23. Garden Markers

For a friend with a green thumb (or the one who wants to have a green thumb), garden markers are a great idea. You can purchase wooden markers from craft stores and embellish them with the names of herbs, spices, vegetables and other plants.

Bamboo skewers with wine corks are another cute way to spice up a garden.

24. Monogrammed Wine Bag

If you’re searching for handmade gift ideas for the wine connoisseur in your life, a monogrammed wine bag is a great choice. You don’t even have to sew for this gift idea.

You’ll need two pieces of burlap or canvas cut into two approximately 36” x 8” pieces. Break out the glue gun to connect the pieces.

You’ll glue the sides (with frayed sides to the inside) and then use stencils to make a pretty design or monogram on the outside. Slip in a bottle and tie it with a ribbon.

25. Memo Board

Looking for art ideas for teens? Memo boards are even terrific craft gift ideas for adults who like to display photos, keep track of meetings and write grocery lists. Simply use an old or upcycled photo frame and choose a corkboard to fit.

26. DIY Body Butter

DIY body butter is your answer to the question, “What can be a perfect gift that's made by hand?” It’s useful, indulgent and smells great.

You’ll need magnesium flakes, coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax pastilles and vitamin E oil. You can also use essential oil for a nice fragrance.

27. Pin Cushion Jar

Sewing enthusiasts can always use a cute pin cushion. Choose a jar with a lid (like the type used for canning). Pick out a pretty fabric and cut to fit the lid, leaving enough fabric around it to “puff” up. This will be filled in with stuffing, which is where the pins will stick when complete.

28. State-Shaped Cork Board

State-shaped cork boards make terrific gifts for best friends who are teachers, travelers or who have moved to a new state. They’re also easy to make. Simply print out a state shape and paint or otherwise decorate. They can use it for their to-do lists, travel plans or favorite photos.

29. Hand Scrub

Hand scrubs are an excellent DIY gift idea. This lemon and peppermint antibacterial hand scrub is perfect for a white elephant gift idea. It offers cleansing, exfoliation and germ-fighting properties.

Ingredients include fine sea salt, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil and lemon essential oil. Present in a cute glass jar with a scoop.

Holiday DIY Gift Ideas

30. Personalized Charcuterie Board

For a friend who loves hosting and entertaining, a personalized charcuterie board is a thoughtful and useful DIY gift idea. Choose a favorite quote, a monogram, a date or logo to engrave on an oak, bamboo or acacia board.

They’ll serve Christmas cookies, meat and cheese or fruit and vegetables in style.

31. Custom Christmas Ornament

Salt dough Christmas ornaments make a thoughtful and easy DIY gift. Stir up a concoction of flour, water and salt. Shape into the form of a star, sun, dog or whatever you please.

Cookie cutters come in handy for the shaping process. Then, paint it. Finally, you’ll want to seal it with Mod Podge or a spray sealer.

32. Box of Cookies

Nothing says Merry Christmas, Happy Halloween, Happy Valentine’s Day or even Happy You Moved to Town better than homemade cookies (or the thoughtful act of local bakery-purchased treats).

Choose festive gingerbread, sugar or old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies. Place in a decorative tin for a delicious holiday DIY gift idea.

33. Rustic Wreath

Wondering what to gift your mother that's DIY? A rustic wreath is easy to make for a festive DIY gift idea. The main supplies you need are an embroidery hoop and a chipboard word or letter.

These can be purchased from the local craft or discount thrift store. Glue the chosen word to the hoop and decorate with paint, flowers, fabric, greenery and whatever embellishments you prefer.

34. Heating Pad

If you’ve been itching to use your sewing skills, this is a fun and practical DIY gift idea for friends and family. Gather some pretty fabric and sew it into a square or rectangle.

Before sewing it all the way closed, you’ll want to fill it with rice. This can then be heated in the microwave to soothe aching muscles.

35. Peppermint Bark

If you’re wondering what to make for Christmas gifts that are homemade, you can’t go wrong with sweet and crunchy peppermint bark.

You’ll need white and dark chocolate, coconut oil, peppermint extract and three standard-sized candy canes. Choose a pretty tin to surprise a friend, neighbor or co-worker.

36. Hot Chocolate Stirrers

Searching for that perfect White Elephant or Secret Santa gift for the office party? Hot chocolate stirrers are fun and easy to make as an edible DIY gift idea. Dip candy cane ends into melted chocolate and allow to dry.

You can also sprinkle them with crushed candy canes before they dry. Gather into a “bouquet” and present in a tin or box with an assortment of hot chocolate, tea and cider mixes.

37. Homemade Candle

A homemade candle is a wonderful Christmas gift for a friend, grandmother or co-worker. A spruce-infused scent is perfect for the holiday spirit. Find a pretty glass jar or even a teacup.

Use soy wax chips, solid or gel liquid dye and pine-scented (or another fragrance) candle oil and candle wicks. The recipient will love the fragrance and color of this DIY gift idea.

Selecting the perfect DIY gift ideas doesn’t have to be an agonizing task. Start with a spark of inspiration, such as a favorite photo or hobby interest, and go from there. You’ll find your questions about how to make easy gifts are answered.

You don’t have to know how to knit, crochet, bake or even own a Cricut machine to make handmade DIY gift ideas that come from the heart. Creating DIY gifts is a personal, creative and budget-friendly endeavor, but most of all, it should be fun!

For even more fun DIY gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!