DIY

53 Awesome DIY Projects For All Ages in 2025

by: Kristy Bowen

Published on Mar 7th 2025

DIY projects can be a great way to use your ingenuity to create, rather than buy, the things you need. Not only are they often more budget-friendly than ready-made items, but you get the sense of satisfaction of having crafted something to your own specifications and customizations. This can mean creating furniture, pieces of art or accessories, or solving ordinary problems by crafting items that remedy them. They can also be enormous fun.

Whether you are an avid crafter, home DIY expert or just a beginner looking to express yourself, there are many projects that are easy and inexpensive to create. We’ve rounded up a few favorites, many of which involve easily accessible supplies that you can buy from craft or home stores. For others, you may already have all the materials close at hand. With them, you can transform areas of your dorm room or home to fit your style perfectly.

DIY Projects for Kids

1. Animal Assemblages

Turn ordinary shallow tin cans into cute works of miniature art with this fun DIY project. Just use a glue gun to adhere some plastic animal figures inside the can along with other small objects like miniature trees, rocks and other natural elements.

2. Homemade Slime

Make cool DIY slime by mixing household things you already have. The recipe includes glue, baking soda and contact lens solution. Mix in equal parts. You can also use shaving cream for a fluffier, more airy version of slime. Add elements like glitter and food coloring to create colorful slime.

3. Animal Fridge Magnets

Glue some small disc magnets on the back of plastic animal figurines to make fun fridge magnets to keep all those important papers and school artwork in place. You can also use push pins attached to the back to make fun pins for memos or bulletin boards that look like zoo or farm creatures.

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4. Melt & Pour Surprise Bath Soaps

Glycerin soap base is a great and easy way to introduce older children to soapmaking as a craft. Help them heat the base over a double broiler or in the microwave. Then allow them to pour it into molds, adding fun elements like natural materials, glitters and small toys to make fun bars of homemade bath soap. You can also use Epsom salts, baking soda and citric acid, and some circular molds to create fun, surprise DIY bath bombs with toys or glitter inside.

5. Friendship Bracelets

Due to Taylor Swift’s popular Eras Tour, friendship bracelets are back to stay and are great for trading and gifting among kids. Set up a station of friendship bracelet elements like embroidery thread, twine, beads, word cubes from Dollar Tree, metal charms and other fun elements.

6. Pom Pom Lamp Shade

Use some white glue to add some fun flair to any boring plain lampshade with tiny pom poms. Add them as a border around the top or bottom, make a design or cover the shade all over with them.

7. Bead Suncatcher

For a fun DIY project with kids, melt some meltable Perler beads inside of metal cookie cutters to create fun transparent suncatchers, using beads in numerous colors. The plastic beads will soften and solidify to each other, maintaining their texture and transparency that allows the sun through.

8. Fairy Garden

Create a miniature fairy garden with kids as a fun DIY project in any container. Great options include plants, terrarium bowls or fishbowls and wood boxes. Fill the bottom with pebbles and use various natural elements and miniature items like fairy figures, dollhouse miniatures, colored stones, rocks, marbles and other elements to make a tiny garden. Add fake or succulent plants and create pathways through the garden.

9. Box Dollhouse

Always longed for a large dollhouse but don’t have the money or the space? You can create a beautiful dollhouse by gluing several large to midsize shipping boxes together to form the rooms of a structure. Paint the exterior of the boxes and add paint, wallpaper and flooring materials inside. Larger boxes work great for taller dolls like Barbies to go with your Barbie-themed party.

10. Snow Globes

Any ordinary empty jar can be turned into a fun snowglobe. Just add distilled water and a few drops of glycerin. This will make the glitter stay suspended longer when shaken. Add fun miniatures and holiday elements like bottlebrush trees and reindeer to the inside. With a personal touch they also make great DIY Christmas gifts.

DIY Projects for Teens

11. Ribbon Memo Board

Take any large frame and with a staple gun, add a crisscross work of ribbons. Add some fabric to the back of the frame and use it to store photos, concert tickets, mementos and reminders. Paint the frame to match your room decor.

12. Hot Glue Wall Mushrooms

For an adorable DIY project for your walls, use layers of hot glue to create a slender shelf that looks like mushrooms that grow out of trees in shelf formations. As the glue sets up, embed some push pins to insert into the wall for hanging. Use some acrylic paint to make them look like real mushrooms. Add greenery, moss and small objects to decorate

13. Pin Cake

Use two circular pieces of foam with some glued-on fabric to design an adorable layer cake for your pin collection. Use ric-rac, ribbon and floral details around the top to make it look like a cake, then drive your button or enamel pin collection into the foam.

14. Flower Crown

If you are headed to a music festival this summer, make the perfect flower crown out of wire and artificial flowers and greenery. Create a circle of braided wire that goes around your head, then add ribbon and floral elements woven through the wire.

15. Hollow Book

Use a utility knife and cut out the inside of an old book to create the perfect book safe or storage for personal mementos that will fit right in on your bookshelf with none the wiser. Use some Mod Podge around the edges to keep the pages solid in a block around the hollow center.

16. Floral Wall

Add some chicken wire and artificial flowers or greenery to your wall to create an amazing accent wall. Just weave the flowers and greenery between the webbing of the wire. Use small nails or screws to hold the wire in the place. Or use drywall anchors to support the weight and hang it above your bed.

17. Jewelry Holder

Turn any branch from your backyard into a gorgeous natural jewelry holder great for holding necklaces, pendants and bracelets stylishly. Just screw in two cup hooks on either end of the branch and rest the bench between to hang pieces over. You can paint the branches in black, silver or gold.

18. Fabric Lampshade

Grab your favorite fabric or decorative paper and use it to transform any boring lampshade. All you need is spray adhesive and hot glue. Cut the fabric to size and wrap around, affixing it with adhesive. Add trim, ric-rac, fringe or other elements to finish with a hot glue gun.

19. Record Shelves

Use wooden 1 x 1 inch segments of wood cut to size and some small wooden dowels to make the perfect vinyl record display shelves for your room. Attach the pieces of wood to the wall with screws, then use wood glue to affix the dowel along the front (it will keep your records from sliding off).

DIY Projects for Students

20. Book Covers

Whether you’re in high school or college, textbooks can often be unsightly and bulky on your bookshelf. Change them into more attractive volumes by adding some decorative paper to them. You can use scrapbook paper from the craft store, old grocery bags or sheets of poster paper or cardstock large enough to wrap your book. Use a paint or collage technique to customize the books and make them look new. This also can protect the covers if they’re rentals.

21. Locker Mirror

Take a plain magnetic locker mirror from somewhere like Dollar Tree and change it into a stunning addition to your locker or dorm room with a few modifications and embellishments attached with a glue gun. Add beading around the entire mirror to create one with a little sparkle or add some wooden beads for a more sophisticated look.

22. Magnetic Jars

Need some extra storage in a dorm room or inside your locker? Add some magnets to the top of any regular jar and attach it to a metal surface. This will allow you to screw in the jar. Store supplies like paper clips, binder clips and other small objects inside the jars. These DIY projects work for small containers like jam jars or large mason jars, depending on your storage needs. They also make great gifts for crafters to stash supplies in.

23. Stress Ball

If midterms or the end of the semester has you stressed, you can make easy DIY projects like stress balls to help work out your feelings. Use any ordinary balloon and fill it with flour, play dough or a squishy material like oobleck to create a strangely satisfying squeezeyness.

24. Ribbon Charm Bookmark

Make pretty bookmarks from ordinary ribbon and silver charms of your choice. You will need ribbon clamps for the end of the ribbon, small charms and any other decorative elements. This also works for small strips of lace and trim. The end charms make it easy to find your way back to your page — much easier than paper bookmarks. They are also easy to transport and won't bend when stored in a bag.

24. Desk Organizer

Create a multi-level organizer ideal for markers, pens, paintbrushes and other supplies by buying inexpensive Dollar Tree pen organizers and gluing them together with a hot glue gun to create a multilevel system that can be as large as you need. Paint or decorate these sturdy plastic organizers with paper, fabric or paint.

25. Book Pillow

If you’re studying and want to keep your book open to a certain page, you may be tempted to use any heavy object. Or, you can create a cute book weight beanbag. Sew a slip of pretty fabric into a rectangle and fill with rice for a pretty way to keep your books open hands-free.

26. Custom Coffee Mug

Turn any solid coffee mug into a custom piece by using markers designed specifically for drawing on porcelain and ceramics. Most markers allow you to heat the mug in the oven on a low setting to set the ink and will remain microwave and dishwasher safe for years to come. Use them to add your name and a custom design.

27. Embroidered Tote

Add embroidered accents to any plain tote bag, including hearts, stars, your name or fun messages. All you need is an embroidery hoop, thread and a needle designed for embroidery.

28. Mod Podged Pencils

Make your plain pencils much cuter with just some paper and Mod Podge. Wrap the pencils in the paper, adhering it with a coat of Mod Podge on the surface of the pencil. Then, add additional glue on top to protect it and seal the paper. Great ideas for these DIY projects include using decorative paper from craft stores, wrapping paper scraps and old book pages.

DIY Projects for Adults

29. Mosaic Tabletop

Turn a basic table into a beautiful mosaic conversation piece. Add a sheet of concrete backing board screwed into the table as a backing for your mosaic. Slather on a thick layer of Thinsulate to embed your mosaic materials into. Great materials include broken dishes and crockery, broken bottles, beads, glass pebbles, shells, seaglass and other sparkly materials. After you’ve laid it out, add a sand-based grout to the grooves and then remove the excess with a wet rag or sponge. Sand down any sharp edges and a finishing clear coat, and you have a stunning table perfect for indoor or outdoor use.

30. Stenciled Floor

If you're plagued by ugly tile floors and don’t have the budget to swap them out, you can create a gorgeous stencil technique using paints designed specifically for the kind of tile you are covering up. Paint a base and primer coat of the underlying color, then use a stencil with a brush. Seal it with a tile sealant after drying to keep it watertight and looking good.

31. Lantern Jars

Mason jars can be transformed into beautiful lighting fixtures with a few modifications and some LED lights or votive candles. Use Mod Podge to decoupage the exterior of the jar with various papers. Great options include semi-transparent papers that will allow the light to shine through, like wrapping paper, tissue paper and thin book pages. Add another coat of Mod Podge over the top. Use a metal punch to poke a hole in the lid to string through a wire for hanging. Hang it inside or outdoors from porch railings, fences and trees for beautiful outdoor illumination.

32. Full-Length Beaded Mirror

Turn an inexpensive full-length mirror from discount stores like IKEA into a stunning luxe-framed mirror that has a chic boho style. Use large wooden beads from the craft store and some Gorilla Glue to affix beads around the edge of the mirror. Leave them natural or add some paint to match your decor. These are just some of the many IKEA mirror hacks to use for your DIY projects.

33. Wood Glue Flowers

Wood glue, when it hardens, makes a beautifully delicate translucent material that creates wonderful flowers you can use as decorative accents. Wrap some heavier gauge wire into the shape of flowers, leaves and petals, then dip them into a bowl of wood glue, allowing the thick glue to form petals between the wire. Dry them on a sheet of parchment paper. Create stemmed flowers for a party arrangement or use them on gifts, as wreath additions or on vases or boxes.

34. Doily Curtain

Have a pretty collection of vintage linens and doilies you don't quite know how to use? You can make a pretty and stylish boho curtain perfect for windows where you need some privacy but allow the light to flow through. Use doilies, table scarves and other pieces of crochet, sewing the pieces together into a patchwork for this DIY home decor.

35. Burlap Roses

Cut burlap material, available from craft and fabric stores, into long 1-inch strips. Attach one end to a wire stem with hot glue and start wrapping around it, moving outward to mimic the petals of a rose. Use these blooms for arrangements, gift wrapping, on hats or scarves or anywhere else you need some rustic floral charm.

36. Framed Bathroom Mirror

If you’re stuck with a builder-grade mirror attached to the wall in an older home, you may be looking for easy DIY projects to add some framing or other interest aesthetics around the mirror for a more modern look. Use 1-inch molding trim and some brad nails to surround the mirror, using a miter saw to cut the corners so they fit perfectly together. Paint or finish it in your desired shade or stain. For a larger frame, use wider pieces of wood or layer different widths and cuts.

37. Perfect Holiday Mantel

Garland and other trim around shelves and mantels can be unruly, slipping and falling down often. To create a stunning mantle that won’t budge, use a pool noodle cut in half and wrapped around the edge of the mantel. You can insert floral picks, wrap garland and add all your accents to the foam. After the season ends, pop it off and put it away to use next year. You can also add fall garland and pumpkin picks to create DIY Fall decor.

DIY Projects To Sell

38. Handmade Candles

Making melt-and-pour candles may be easier than you think. All you need is a fire-safe vessel, a melt and pour wax and some wicks. Great options include vintage teacups, Mason jars, old candle containers and other glass receptacles. You can also add scented oils or additives like flower petals, coffee beans or pigments designed specifically for candle making. Use our quick guide on how to make candles and the different types of candles for more inspiration. They also make great DIY gift ideas.

39. Vintage Jewelry Art

You can usually find bags of vintage costume jewelry pieces at thrift stores, including old and broken pendants, brooches, mismatched earrings and other unwearable pieces. Then, turn this trash into treasure by using hot glue inside a frame or shadowbox to create beautiful glimmering arranged pieces of art, including holiday trees, floral arrangements and landscapes with the jewelry.

40. Glass Pendants

Craft stores and online retailers sell glass discs designed specifically for pendant making. You can use Mod Podge to create tiny works of art for these DIY projects, including old book pages, tiny collages, postage stamps and book illustrations to make beautiful pendants. Back them with a metal disc or bevel, then add them to a chain or cord.

41. Cross Stitch

Cross stitch is having a moment, with embroidered pieces popular as gifts and decor. You can go the traditional route with images of flowers or make humorous signs, symbols and other designs that are definitely not your grandmother's cross stitch.

42. Upcycled Dishes

You can buy special markers to make fun designs and write phrases on ceramics and porcelain, which make it easy to customize and upcycle inexpensive thrifted or discount store dishware. While not all kinds of markers are dishwasher safe, you can turn any plate or bowl into a genius work of art that you can display or use.

43. Thrift Flipped Furniture

The internet is full of ingenious examples and tutorials for tuning ho-hum or damaged pieces from thrifts and flea markets into new furniture with the addition of paint, stain and custom details. Turn an outdated table, dresser or cabinet into a masterpiece you can sell for a profit on a relatively low investment.

44. Vintage Knob Hook Rack

Vintage cabinet and drawer knobs are often far more intricately beautiful than today's knobs, including carved models in metal, glass and enamel. Screw them into any 2 x 4 and you have a gorgeous vintage inspired coat rack that you can sell to others.

45. Decorated Wood Slices

Why not make gorgeous ornaments from all-natural materials for the holiday tree season? You can buy wood slices in various dimensions from both craft stores and Amazon. Use them to create unique, customized ornaments that are perfect for craft shows and holiday markets. They are also great for your own tree or for giving as gifts or gift accents attached with some ribbon. You can use a wood burning tool or just paint or collage on the wooden disc. They also make fun DIY Christmas decorations for your own tree. Don't forget our Christmas ornament storage ideas to help you transport your goods to and from the market.

46. Pressed Flower Suncatchers

Use sheets of clear glass and a soldering iron to create beautiful suncatchers with dried and pressed flowers. These beautiful objects look stunning hanging in your window or on a wall. They also make a fun item to sell online or at markets since they catch buyers' eyes as they glisten in the sun.

DIY Electronics Projects

47. Mason Jar Lamp

Turn any large glass jar into a lamp with a simple lamp kit from a home store. You will need to drill a hole through the bottom, so use a diamond drill bit with lots of water to keep the bit from getting too hot and damaging the glass as you drill. Fill the inside with pretty shells, marbles or mementos. Add a shade and you have a budget-friendly lamp.

48. Router Box

Create a DIY box for your router or modem from any cardboard box that fits the size. Cover it in fabric or decorative paper so that it blends in with your decor. Leave the back exposed for ventilation and easy access to cords.

49. Light Up Bar Shelves

Looking for a great way to light your bar for entertaining? String strip lights along the back of your bar shelves and fasten them down with metal U-hooks. The light will shine through the liquor bottles and glassware that are placed in front of them.

50. Neon DIY Sign

Retailers like Amazon sell easy-to-assemble kits to make your own custom neon lights. Add a fun message or your name to your wall in glorious neon for a pretty piece of decor that gives off a good amount of light in a range of colors.

51. Dried Flower Phone Case

Turn a plain clear phone case into a floral masterpiece with some dried flowers, dried leaves and Mod Podge. Brush the flowers with adhesive, then apply them to the inside of the case. Add another coat to seal them and allow them to dry before reinserting your phone into the case.

52. Power Strip Organizer

Turn an ordinary Dollar Tree basket into a place to organize cords and hold a power strip under your desk or table. Just rest the power strip in the basket and use cup hooks to suspend the basket from the underside of the surface and tuck it inside to keep it out of the way.

53. Wireless Wall Sconces

Need some lighting where you don’t have access to an outlet? Create a cute set of charming and rustic sconces for your walls using ordinary glass jars and rectangular pieces of scrap wood. Use a pipe clap around the mouth of the jar that you screw into the wood. In the jar, add an LED tealight, pillar or votive candle that runs on batteries. You can even use candles that light via a remote or timer.

DIY Projects FAQs

What Is the Meaning of DIY Projects?

DIY or “do it yourself” is a term used to describe creating objects yourself that you might otherwise buy from retailers using materials, equipment and tools you have at home. These projects are often more budget-friendly and more customizable than things you can buy.

What Is the Most Popular DIY Project?

Many of today’s most popular DIY projects involve upcycling materials that might otherwise wind up in a landfill. This includes everything from clothing and furniture to recycled items like mason jars, tin cans and scrap materials like fabric, wood and metal.

What Is DIY at Home?

These are projects you can create at home, often with materials and tools that are readily available and require very little that you have to purchase elsewhere.

These DIY projects are perfect to use as gifts, to sell to others, or to keep entirely for yourself.

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