If you’re looking for clever, unique, and creative gift ideas, take a look here! I’ve put together a list of 75+ amazing homemade gifts for adults! They are fabulous and I guarantee you’ll find something here that your special friend or family member will just love! These are all-occasion handmade gifts ideas for friends – perfect for Christmas or any time of the year! Keep reading to get inspired!
The Genius of Handmade Gifts
I’m not sure why this never really crossed my mind before. I have little ones (5-year-old twins), and making craft presents for the adults in our lives, from the kids, is something we do all. the. time. But it’s hard for me to believe that it took a Facebook post from someone else to clue me in to the genius of handmade Christmas gifts (or any occasion gifts) for adults – for family, friends, etc.
Last year, a blogger I follow mentioned that she and her sister were exchanging DIY gifts for Christmas. Oh my gosh… I really can’t believe I never thought of doing that with my sisters. I mean, we may have done it randomly over the years, but it was never an organized ‘thing.’
Til this year.
So after I saw that post, I immediately went to Pinterest and starting pinning homemade gift ideas for adults. And I knew I wanted to do a post on this – for y’all, for sure – but for me! Because this was now going to become ‘a thing’ for me and my sisters.
Right now, it’s mid-August, and I’ve already text messaged my 3 sisters and asked if they’d be into doing it this year. It was a unanimous ‘yes,’ so game on!
Why Homemade Gifts for Adults are Such a Great Idea
If you’re here, I don’t think you need convincing – and I might be stating the obvious, but here’s why handmade gifts are so genius:
Budget-Friendly: Most of the time, it will cost less to make a gift than to buy it, especially if you use thrifted or upcycled materials. And yes, that’s perfectly acceptable to do.
Personal: Not only can you personalize the gift to your friend’s tastes and likes, it’s so much more personal for them to receive a gift that you put time and energy into.
Creative: I love how the gears in my mind start turning when I do any kind of DIY or craft. Did you know that crafting and working with your hands keeps your brain sharp, can help fight anxiety and depression, and is a natural mood booster? Yup, all that. Plus a gift for a friend.
Fun: It really, really is a lot of fun to do this. Yes, sometimes annoying if you hit a snag, but mostly fun!
Other Specific Categories of DIY Gifts
To be honest, I haven’t totally been off the DIY gifts wagon, but only certain kinds. Mostly, I’ve focused on kid-made gifts:
I put together 50 ideas for homemade gifts from the kids, which is my go-to any time it’s a special occasion for someone special in our lives.
I’ve listed kid-made gifts for dads as well as kid-made gifts for Grandma.
I even have homemade gift ideas for teachers.
So, if you have littles, you can get them in on the homemade gift fun.
I’ve also put together DIY gifts that you can make from mason jars – a for-sure homemade gift, but sort of in its own category. But if mason jar gifts are something you really love, you can also peruse it for crafty gift ideas as well. I put the mason jar gift ideas in that post.
You can also give homemade gift baskets in all kinds of unique themes! Those are super-fun to create! You can even make a handmade DIY basket!
But, honestly, it never really occurred to me until recently to put together a master list of DIY gifts from adults to other adults: the ultimate friends and family homemade gift list. But that’s what we have here today.
The Ultimate Master List of Handmade Gifts Ideas for Friends & Family
Typically, I’m not a huge fan of such a long round-up. When I see lists this long – anything over 50, really, I get overwhelmed and a little lost sometimes. If that’s you, I feel ya, sister! But there were so many good choices, I just didn’t want to leave any out.
I’ve tried to arrange them (loosely) by category… for example, I grouped all the picture frames together, the coasters, the food ideas, the self-care, and pampering ideas… hopefully, my system will make some sense for you. I suggest grabbing a paper and pen and jotting down the ones that interest you so you don’t lose your way.
I also recommend giving yourself enough time to make these gifts. Some are super-easy and suitable for last-minute Lucy. But some require a little more. It will suck all the fun out of the project if it becomes a stressful race to the finish. Try your best to plan ahead and give yourself time to enjoy the process (hence why I texted my sisters in August, lol).
I truly hope you find something you love! Many on this list are easy gifts to make at home; some require a little more skill (such as sewing). But most are doable for anyone. These are wonderful handmade Christmas gift ideas for adults – or really, for any occasion you want to make a DIY gift. Most, with just very few exceptions, are ‘Non-Christmas-Specific.’
Ok, let’s get started!
75+ DIY Gifts for Friends, Family, and All the Special Adults in Your Life
Charming & Rustic DIY Farmhouse Wreath
This is a gift that would be beautiful just as it is, or it can be customized as well for holidays!
Aroma Diffuse
Wonderful idea for giving a fragrant gift! This is easy to put together - and it uses chopsticks, which is genius! There are other fun gift ideas in this post as well.
DIY Aromatherapy Room Spray
This is a genius idea if you have perfume samples in your possession. Mix with distilled water and essential oils, and you have a lovely gift.
DIY Room Sprays with Printable Labels
Here's another option for room spray using witch hazel and essential oils. Many recipes to choose from plus free printable labels!
DIY Pine Scented Soy Candles
If you want to take it up a notch, try this striped pine-scented soy candle! Not only adorable, but pine smells so, so good.
Teacup Candles
How adorable are these? Candles are usually a welcome gift, and if you have someone who loves coffee or tea, this would be super-sweet!
Easy Lap Desk with Storage
This is such a smart idea for a gift! Not only is it a lap desk (which we all need these days), but it has storage inside!
Birthday Board
This is a fabulous gift, especially for those with large families! Super-cute and functional!
Memo Boards
This is a clever and practical gift using a frame from old artwork. So many possibilities. I love the idea of stringing jute string across with clothespins for a real farmhouse style gift.
Faux Nail Head Trimmed Cork Board
Here's another fun idea for a corkboard - this time with fabric! Easy to make and customize! You can also push hook in the board and make it a jewelry holder as well!
Clip Photo Board
If you like ideas with fabric, here's an easy photo board that is super-fun to make and give!
DIY Scrabble Tile Picture Frame
Another super-cute idea for a picture frame! Scrabble tiles are fun for games, for home decor - and here- even for picture frames.
Newspaper Frame
This is such a fun and unique way to make a frame - with newspapers! And it's one that even kids can help make. This looks amazing!
Scrap Wood Frames
Picture frames are always a wonderful gift, and this is an easy, rustic gift that will mean so much because of a perfect picture being displayed. These are super-popular these days!
Personalized Photo Magnets
How sweet are these magnets? This is another great gift ideas using photos!
DIY Magnets
This is another fun alternative for DIY magnets! You can use all sorts of fun images for the magnet such as scrapbook paper, maps, sheet music - whatever!
DIY STAMPED CLAY MAGNETS.
Speaking of magnets, you can make these classy little beauties with air dry clay and stamps. Oh the possibilities with this, even if you didn't want to make a magnet. Let your mind imagine a little!
Photo Coasters
This is wonderful personalized gift! You can sneak on friends or family's Facebook or Instagram account, grab their pictures, and make beautiful coaster. Genius.
Marble Coasters With Leftover Tiles
This is a great way to have an upcycled project that you can use for a gift! They are stylish, and it's a perfectly good way to put old tiles to good use!
Wine Barrel Tray
Another gift that is on trend! Wine barrel trays are very popular, and a personalized one would make a fantastic gift.
Printed Image Home Decor
This tutorial gives you endless possibilities for wooden gift ideas (or really, many materials): for wood risers, decorative boxes, cutting boards...it's all about printing on wax paper and transferring designs. SO. MUCH. FUN.
Monogrammed Soap Dispenser
This truly is a genius idea! Personal and classy- and really easy to make!
DIY Garden Markers
If you have a gardener in your life, this set of clay garden markers are perfect and will be so appreciated!
Pinecone Fire Starters
How clever is this? If you know someone with a fire place or loves to make fires outdoors in a fire pit, this is such a treat!
DIY Sharpie Mugs
Sharpie mugs are one of my favorite gifts to make and give. There are so many ways to customize them and decorate them in your own signature style. Filling them up with goodies is another fun addition.
Apothecary Jars
Another very easy DIY made from Dollar Tree materials! These jars are fun to fill with all kinds of treats for the recipient!
DIY Floral Wall Hanging
This floral wall hanging mixes a little farmhouse with a little boho. Very easy to make and customize using greens and flowers of your choice!
Macrame Wall Hanging
Even if you've never done macrame before, this is easy enough for beginners! Macrame is on-trend right now and would make a perfect gift!
DIY Tassel and Macrame
Speaking of macrame and yarn projects, how about keychains? These are so cute - practical and trendy.
DIY Dollar Tree Rope Basket
While we are on a boho/tassel trend, how about making an adorable and stylish rope basket from Dollar Tree materials?!? Yup, Dollar Tree. You can also fill it with all kinds of themed goodies (ideas for that are here, too!)
DIY Rustic Clay Tags
I just adore these! These tags would be amazing with beaded garland, embellishments for home decor, as a keychain, a necklace, hanging from a rear view mirror... endless possibilities with this!
Etched Glass Water Bottle
Fancy water bottles are super-trendy - and this etched version is just so pretty! Many ways to make it customizable to your taste!
No Sew Felted Mug Cozies
How adorable are these?!? They are easy to make as a no-sew gift idea! Great for someone who always has a cup of coffee or tea in hand!
DIY Reusable Tea Bags
An environmentally friendly gift for a crunchy or budget-conscious tea drinker friend! So cute!
Linen Bread Bags
If you like easy sewing projects and have a friend who likes to bake bread, this is the perfect combo of the two! These linen bread bags were made from thrift store napkins, so it's budget-friendly, too! If YOU bake, you can even gift it with a loaf of your own bread!
Beeswax Wraps
Cute, stylish, and a fabulous gift for your crunchy, environment-conscious friends. These are ideal for covering food bowls and wrapping sandwiches.
Stencil Tea Towel
I love, love, love tea towels. I think these custom ones made with a stencil are just adorable.
Fern Printed Tea Towels
If botanicals are a little more your thing (and stencils aren't), this is another beautiful option for tea towels. You probably will want to make a few extra and keep some for yourself as well!
Glitter Wine Glasses
How fun and fancy! Such an easy way to take a regular glass up to fun and flashy elegance!
DIY Fabric-covered wooden spoons
How fun are these?!? The fabric takes something ordinary and really makes it special!
Burlap and Fabric Produce Basket
This burlap and fabric produce basket is adorable and fully functional! You truly can make this to suit the style and taste of the recipient.
DIY Rope Baskets
Rope baskets are super-popular these days, and you can make one for a fraction of the cost! Anyone who loves to be up on the home trends will love this one.
DIY Metallic Rope Throw Basket Tutorial
Speaking of rope projects, oversized rope baskets are one of my favorite projects to make! So easy but they look amazing!
DIY AIR DRY CLAY BOWLS.
How beautiful are these bowls? And they are so easy to make - way easier than they look. Just a gorgeous gift to give!
Personalized Doormat
This is another project that is so easy but looks super high-end! Fancy-looking but very budget-friendly. And lots of ways to customize once you get the technique!
Rosemary, Orange & Thyme Flavored Herb Salt
Doesn't that combination of spices sound and look amazing? If you have someone who loves to cook or experiment with flavors, this is the perfect DIY gift.
Lemon-Infused Olive Oil
If you have a person in your life who loves to cook, this delicious oil will be put to good use.
Homemade Vanilla Extract (Orange and Mint Flavors, too!)
Along those lines, if you love someone who likes to eat clean and loves baking, homemade vanilla extract is a gift he or she will be so excited to receive.
Dip Mix Ornaments
This dip mix is SUCH a fun idea for a food gift! Try this in ornaments of all sizes and shapes, too!
DIY Clay Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace
If you have a friend or family member who loves essential oils, this diffuser necklace is perfect! It's stylish and will give all the benefits of aromatherapy all day long.
Braided Bracelets from Vintage Handkerchiefs
Just look at this one! So fun and trendy! So many ways to suit someone's taste! A fun, boho look!
DIY Stamped Washer Necklaces
How great are these stamped necklaces? If you have someone who loves unique and industrial type jewelry, this is the way to go!
Rose Water Face Spray
This is a wonderful girlie gift for those days when someone just needs a little spritz of refreshment. I love my rose water, and I promise, this is a welcome choice.
Easy Homemade Lip Balm in 5 Minutes
Lip balm is another super-easy gift to make that is always well-appreciated! Your choice of flavors! Yum!
DIY BEAUTY SPA KIT
This is a beautiful choice with all kinds of DIY goodies in here: bath salts, body scrubs, toner and mist, lip balm, body oil, and face serum. Yes, recipes for ALL OF THAT is here. What a phenomenal gift to give (and receive!).
DIY Bath Tub Tray
A relaxing bath is always much needed and very welcome! A bathtub tray for a book and a glass of wine is the perfect way to help your person unwind.
DIY Coconut Lime Mint Sugar Scrub with Free Printable Labels
Body scrubs are super-popular gifts, and I've always loved when someone gifted me one! Coconut lime is such a refreshing scent as well!
DIY bath bomb recipe with rose petals
Bath bombs are a trending gift idea, and the rose petals really put this into the luxuriant category, as far as baths go!
Orange Honey Oat Bath Soak
This is a beautiful, soothing bath soak idea. These natural ingredients will be perfect for someone who needs a bath to wind down.
Homemade Lavender Soap
Lavender is lovely anywhere it's used, but as a soap, it's just a sweet and endearing gift.
Homemade Goats Milk and Honey Soap
If you want to try another kind of soap, this one is made from goat's milk and honey, for a soothing, all-natural variety.
Lemon & Peppermint Antibacterial Hand Scrub
These days, anything antibacterial is very appreciated! This hand scrub is all natural, with no harmful ingredients!
Homemade Hard Lotion Bar
Lotion bars... I just love these! Super-practical but feels so good!
Silky DIY Body Lotion
If a lotion bar isn't your thing, how about this silky body lotion? Just 4 ingredients and you pick the scent.
Easy DIY Body Butter
Body butter is another soothing cream for the skin. This one has magnesium for relaxation and wellness - a much-appreciated bonus!
Homemade Peppermint Healing Foot Balm
If you know someone who has a job where he or she is on their feet all day, this is an especially thoughtful gift!
Lavender Pillow Spray
Help your loved one get the gift of sleep! Lavender is known for its soothing, relaxing, and sleep-inducing qualities.
Dishwasher Detergent DIY
Dishwasher detergent may not seem like gift material, but when it's homemade without all the harsh ingredients, oh, it definitely is.
DIY Laundry Scent Boosters
I've just recently begun using this myself, and I LOVE it. The clothes smell so fresh, and I love knowing there are no harsh chemicals in there. A fantastic family-friendly gift. Lots of scent recipes in this post!
DIY Wool Dryer Balls
Here's another DIY that might not seem like gift material, but trust me, if your friend or family member is into toxin-free living, these will be just perfect.
DIY WATOJI PAPER JOURNAL
If you have a friend or family member who loves to journal or write, this is a gorgeous handmade journal using the Japanese binding technique. I promise this will be cherished.
Heating Pad or Bed Warmer
This is my sister's blog, and she actually made me one of these and gave it to me for Christmas YEARS ago. And I still use it. This is a great one! 🙂
Sherpa Infinity Scarf
Who doesn't love a cozy scarf? This is perfect for a beginner in sewing and those who love sewing hacks as well!
Rice Hand Warmers
This is such an adorable as well as practical gifts! These rice warmers are perfect to keep inside pockets on chilly days - and the rice stays warm for hours!
$5 Blanket Flannel Scarf!
These blanket scarves are cozy, popular and a useful gift! Easy to make and budget-friendly! There's even a no-sew version!
Chunky Knit Blanket
These chunky blankets are the BEST! If knitting is your thing or you're willing to learn, this is a fabulous gift.
DIY Reusable Lavender Sachet
This is a thoughtful gifts! Sachets are perfect for freshening up drawers and lavender is a beautiful scent for this.
DIY Custom Family Cookbook
This is such a wonderful idea for a DIY gift. It's not your traditional craft, but you create a family cookbook with all of your family recipes compiled in one place! This is super-meaningful and sure to be treasured from generation to generation!
Giant Jenga Yard Game
Now this is a fun gift! Regular Jenga is a blast, but this oversized version is sure to be a hit!
Handmade Gifts and Craft Presents for The Win
I hope you found something (or many things) you loved! There are so many great ideas here! I know I’ll be coming to list this list many times as special occasions pop up. These are wonderful homemade gifts ideas for family, friends, teachers – many even make great neighbor gifts!
If you’d like to see more DIY crafts and video is more your thing, take a look at the video below for even MORE handmade gift inspiration!
If you create any of these handmade gift ideas, I’d love to see them! Please tag me on Instagram @100affections or leave a comment on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Other Non-DIY Gift Ideas
While I love homemade gifts because they are fun, personal and often cheap and budget-friendly, it’s not always practical for every situation. If you need other ideas for gifts you need or want to purchase, here are a few other guides I’ve put together:
Gift Ideas for Mobile Babies: 9-24 Months
Gift Ideas for Little Boys: 2-4 Years Old
Unique and Out-of-the-Box for the Really Special People in Your Life
Subscription Box Ideas for Kids
Essential Oil Gift Ideas for Your Crunchy Family and Friends
Happy Gifting! 🙂
Thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!
Thanks for suggesting ideas for an upcoming gift
So glad it was helpful! Thank you for coming by!
This is the first time I have found so many craft ideas that are not repeats of crafts on Pinterest! All of them look wonderful and I will be making a lot of them for Christmas and birthday gifts. Thank you so much!
Ahhh, this made me so happy to read! I try REALLLY hard to not just do what everyone else is doing. Thank you so much for being kind enough to comment! Enjoy! I’m sure your projects will be amazing! 🙂