Meaningful DIY Gifts That Won’t Cost Plenty Of Money

As the holiday season approaches, we are bombarded by reminders that gifts are how we show affection and care for the people around us. While this can be true, they don’t have to be expensive. In fact, gifts don’t have to be physical object at all. The most meaningful gifts are sometimes things that cannot be purchased or even touched. These gifts are required a bit more thought, care, and creativity than a “saw this at the mall” gift. Giving of yourself and your time and energy will definitely be appreciated by the recipient—and if you’re trying to save money or budget better, it’s a win-win.

Let’s check out these gift ideas to consider for the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or any other gift-giving occasion.

Giving the gift of time

“Time is the currency – the highest valued currency we have now. And people giving you their time is so incredible. They don’t have to like your book, either. That’s a totally separate gift.” – Lauren Groff.

We’ve all learned just how important it is to spend time with the people you really love. Therefore, let’s make your gift a commitment to spend time with someone, whether it’s a monthly date for tea and conversation or a special weekend away with far-flung friends.

Cooking something tasty

“Food is a passion. Food is love.”  – Hector Elizondo

Sure, you’ll have to spring for the ingredients, but who can turn down cookies or cake, a killer homemade granola, or another special treat?

Making painted bowls

“Painting is just another way of keeping a diary” – Pablo Picasso

Enhance wooden bowls or ceramic bowls, great for nuts and appetizers, with small painted designs. Consider polka dots, stripes, and flowers for your patterns.

Making a photo book

“A moment lasts all of a second, but the memory lives on forever.” – Lori Robinson

A photo book is the unique 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.

Growing something

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” – William Shakespeare

A pretty plant always makes a lovely gift. Remember that you’ll need to start early if you’re growing from seed or bulbs.

Planning a funny day

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplin

Laughter truly is the best medicine for our soul. Give someone a homemade gift card entitling him or her to a fully planned day of fun, whether you take your nephew on a tour of all the best local playgrounds or treat your mom to her favorite art.

Sending flowers

“Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower.” – John Harrigan

If you have access to a garden, you can DIY a bouquet of lovely blooms. Tie them with a ribbon or a piece of twine, and you’re good to go.

Making photo puzzles

“A good puzzle can give you all the pleasure of being duped that a mystery story can.” – Stephen Sondheim.

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.

Making washi tape gift boxes

“Decoration is really about creating a quality of life, and a beauty in that life that nourishes the soul, that makes life beautiful.” – Albert Hadley

Find simple boxes and decorate them with patterned washi tape. Fill your gift boxes with jewelry, candies, or photo prints.

Making a knitted infinity scarf

“A scarf has to be the most beautiful thing ever invented to wear! It’s a winding, a continuity, an infinity! I love things that are endless, I hate them to stop. It’s like order and disorder: I rather love disorder and things that move, it’s a state where one gets more things done!” – Sonia Rykiel

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.

Making personalized notebook

“Being told you’re appreciated is one of the simplest and most uplifting things you can hear.” – Sue Fitzmaurice

If you have a pretty blank notebook at home, you can jazz up the cover and turn it into a gratitude journal for them. Use your best handwriting and adorn the pages with some inspirational messages (try a few famous positive quotes to get started).

Creating a video tribute

“A picture is worth a thousand words…and a video is worth a million pictures…” – Ankala Subbarao

Celebrate them by compiling photos and asking other family members and friends to share their favorite memories and feelings about your recipient. Edit it together and you’ll have a priceless free gift for your loved one.

DIY a family (or friend group) trivia game

“Life is more fun if you play games.” – Roald Dahl

Can everyone remember the name of your little brother’s imaginary friend, or which college roommate had the peach-and-mint color scheme? Write up the Qs and As and have a fun get-together to see who wins bragging rights. (If you’re feeling really creative, make up a full-on game with a board and playing pieces or a digital Jeopardy-style game.)

DIY IPad case

“If you want a thing done well, do it yourself.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

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.

Making an elastic bookmark

“The world is your bookmark.” – Joelbooks

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. Your selection of personalized photo gifts, baby journals, and personalized journals allow you to give the perfect gift each and every time.

Making a reusable shopping bag

“Let’s reuse whatever we have now, stop making more of it, take what we gather, and make – whether it’s car parts, computer cases, anything that we can use.” – Ian Somerhalder

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.

Making a painted herb pot

“Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is a painting that speaks.” – Plutarch

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.

Making a colored vase

“Painting is the silence of thought and the music of sight.” – Orhan Pamuk

Paint a vase with thick stripes of varying colors. Add fresh blooms for a complete gift that makes for stunning decoration.

Making teacup candles

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Gautam Buddha

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.

Making a DIY jewelry holder

“One of my rules is: Never TRY to do anything. Just do it.” – Ani DiFranco

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.

The secret to the best gifts is how they make us feel seen and understood. They let us know we are loved, and they make us feel more closely connected to the giver. The toil invested in a handmade gift is time and energy that comes directly from a loved one’s life into ours. Now, let’s try to make meaningful DIY gifts for your family, your lover or your friends on holiday seasons.

“If you keep thinking about what you want to do or what you hope will happen, you don’t do it, and it won’t happen.” – Joe DiMaggio.

Article source: collected and compiled