Cheap Homemade Gift Ideas
35 Cheap Homemade Gift Ideas for Anyone on Any Occasion!
Cheap Homemade Gift Ideas for Baby & Toddlers
No Sew Blanket
Directions: Get 2 different patterns of fleece the same size. (We used 36 x 36.)
Line up the pieces of fleece, one on top of the other.
With sewing scissors, cut slits 1 inch apart from each other. Make each slit about 2 inches long. Continue cutting slits around the entire blanket.
Match up the slits and knot together.
Baby Legwarmers
Make baby legwarmers out of women's socks. Cheap and adorable!
Keepsake CD
Make a mixed CD with the top 20 hits of baby's birth year. Give it to Mom & Dad as a keepsake.
Kitchen Set
Toddlers love playing with "real" pots, pans and kitchen gadgets. Check around the kitchen for safe utensils that you no longer use. Mismatched measuring cups, spoons, spatulas, small pots, and pans work great. Find a box with a lid that will hold all the items. Decorate and give it a title like Charlie's Chef Set or Katie's Kitchen Treasures.
Homemade Puppets
Given a pair of socks that you don't like? If you aren't re-gifting them, get creative and make your favorite tot a sock puppet.
Homemade Snack Mix
Mix finger snacks like cereal, crackers and freeze dried fruit. Add it to a personalized snack tin.
Piggy Bank Starter
Have a bunch of change? Add it to a clear jar. Wrap a ribbon around it w/ a special note: "a little something to help you feed the pig" or "for those college days."
Cheap Homemade Gift Ideas for Young Children
Homemade Playdough
Try a homemade playdough recipe for your favorite preschooler. We have edible playdough and even gluten free! Add playdough to a reusable container with the storing instructions.
Green Tip:
When buying felt, opt for Eco-fi brand. It's made of 100% recycled plastic bottles and can be found in most craft stores.
Kids Craft Basket
Add items like colored paper, crayons,
stickers,
buttons,
yarn,
felt,
glue,
safety scissors,
wooden shapes, and etc.
Make a Felt Board
Materials: cardboard, scissors, felt, glue
Use an old bulletin board or piece of cardboard to make a felt board. Cut the piece of felt a few inches larger than the cardboard. Glue the felt to the cardboard. Fold the excess felt over and glue it on the back. Cut out people, animals, a house, trees, flowers and etc. Or, pick a favorite theme, such as ocean, farm or zoo animals. Tip: Use cookie cutters or puzzle pieces to trace felt animals. You can also glue magazine cut-outs and family photos directly to the felt pieces.
Dress Up Chest
Find old hats, scarves, boas, costume jewelry, canes, eyeglass frames and etc. Place in a box and personalize it.
Jewelry Box
Have a bunch of old costume jewelry? Gather it up for your favorite gal. Find a shoe box, hat box, or another type of box. Cover it with wallpaper, sturdy wrapping paper, or magazine cut-outs.
Star of the Story
Write a story with the child as the main character.
Portrait
Draw a picture of the child dressed as their favorite super hero or cartoon character. Have it framed.
Homemade Bubbles
Mix and let sit overnight:
1/4 cup of Eco-friendly dish detergent,
2 1/2 cups of water and
1 tablespoon glycerin.
Cheap Homemade Gift Ideas for Older Children
Homemade Refrigerator Magnets
Reuse advertising magnets with this fun project. Soak the magnets in warm, soapy water until the advertisement peals off. Let them dry. Glue magazine cut-outs or pictures of friends to the magnets.
Fairy Dust Glitter Gel
1/4 cup aloe vera gel
1 teaspoon glycerin
1/4 teaspoon glitter
2-3 drops of scented oil (optional)
Mix aloe vera and glycerin in a bowl. Add glitter and scented oil.
Cheap Homemade Teen Gifts
No Sew Fleece Blanket
Though we first made this for a baby, it also makes a great gift for teens. Just use an age appropriate pattern and make it larger.
Directions: Get 2 different patterns of fleece the same size. (60 X 60 is a good size.)
Line up the pieces of fleece, one on top of the other.
With sewing scissors, cut slits 1 inch apart from each other. Make each slit about 2 inches long. Continue cutting slits around the entire blanket.
Match up the slits and knot together.
Get Out of Jail Cards
Knock time off a punishment, return the cell phone a day sooner, or give your child a free hour past curfew card (cashed in advance, of course).
Treat Tin
Make your teen their favorite treat and personalize a tin just for them.
Cheap Homemade Gift Ideas for Mom
The Coupon Book
This idea has been around forever, but Mom's love it! Add things like a free car wash, breakfast in bed, afternoon of babysitting, or a home cooked dinner.
The Memory Jar
Gather the family and talk about your favorite moments with Mom. Have each member write down a story, a memory, or favorite thing about her. Add them to a jar and decorate it.
Favorite Basket
What does Mom like best? Fill a basket with Mom's favorite coffee, homemade cookies, books, candles, or a homemade bookmark.
Gardening Basket
Is Mom a gardener? Add seeds, gloves and gardening tools to a decorative basket.
Homemade Jar Gifts
Give Mom the gift of relaxation with our homemade jar gifts. Try a homemade body scrub or foot scrub recipe. Or, learn how to make bath salts for Mom.
Homemade Potpourri
1 oz. can cinnamon sticks, broken into small pieces
1 (1.12 oz.) can whole cloves
1 (1.25 oz.) can whole allspice
Combine all ingredients. Add to a clear jar. Attach a tag with these directions: Place a teaspoon and 1/2 cup of water in simmering pot.
Cheap Homemade Gift Ideas for Guys
Decorated Frame
Did you collect shells on your family vacation? Decorate a clear frame with shells, rocks, or anything that reminds you of a moment with Dad, Uncle, Husband, etc. Add your favorite photo of the two of you.
Secret Hollow Book
Find an oversized hardback book at a thrift store. Glue the pages together. Use an X-Acto knife to hollow out the center of the book.
Record Bowl
For the music lover, make a bowl out of an old vinyl record. See these instructions.
Homemade Boyfriend Gift Ideas
Love Coupons
Yes they are cheesy, but it's nice to have a guilt-free back rub or dinner out; especially after a long day!
Playlist
Mix together a road trip CD, dance CD, or music you both like. Decorate the cover with pictures, maps of places you've been, or favorite quotes.
Cheap Homemade Gift Ideas for Anyone
The Dinner Pot
If you're known for a sauce, mix up a batch and add it to a jar. Add the sauce and dried pasta to a pasta pot. Attach the recipe card and a bow.
Share Your Experience
Give lessons. Do you play the piano or the guitar? Maybe you are an excellent swimmer.
Check with close family and friends and make sure your special someone has the time and desire to learn a new skill.
Break a Bad Habit
Have a dirty mouth? Like to chew on ice or foot tap all day long? Get rid of an annoying habit for your wife, friend, or co-worker. (This isn't meant for serious habits, like smoking or other addictions. Those habits are best broken for yourself!)
Homemade Jar Gifts
Gifts in a jar are so easy and versatile. Try soup, cookies, brownies, and rum balls. Or, try a relaxing homemade body scrub or salt scrub recipe.
Homemade Ornaments
Simple homemade Christmas ornaments are a wonderful gift, especially if it's made by a child. Check out these simple homemade Christmas crafts.
Homemade Dog Gifts
Make homemade dog treats for your favorite furry friend! Check out these great recipes.
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