Homemade Gift Guide || Easy Handmade Gift Ideas for All Ages
Want to make homemade gifts but don’t know where to start or doubt your ability? Let this list of handmade gifts inspire you with easy projects for all ages– most that can be finished in thirty minutes or less!
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No matter your budget, making handmade gifts for the people on your list is a great way to show how much you care and to give special and unique gifts!
I like to do a balance of homemade gifts and store-bought gifts every year. I love being able to pick out a stack of fabric from the craft store that I know my family will enjoy, and then set up my annual “Santa’s workshop” in my dining room to make everyone’s gifts.
I put together a list of some of my favorite handmade gifts for you to use as you decide what to make for your friends and family. Most of the projects can be completed in thirty minutes or less, many with scraps from your stash! Other projects are a little more involved, but will be used for years (like the backpacks, hooded towels, tote bags, and make-up bag!).
I hope you enjoy this Homemade Gift Guide! I’d love for you to share in the comments what other things you like to make as gifts too, and as always, I appreciate it when you pin and share so that more people can find my gift guides and tutorials!
Easy Handmade Gifts for Kids & Adults
- Gifts for Kids
- Gifts for Teens
- Gifts for All Adults
- Gifts for Women
- Gifts for Men
- Gifts Made By Kids
For Kids
I’ve broken these handmade gifts for kids up into two groups– those you make with a sewing machine, and those that do not require a sewing machine.
SEWING
- Toddler Purse (designed to be easy for a toddler to carry and put things in and out of the bag!)
- Pencil Roll-Up (this really belongs on the adult list too! It’s so handy for pens, pencils, markers, etc)
- Sketchbook Pal (gift one of these along with a new sketchbook!)
- Zippered Pouch (I LOVE making and giving these because they’re so useful and you can use any fabric!)
- Bendy Snakes (such a fun project and a great stocking stuffer idea!)
- Cloth Blocks Trio (this is a great gift idea for babies and toddlers! Put a bell inside for even more fun)
- Toddler Baby Carrier (for all the kids who want to be just like mama!)
- Hooded Towels (we use our hooded towels every week! I’ve made a lion, tiger, dog, duck, and ladybug!)
- Kids’ Backpack (This backpack pattern is really good. You can extend it for bigger kids. I’ve made them for my three biggest kids)
- Baby Doll Basket(I made this for my daughter years ago and the basket is still used for dolls and stuffed animals)
- Doll/Stuffed Animal Blanket & Little Pillows (last year I made little blankets for my youngest three kids to use with their favorite stuffed animals/baby dolls. Later in the year I added little pillows. Both are such quick and easy projects, and a great use for fabric scraps!)
- Bean Bag Chair(so useful and fun! Plus, you can customize the fabric for each recipient)
- Wee Mouse Tin House (how CUTE is this?! I have a few kids who would love this little gift)
- Quiet Book (this project takes a little more time, but can be used for years. You can also add pages over time)
- Child’s Ring Sling (simple, low-sew project that can be used by kids of all ages!)
NON-SEWING
- DIY Fort Building Kit (I love this simple project that can be used inside or outside and enjoyed by all ages)
- DIY Latch Board (we had one of these I found at a thrift store and my kids loved it! This is a very simple project to make yourself!)
- Dart Belt (a perfect gift for kids who enjoy playing with dart guns! Gift one with new darts and/or a hanging target!)
- Stamped Bar Leather Bracelets (I want to make these simple bracelets for my kids this year. I’m sure they’ll love them!)
- DIY Rainbow Crayons (the perfect way to repurpose broken and stubby crayons! I’ve been saving crayons to do this…I’m thinking lego rainbow crayons…)
- Flower Fairy Peg Dolls (love these simple toys! Pair them with a zippered pouch and they can be tucked in a purse or backpack and enjoyed anywhere!)
- DIY Rainbow Peg Dolls & Toadstools(see above!)
- Indoor Chalkboard Table (no pencils or paper necessary when you can just draw right on the table!)
- DIY Yard Jenga Game (we’ve played this game at parties before and it’s so fun to play on a large scale! I love the painted look that this tutorial gives)
- DIY Lacing Frames (this lacing toy would be perfect for little hands or even keeping big hands busy during read-alouds)
For Teens
- Mini Gold Leaf Notebooks(love these brightly colored notebooks!)
- Zippered Pouches (zippered pouches are so handy for keeping up with all your little belongings!)
- Book Pocket Pillow(encourage reading & keeping up with their books!)
- DIY Taco Cord Holder (a delightful combination of practical & fun. No sewing skill needed)
- Koosh Ball Pillows (I can’t get over what a creative idea this is! I love the iridescent fabric too!)
- DIY Dinosaur Planter (I absolutely love these whimsical planters! How fun to set them on a desk or bookshelf!)
- DIY Animal Memo Holder (another fun way to leave each other notes or remember important things to do)
- Spa Pedicure in a Jar (grab some basic pedicure supplies and wrap them up in a festive jar! Perfect for a mom & teen date night!)
- DIY Ornament Pillows (soooo colorful and fun! Cuddle up with a new pillow while watching all the favorite holiday movies)
- DIY Bath Bombs (take a little of the stress out of growing up with a relaxing soak!)
For Adults
ALL ADULTS
- Zippered Pouches (love how easy it is to make these in all kinds of sizes and patterns! Perfect for keeping up with small tools, pens, lip glosses & chapstick in the purse, treats and snacks, and so much more)
- Car Organization Trio (the perfect gift for anyone who struggles with keeping their car tidy!)
- “Hot Hands” Pouches & Heat Pads (so nice for aching muscles and cold hands!)
- DIY Candles (candles are always nice to create cozy spaces during the winter!)
- Essential Oil Gifts (Lotion Bars, Room Spray, etc)
- Embroidered Wall Art (any size, any saying, for anyone!)
- DIY Catch All Wooden Tray(these are handy in any room! I love how simple and versatile this project is)
- Book Pocket Pillow (no hunting for current reads needed when the book is tucked into your pillow!)
- Fabric Pocket Photo Book (this is such a fun and sweet gift idea for spouses and children!)
- Stovetop Potpourri(such a simple and lovely way to create a festive mood in the home!)
GIFTS FOR WOMEN
- Cinching Make-Up Bag (I love my make-up bag because it opens up to show everything I need at once!)
- Ginger & Coconut Oil Sugar Body Scrub (treat your loved ones with a homemade pampering scrub!)
- Watercolor Planters (These planters are gorgeous. You won’t believe what you use to create this look!)
- Heatsafe Table Runner (make a quilted table runner with a special layer inside so you can put hot pots right on top!)
- Grocery Totes (grab some inexpensive utility fabric and make some reusable grocery bags for the earth-conscious on your list!)
- Everyday Zipper Tote (use this pattern to make a great everyday tote bag!)
- DIY Notebooks & Traveler’s Journals (make handy notebooks with fun cardstock, then if you want, take it a step further and make a traveler’s journal!)
- 10 Minute Infinity Scarf (very little sewing is involved in making cute infinity scarves!)
- Cozy Arm Blanket (the tutorial creator says this blanket can be done in an hour! It looks so cozy!)
- Ombre Tassel Necklace (tassel jewelry is really popular right now! make colorful necklaces or earrings to gift this year!)
GIFTS FOR MEN
- Cedarwood Beard Balm (keep beards soft and tame– and non-itchy– with a hydrating beard balm)
- Rosemary Mint Shaving Cream (or if shaving is preferred, give a simple shaving cream that smells amazing!)
- DIY Dipped Shot Glasses
- Copper iPad Stand(I love the look of this iPad stand! It would look so nice in a kitchen or sitting on a desk)
- “Manly” Bar of Soap (homemade soap with a great “rustic” scent…it’s a win/win!)
- DIY Notebook from 6-Pack Cartons (these fun and useful notebooks could be made from favorite beer cartons or soda cartons)
- Pinecone Fire Starters (these are meant to be wedding favors, but I can totally see a basket of these being a great gift idea for men who regularly start fires– not to mention how pretty they would look sitting on the fireplace!)
- Home State String Art (such a fun way to celebrate your home state!)
- Hanging Grill Tool Display (if your grill tools are prone to getting lost like they are at our house, this project would be a great way to keep them neat and ready to be used!)
- Firewood Tote (a quick and easy project for anyone building regular fires this winter!)
Kid Made Gifts
These gifts are simple enough for older kids to make on their own, and younger kids to make with a little bit of help!
- Child-Made Wallet (kids can make this simple wallet for their friends or younger siblings!)
- Beeswax Rolled Candles (get a DIY candle kit and get rolling! Watch how to make these beautiful candles on Venison for Dinner)
- Paracord Bracelets (this is a great craft idea for older kids–and older kids to make for their friends!)
- Wooden Spoons (my 10yo has become very good this year at making wooden spoons using his whittling tools and sandpaper. This project takes more skill and time, but could be a very nice gift for years).
- Washi Tape Headbands (fun & colorful washi tape meets inexpensive headbands to “wrap up” this simple gift idea)
- Pencil Roll-Up (kids with basic sewing skills can make these pencil/pen holder for their friends and family)
- Pinch Pots (my kids love making these little pots with air-dry clay. It’s easy enough for toddlers to make with a little help, and the pots can be painted after they are dry. Perfect for holding little items, like rings on a windowsill while dishes are washed!)
- Tile Coaster(so many ways to personalize this practical gift!)
- Snowflake Pipe Cleaner Coasters (these are super cute and perfect for using all winter long. Kids need to be old enough to use sharp scissors and a glue gun)
- DIY Fleece Blankets (these blankets are an easy sewing project because all you need to do is sew around the perimeter of the blanket. I love the blanket with the pom pom balls!)
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Check out my other Gift Guides!
Thank you for sharing this. we have been planning to make something nice for my husband birthday coincidentally it is coming on st. paddys long weekend and we have decided to splurge him with various home bound activities and gifts from the kids as he truly enjoys spending time at home and relaxing before the onset of the spring as his busy season starts right away.
? “Love these creative ideas! Nothing beats a heartfelt, homemade gift.”
I just made double marker rolls for my boys with your tutorial. Someone just gave my oldest (8) a box of 50 skinny markers…so they ended up being larger than originally planned. They are going to love them!
Literally, love them all, but the table runner is super adorable! I don’t seem to have the patience needed for sewing, , but admire those who do! What a gift!
Love the two toned tote!!!
So many great handmade gifts!! I’d love to make/receive the makeup pouch and zipper pouch or maybe the grocery bags!!
I would love to receive or give the zippered bags, DIY essential oil gifts, or the heat safe table runner. Great ideas!
I’d love to get the cinched makeup bag! I’d love to gift the embroidery. That was on our list of possible gifts to make this year but we picked other skills. Maybe next year ?
My kids would love the dart belt and snake. I’d love the cinching make up bag!
My kids would love the dart carrier and the baby carrier! I think we may try the infinity scarf as my daughter knows the basics of sewing and I know nothin, but your YouTube video made it look so easy!
I love the essential oil gifts & the baby carrier! I’d love to have a chance to make these for my family & friends. And the baby carrier for my 3 year old little momma!
Love all these thoughtful ideas! I would love to make some of the essential oil gifts to introduce family & friends to some non-toxic products. Also, I would also love to make the toddler baby carrier for my 3 year old little mama.
Now I need a sdwong machine and about 10 extra hours a day!!
Lol ai love the toddler baby carrier and the hot hand pouches. I feel like those would be used sooooo much here!
This is such a thoughtful guide! Love all the ideas. I would love to learn how to make the hot hands pouches—so useful, and neat to be able to ease someone’s pain/soreness. Thanks, Lisa!!
Would love to make the zipper pouches for my girls and my boys!
I would love to make the dart holder for my son and one of the purses for my daughter!!
I live to see though need to make more time for it! I really love the baby carrier! ?
The zipper pouches seem so functional for literally everyone on my list! The uses are so diverse and versatile!
Oh man! I want to make all the things! If only I could figure out my sewing machine!!! I especially like the zipper pouches.
I love the quilted table runner! I don’t know if I have enough time to make these for everyone I know! Lol.
Love zipper pouches!
I really love diy and want to make those supper ouches for my girls and my granddaughter ❤️ Thank you for sharing so much!
I would love a zippered pouch with a table runner inside!
I love handmade gifts. They are so special because of the time and effort a person puts into a gift. I would love to try my hand at the zipper pouch. I feel like it is so versatile and could be used for many different people for different reasons.
How on earth am I supposed to pick just one. My kids would loose their minds over most of the kid ones. And i want all of the adult ones!
I think I’m going to try the pencil holder or the sketch pad companion.
How do you choose just one?! I can’t wait to go look at your videos. I would probably start with zippered pouches because everyone could use those and that table runner. Such great ideas!
Love the drawstring pouch and roll up marker pouch!!!
Pretty sure the bendy snaked and dart belt would be a hit in my house this Christmas
Live your great ideas.
Would love the reusable market bag.
I love the cloth blocks idea with different noises inside!
I would love to do the infinity scarf, the tote bag and zippered pouches.!
I would love the cinch make up bag or the dart belt for my kids!!!
Zippered pouches will always find a use around here!
I love the zippered pouches the most. I’d make some for myself and my teen daughter.
So many great ideas! Makes me want to learn to sew 🙂 Especially love zipper pouches, so many uses! Also essential oil gifts. Hooded towels for littles…. all great!
Love these! I really want to make the double sided runner now, it’s so clever! And the cinching makeup bag. 🙂
I really like the two-toned tote bag! I would make that for myself!
Love the zipper pouches! Perfect for filling with other gifts and has so many uses!
For my baby’s 1st Christmas, I’d like the cloth blocks trio with “taggies” and bell! ? For me, I’d like “Hot Hands” Pouches & Heat Pads. My sister made us a rice bag one Christmas, and it has been one of our most used gifts! One end has come undone now, after many years, though. Merry Christmas!!!
I LOVE that dart belt! My son has many of those dart guns with tons of ammo to go with them. This would be a perfect gift for him!
I lovethe heat safe table runner!
These are such wonderful ideas. My girls are begging for me to get out my sewing machine and teach them how to sew. These will make some great projects. I have made a very similar hooded towel and my kiddos loved them. I love the Zippered pouch!!
Such good ideas! I’d love to make the paracord bracelet or the dart holder! And I would love to receive the rice bag or tote bags!
An infinity scarf ? and the zipper pouches
Thinking about getting a sewing machine. All of these ideas are great but particularly like the sketchbook pal!
I would like to make the two tone tote and the zipper tote! Love me some tote bags!!!
Awesome ideas. I really like the heatproof table runner.
Oh my there are a lot of good ideas! I really like the sketch pad pal and the hooded towels. And the fabric photo book. Now to just get a sewing machine. ?
I would like to make the wallet for my son! Maybe I’ll borrow my mom’s machine.
I love your zipper pouches!
I want to make the hooded towel for my son. His current one is getting small ?
Love the zippered pouches!
I love the zippered pouch! I am continually amazed at how much you accomplish .
So many great gift ideas. I’d like to try making a few of them, the tote bag, zippered pouch purse, the heated table pad, the hot warmer pouch, the kids towels. I didn’t see it in your gifts but I’d also like to make the soup bowl holders. Need to visit Joann’s. ?
I want to try the grocery bags and the dart belt. Such a fun idea!
These are awesome! So excited to do a few this year! I favorite idea on the kids list is the dart belt and on the one, I really like the idea of the everyday tote! I’m a sucker for a nice tote!!
I love your zipper pouches!
These are all great ideas for gifts. I would like to try making one of those towels. My son would love it.
I love the everyday tote. So useful
love the reusable grocery totes, to save me from using plastic which i take back to the store when I remember
I want to make and or give a pencils/pen wrap or a zipper pouch. My child needs it for her art supplies.
These are great ideas! Makes me want to get my sewing machine out and try those zipper pouches!