Homemade Gifts That Look Expensive
Looking for a standout gift that will impress the person who’s receiving it but won’t cost you a fortune? We have great DIY gift ideas that look like a million bucks but don’t cost anywhere near as much. These gifts are versatile and easily personalized, really adding that special something that you can’t put a price tag on. Scroll through to see your options and what supplies you’ll need to make your project a reality. Birthdays, holidays, weddings, or just because — no matter the occasion, we’ve got your covered.
Chic Jewelry Trays
Skill level: Easy
If you know someone in need of a solution to their jewelry storage, consider this very inexpensive and simple DIY project. These jewelry trays are great for holding large statement pieces to the tiniest of earring backings. Best of all, you can find most, if not all the supplies you need at the dollar store, ensuring that this project looks high-end without the hefty price tag attached.
For this project, you’ll need:
- Wooden bowls
- Sandpaper
- White paint
- Painter’s tape
- Acrylic paint in your preferred color combination
Rustic Clock
Skill level: Advanced
Clocks are a great gift for anyone for any occasion — they’re useful and decorative. This DIY project is very customizable — just select different paint colors and wood stains to personalize the gift to your recipient.
For this project, you’ll need:
- Spray paint in your preferred color
- Clear shellac spray paint
- Wood round
- Wood stain
- Foam brush
- 12 dowel caps
- Modern clock movement
- 24” wood round
- Super glue
- D-ring hangers
- Picture wire
- Drill, screws and drill bit
Bath Bombs
Skill level: Easy
Give the gift of relaxation with a set of bath bombs. These little bubble bath infusers gained popularity fast, and they’ve shot up in price as a result. Make a variety of bombs as a gift for one person or favors for many. Just don’t forget to save one for yourself to use after all your hard work!
For this project, you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Citric acid or cream of tartar
- Cornstarch
- Epsom salts
- Canola oil
- Food coloring
- Tea or extract
Tile Photo Coasters
Skill level: Easy
This simple project can be personalized in so many ways. Use photos of a couple as a bridal shower gift or photos of the iconic spots around your hometown for a friend who is moving away. Whatever you choose, these coasters will surely impress friends and family.
For this project, you’ll need:
- Four 4×4 white tiles
- Four 4×4 square pictures
- Scissors
- Mod Podge
- Foam brush
- Felt
- Hot glue gun
- Length of ribbon
- Clear spray sealant
Watercolor Cloth Napkins
Skill level: Easy
These napkins are a perfect thank you gesture to the host of your next dinner party or summer BBQ. Look for plain white cloth napkins at the dollar store or at a craft store. If you plan on making a few sets, check out online sites that give you a better price for high quantities.
For this project, you’ll need:
- Plain white cloth napkins
- Fabric paint
- Paint brush
- Freezer paper
- Water
Leather Sketchbook
Skill Level: Intermediate
Show the writer in your life that you appreciate them with this rustic leather sketchbook. The leather is more durable than your average notebook, guaranteeing years of use for this unique gift.
For this project, you’ll need:
- Leather
- Album posts
- Hole punch
- Sketch paper
- Paper cutter
Coffee Mug Shelf
Skill Level: Advanced
Have a coffee-addict in your life? Help them keep their mugs organized with this small shelving unit that doubles as décor. Storage and style? What more could you ask for in a perfect gift!
For this project, you’ll need:
- Wood boards
- Gorilla glue
- Wire brads
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Paint
- Clamps
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Rag or sponge
- Pencil
Herb Planter Cutting Board
Skill Level: Advanced
A great choice for a cooking- or cocktail-lover in your life, this herb planter cutting board blends fun with function. The terra cotta pots fit beautifully in the cutting board and are great for herbs or for holding fresh-cut garnishes, they’re also perfect for a drink tray.
For this project, you’ll need:
- Hardwood
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Table saw
- Hole saw
- Drill press
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Nail gun
- Drill
- Hammer
- Nails
- Butcher block conditioner
- 3” terracotta pots
- Paint
- Fresh herbs
Camera Strap
Skill level: Advanced
Make something functional and fashionable for that shutterbug in your life. Search through your own closet or swing by a thrift store to find a belt with a lot of character to really make this gift stand out.
For this project, you’ll need:
- One or two vintage belts (depending on their length)
- Leather punch
- Scissors
- Hammer
- Rivets
- Ribbon narrow enough to fit through your camera’s strap hooks
- Measuring tape
Linen Quote Pillow
Skill level: Easy
Did something your friend stay stick with you? Or is there something your dad always said that made you smile? Take that special something and put it on a toss pillow. This basic project is low on cost but high on sentimental potential. Give the gift of comfort with this pillow project.
For this project, you’ll need:
- Pillowcase and pillow
- Letter stencils
- Sharpie or fabric marker
- Ruler
- Tape
- Pencil