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11 Gifts to Make That Everyone Will Love

Want to add an extra personal touch to your gifts this year? Simple—make them! So long to the days where handmade gifts consist purely of popsicle and pipecleaner creations—DIY gifts are the real deal these days. Never been the crafty type? Don’t fret! We’ve compiled our favorite DIY gifts that anyone can make.

Level of difficulty: Easy

Handmade Soaps

Okay, can you get more personalized than custom scented handmade soaps? We think not. If you need an easy and cute gift idea, whip up some PSL scented soap for your best #basic friend or gift your mom that squeaky clean feeling with a nice mint medley collection. The possibilities are endless and the scents are up to you!

Layered Scent Candle

I know what you’re thinking… candles are cliché. BUT, these aren’t just ordinary candles – they are multi-colored, multi-scented and entirely customizable! They require essential oils and crayons, and the options are virtually limitless—talk about a sensory overload (that we like).      

All-Purpose Spice Rub

Looking for something simple to gift the foodies in your life? Introducing this incredibly easy all-purpose spice rub. In five simple steps you will have a spice mixture so magical you can literally rub it on anything—from grilled meats to roasted veggies.

Flavored Salts

‘Tis the season for seasoning—see what we did there? Get gourmet on your gifting with these simple and unique flavored salts.

Level of difficulty: Medium

Colorblock Chalkboard Cheese Plate

We consider this project medium difficulty primarily because of the materials needed. That said, definitely don’t be discouraged! With the help of painter’s tape for those straight lines, you’ll be proud to call this chalkboard cheese plate your own. Seriously, the end result looks so good that you’ll have to convince people it’s not store-bought. 

Hand Warmers

Baby, it’s cold outside so why not give the gift of something warm and cozy this holiday like these adorable DIY handwarmers?

Polaroid Magnets

Um, so cute and mini! Transform special images into Polaroid magnets that add that extra-special personal touch to any space—a great gift for family and friends alike.  Plus, these are simply too cute not to make.

Neck Candy

Simple and elegant, this tube bead necklace is a stunning gift to give this season. With one Fimo Effects block you can make an entire batch of these beauties for friends, family or yourself!

Level of difficulty: A little harder

Cord Roll

Say goodbye to the days of constantly unknotting your headphones, phone charger and computer cord with this decluttering cord solution. This gift will work for anyone and everyone on your list because, let’s be real, we all got cords. Some patience and close attention to measurements make this craft a more advanced. 

Marble Clay Dishes

We know, you’re thinking there’s no way you can make these dainty dishes yourself. Au contraire, with an assortment of oven-bake clay and a few everyday items, you (and everyone else) will marvel at your marbled creations. These dishes can be used to hold anything from rings to dipping oil for bread—talk about a gift worth giving.

Citrus Coasters

This project has us feelin’ fruity and fun! A great, handmade gift for the host/hostess in your life, these citrus coasters will have you dreaming of warmer weather to help make the winter roll by faster.  Not feeling the coasters? Check out these other fruity DIY projects guaranteed to brighten up any living space!

As the Senior Designer, Kelsey is responsible for the conceptualization and design of solutions that support and strengthen Her Campus on all levels. While managing junior designers, Kelsey manages and oversees the creative needs of Her Campus’s 260+ chapters nationwide and abroad. Passionate about campaign ideation and finding innovative design solutions for brands, Kelsey works closely with the client services team to develop integrated marketing and native advertising campaigns for Her Campus clients such as Macy’s, UGG, Merck, Amtrak, Intel, TRESemmé and more. A 2012 college graduate, Kelsey passionately pursued English Literature, Creative Writing and Studio Art at Skidmore College. Born in and native to Massachusetts, Kelsey supplements creative jewelry design and metal smithing with a passion for fitness and Boston Bruins hockey. Follow her on Twitter: @kelsey_thornFollow her on Instagram: @kelsey_thorn