Forgetting to get someone a gift is a universal experience. We’re all familiar with that feeling – sitting straight up in bed, panic setting in, and scrambling for our phone to look for the item with the fastest delivery on Amazon. While this method has saved me many times, I often end up with a gift that doesn’t feel quite right. I love putting thought into gifts, so naturally, I am a huge fan of giving my friends and family personalized, hand-made presents. This list is compiled of some of my all-time favorites that anyone could love!
Curated Gift Box
Curated boxes/baskets are a go-to when I’m rushing to get someone a gift. They look so adorable when they are completed and are guaranteed to make your loved one feel special. The versatility of this gift allows me to be intentional with my choices and easily personalize items to the individual’s likes.
These are some of the themes I have followed for my boxes:
- Beauty Products
- Cooking and baking
- Plants and gardening
The possibilities are endless, and if I’m ever having trouble, there are so many great suggestions for themes in the guide above!
Painted Taper Candlesticks
Painted candlesticks have been all over my Tik Tok as a cute craft to do with friends or a partner, but who says they can’t also be given as a gift? All you’ll need are taper candles, non-toxic acrylic paint, painting supplies, and rubbing alcohol. The process is so simple and allows you the freedom to be creative. Even more, the rubbing alcohol can be used to clean up mistakes, so feel free to take risks with your designs! Painted candlesticks can elevate the decorations in any room and are super easy to customize to anyone’s style. Pair your beautiful designs with some thrifted taper candlestick holders and you’ve got yourself a stylish and meaningful gift!
Homemade Bath Salts
If you have a friend who loves to pamper themselves, this gift will be sure to make them smile. Even more, this DIY only calls for two ingredients: Epsom salt and essential oil. Grab a cute jar, combine your favorite essential oils with the Epsom salt, and just like that, you’re done! For a special touch, you can add dried flower petals or food coloring to the mixture. See this guide for some great combination suggestions! If time allows, I will also thrift my jar or container, trying to find one that best matches the style of the person receiving the present!
Self-Sustaining Terrarium
No gift could be better for a plant lover than an everlasting ecosystem in a jar. Terrariums can be made in so many ways, allowing this gift to be perfect for any friend — even those who can’t keep anything alive…totally not talking about myself. Self-sustaining terrariums are kept in a sealed glass container, so as the name suggests, there is no upkeep needed! Even more, they are super easy to make and only require four things: pea gravel or clay pebbles, water, soil, and plants. Be sure to consult the guide for the plants that would work best for you! Finally, pick the size, style, and combination of plants that would best suit your friend, and you’ve got a meaningful, personalized gift that they will have forever!
Pressed Flower Picture Frame
I love having physical photos of my friends and I, especially if they are paired with beautiful, pressed flowers. This sentimental gift can also be added to the gift box I mentioned above, to make it that much more special. Not only is this so easy to create, but it comes out looking professionally done! If you’ve never pressed flowers before, don’t fear, there are so many ways that it can be done depending on your time scale and preferences. Follow this guide to discover which method works best for you!
Herbal Infused Honey
I absolutely love honey and use it pretty much every morning. I like to gift this to my friends and family who enjoy tea, as the infused herbs and flowers help to elevate the taste. These infused honey recipes are not only delicious, but perfect for adding a personal touch to a gift. The combinations that you can create are endless. Different herbs also have individual properties, for example, chamomile and lavender can be combined in your herbal mix to create a honey that would be perfect for enjoying nighttime tea!
Pressed Flower Bookmarks
One of the most thoughtful gifts for a book-lover is a handmade, beautiful bookmark. These pressed flower bookmarks are easy, inexpensive, and quick to create. Let your creative genius run wild when choosing the style you want. The only supplies you’ll need are cardstock (colored if you prefer), pressed flowers, and Mod Podge! If you don’t know how to press flowers, consult the guide linked in the pressed flower picture frames section above to discover which method will work best for you! If you need some help with inspiration, this guide will help you through the process and provide you with some great ideas!
Essential Oil Perfume
Essential oil perfumes smell amazing and are so easily customizable. Shamelessly, I’ve made several of these for myself and love the variety of scents that you can make. Plus, they can be whipped up super quickly if you have essential oils and a carrier oil (such as almond oil) on hand. They can be stored in any container, such as a glass dropper bottle. I prefer to use roll-on bottles and Amazon has plenty that can be delivered overnight. If you’re in a pinch, craft stores, like Michaels, have them on hand in most locations!
Having this list has saved me from experiencing the gift procrastinator panic. I love the versatility in each of these ideas, which allows me to customize them for any of my loved ones. They are also so easy to pair up for bigger gifts and can even all be put together into a curated basket! Gifting people thoughtful and personalized presents is so important to me, and I know these DIYs are sure to leave a smile on anyone’s face!