43 Homemade Crafts to Do at Home or Buy as Gifts

Store-bought gifts can feel impersonal, and craft supplies keep getting pricier. But what if there’s a way to create meaningful homemade crafts without breaking the bank?

Many people assume crafting requires expensive materials or advanced skills, yet some of the most cherished items come from simple techniques and everyday supplies.

This collection of homemade crafts offers something for everyone, from quick projects for beginners to impressive creations that look professionally made.

Readers will find ideas they can make themselves or purchase as thoughtful gifts.

How to Choose the Right Homemade Crafts for Gifting?

Choosing the right homemade crafts for gifting starts with knowing the recipient’s interests and lifestyle.

Someone who loves cooking might appreciate handmade kitchen items, while a book lover would enjoy custom bookmarks or reading accessories.

Consider the occasion, too. Birthday gifts can be fun and colorful, but wedding or housewarming presents should lean toward practical and decorative pieces.

Skill level plays a big role in the decision. Beginners should stick to simpler projects like candles or bath products, and more experienced crafters can tackle complex items like knitted garments or woodwork.

Time is another factor. Some homemade crafts take hours to complete, so planning ahead prevents last-minute stress.

Budget considerations help narrow down options. Many beautiful crafts use inexpensive materials that still look impressive. The thought and effort put into handmade gifts often mean more than the price tag.

Creative and Easy Crafts to Do at Home

creative and easy crafts to do at home

1. Mason Jar Candles

Melt soy wax flakes in a double boiler, add essential oils for fragrance, and pour into clean mason jars with pre-tabbed wicks centered at the bottom.

Let them cool completely before trimming the wick to about a quarter inch.

Materials Needed: Mason jars, soy wax flakes, candle wicks, essential oils, double boiler
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 45 minutes (plus 2 hours cooling time)

2. Macramé Wall Hanging

Cut cotton cord into equal lengths and attach them to a wooden dowel using lark’s head knots. Create patterns using square knots and half-hitch knots, then trim the bottom into your desired shape.

Materials Needed: Cotton macramé cord, wooden dowel, scissors, measuring tape
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time Required: 2-3 hours

3. Painted Flower Pots

Clean terracotta pots thoroughly and apply a base coat of acrylic paint. Once dry, add designs, patterns, or quotes using smaller brushes or stencils, then seal with a waterproof varnish.

Materials Needed: Terracotta pots, acrylic paints, paintbrushes, sealer, stencils (optional)
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 1 hour (plus drying time)

4. Handmade Soap Bars

Melt glycerin soap base in the microwave, add colorants and fragrances, then pour into silicone molds. Pop them out once hardened and wrap in decorative paper for gifting.

Materials Needed: Glycerin soap base, soap molds, fragrance oils, soap colorants, mixing bowl
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour setting time)

5. Photo Transfer Coasters

Print photos onto transfer paper, then use Mod Podge to adhere them to ceramic tiles. Apply several coats of sealer to make them water-resistant, and add felt pads to the bottom.

Materials Needed: Ceramic tiles, photo transfer paper, Mod Podge, sealer, felt pads, printer
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 1 hour (plus drying time)

6. Fabric Scrunchies

Cut fabric into a long rectangle, fold it lengthwise with right sides together, and sew along the edge. Turn it right side out, thread the elastic through, and stitch the ends together.

Materials Needed: Fabric scraps, elastic, sewing machine or needle, thread, scissors
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 15-20 minutes

7. Pressed Flower Bookmarks

Arrange pressed flowers on cardstock and carefully glue them in place. Cover with clear contact paper or laminate for protection, then punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon.

Materials Needed: Pressed flowers, cardstock, glue, laminator or contact paper, hole punch, ribbon
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 30 minutes

8. Wire-Wrapped Jewelry

Cut jewelry wire to length and create loops at one end using round-nose pliers. Thread beads onto the wire, then wrap and secure the other end to create earrings, pendants, or bracelets.

Materials Needed: Jewelry wire, beads, round-nose pliers, wire cutters, jump rings
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time Required: 45 minutes to 1 hour

9. Homemade Bath Bombs

Mix baking soda, citric acid, and Epsom salt in a bowl, then add essential oils and a bit of water. Pack the mixture tightly into molds and let them dry overnight before removing.

Materials Needed: Baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, essential oils, bath bomb molds, spray bottle
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 30 minutes (plus overnight drying)

10. Fabric-Covered Notebooks

Cut fabric slightly larger than the notebook cover and apply Mod Podge to the cover surface. Press the fabric smoothly onto the cover, fold the edges over, and seal with another coat.

Materials Needed: Plain notebooks, fabric, Mod Podge, scissors, foam brush
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 30-45 minutes

11. Beaded Keychains

Thread colorful beads onto jewelry wire or leather cord in patterns. Add letter beads for personalization, then attach a keyring clasp at one end and secure with knots or crimps.

Materials Needed: Beads, keyring clasps, wire or cord, pliers, letter beads (optional)
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 20-30 minutes

12. Painted Rock Art

Clean and dry smooth rocks, then paint base coats in solid colors. Add designs like mandalas, animals, or inspirational words, and finish with a clear acrylic sealer for outdoor use.

Materials Needed: Smooth rocks, acrylic paints, paintbrushes, clear sealer, pencil for sketching
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 1-2 hours

13. Embroidered Hoop Art

Stretch fabric tightly in an embroidery hoop and trace or draw your design. Use various embroidery stitches to fill in the pattern, then trim excess fabric and hang it on the wall.

Materials Needed: Embroidery hoop, fabric, embroidery floss, needles, scissors, pattern or design
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Time Required: 2-4 hours

14. Succulent Planters from Tin Cans

Clean empty tin cans and paint them in your chosen colors. Drill drainage holes in the bottom, fill with cactus soil, and plant small succulents for cute desk decor.

Materials Needed: Tin cans, acrylic paint, drill, cactus soil, small succulents, paintbrushes
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 45 minutes

15. Wooden Bead Garland

String wooden beads onto jute twine or leather cord, spacing them evenly or clustering them in patterns. Tie knots between sections if desired, and use as rustic home decor.

Materials Needed: Wooden beads, jute twine or leather cord, scissors
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 30 minutes

16. Resin Jewelry Trays

Mix resin according to package directions and pour into silicone molds. Add dried flowers, glitter, or color pigments before it sets, then remove from molds once fully cured.

Materials Needed: Resin kit, silicone molds, dried flowers or pigments, mixing cups, stir sticks
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time Required: 30 minutes (plus 24 hours curing time)

17. Tote Bags with Iron-On Designs

Cut designs from iron-on vinyl using scissors or a cutting machine. Position them on plain canvas tote bags and press with a hot iron according to vinyl instructions.

Materials Needed: Canvas tote bags, iron-on vinyl, iron, scissors or cutting machine, parchment paper
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 20-30 minutes

18. Dried Flower Wreaths

Attach floral wire to a wreath base and wrap dried flowers, grasses, and greenery around it. Secure everything with hot glue, then add a ribbon for hanging.

Materials Needed: Wreath base, dried flowers, floral wire, hot glue gun, ribbon
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 1-1.5 hours

19. Personalized Mugs

Clean ceramic mugs with rubbing alcohol and draw designs using oil-based paint markers. Let the paint dry for 24 hours, then bake it in the oven to set permanently.

Materials Needed: White ceramic mugs, oil-based paint markers, rubbing alcohol, oven
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 30 minutes (plus drying and baking time)

20. Braided Fabric Bracelets

Cut three strips of fabric and tie them together at one end. Braid tightly to your desired length, then tie off the end and add a button clasp for closure.

Materials Needed: Fabric strips, buttons, needle and thread, scissors
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 20 minutes

21. Cork Board Photo Display

Glue wine corks together in a frame or arrange them on a backing board. Once dry, use push pins to attach photos, notes, or postcards for a functional display.

Materials Needed: Wine corks, picture frame or backing board, hot glue gun, push pins
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 45 minutes to 1 hour

22. Hand-Poured Soy Melts

Melt soy wax in a pouring pitcher and add fragrance oils. Pour into small silicone molds designed for wax melts, let them harden completely, and pop them out for use.

Materials Needed: Soy wax, fragrance oils, silicone molds, pouring pitcher, thermometer
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 30 minutes (plus cooling time)

23. Fabric Banner Flags

Cut fabric into triangle shapes and hem the edges to prevent fraying. Fold the top over twine or ribbon and stitch in place to create festive bunting.

Materials Needed: Fabric, scissors, sewing machine, twine or ribbon, iron
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 1-1.5 hours

24. Painted Wooden Signs

Sand a wooden board smooth and apply a base coat of paint or stain. Use stencils or freehand lettering to add quotes or designs, then distress edges for a vintage look.

Materials Needed: Wooden boards, sandpaper, paint or stain, stencils, paintbrushes, sealer
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Time Required: 1.5-2 hours

25. Beaded Plant Hangers

Cut several lengths of cord and tie them to a metal ring at the top. Bead sections at intervals while creating macramé knots, then gather all cords at the bottom for the pot cradle.

Materials Needed: Macramé cord, wooden or metal beads, metal ring, scissors
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time Required: 2-3 hours

26. Homemade Sugar Scrubs

Mix granulated sugar with coconut oil until you reach a spreadable consistency. Add essential oils for scent and natural colorants if desired, then pack into small jars.

Materials Needed: Granulated sugar, coconut oil, essential oils, small jars, mixing bowl
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 15 minutes

27. Felt Cacti Decorations

Cut cactus shapes from green felt and stitch two pieces together, leaving an opening for stuffing. Fill with fiberfill, close the opening, and add felt flowers or white stitching for spines.

Materials Needed: Green felt, needle and thread, fiberfill, scissors, and embroidery floss
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 45 minutes to 1 hour

28. Marbled Paper Journals

Fill a shallow tray with water and drop nail polish in various colors onto the surface. Swirl with a toothpick, then dip cardstock to transfer the pattern for journal covers.

Materials Needed: Nail polish, shallow tray, cardstock, toothpicks, blank journals, glue
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 45 minutes

29. Washi Tape Magnets

Cut small pieces of cardboard into shapes and cover them completely with decorative washi tape. Glue small magnets to the back for functional fridge decor.

Materials Needed: Cardboard, washi tape, small magnets, scissors, hot glue gun
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 20-30 minutes

30. Polymer Clay Earrings

Condition polymer clay by kneading it until soft, then roll and cut into desired shapes. Bake according to package instructions, let cool, and attach earring hooks with jump rings.

Materials Needed: Polymer clay, rolling pin, cookie cutters, oven, earring hooks, jump rings
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Time Required: 1 hour (plus baking time)

31. Rope Basket

Coil thick cotton rope in a circular pattern and hot glue each layer to the previous one. Continue building upward to create sides, shaping as you go for the desired basket form.

Materials Needed: Cotton rope, hot glue gun, scissors
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 1-1.5 hours

Buy Popular Homemade Crafts People Love to Gift

buy popular homemade crafts people love to gift

32. Hand-Knitted Scarves

Cozy, handmade scarves in various patterns and colors make thoughtful winter gifts. Artisans create these using quality yarn with attention to detail and durability.

Cost: $25-$45
Where to Buy: Etsy, local craft fairs, artisan markets

33. Ceramic Coffee Mugs

Unique pottery mugs with hand-painted designs or custom glazes add charm to morning routines. Each piece varies slightly, making them one-of-a-kind gifts.

Cost: $18-$35
Where to Buy: Etsy, local pottery studios, craft shows

34. Leather Journals

Handbound journals with genuine leather covers and quality paper appeal to writers and artists. Many feature personalized embossing or decorative tooling.

Cost: $30-$60
Where to Buy: Etsy, Amazon Handmade, bookbinding studios

35. Artisan Soap Gift Sets

Handcrafted soap collections come in beautiful packaging with natural ingredients and essential oils. These sets often include multiple scents for variety.

Cost: $20-$40 per set
Where to Buy: Farmers markets, Etsy, specialty boutiques

36. Macramé Plant Hangers

Professionally made plant hangers showcase intricate knotwork and hold various pot sizes. They bring bohemian style to any space instantly.

Cost: $15-$35
Where to Buy: Etsy, home decor stores, craft markets

37. Custom Cutting Boards

Hardwood cutting boards feature personalized engravings, making them memorable wedding or housewarming gifts. Craftspeople use food-safe finishes for durability.

Cost: $35-$75
Where to Buy: Etsy, woodworking shops, specialty kitchen stores

38. Quilted Table Runners

Handmade table runners display skilled patchwork and quilting techniques. They add color and texture to dining spaces for holidays or everyday use.

Cost: $40-$80
Where to Buy: Etsy, quilting guilds, craft fairs

39. Scented Candle Collections

Artisan candle sets come in curated scent combinations with hand-poured precision. Many use coconut or soy wax with cotton wicks for clean burning.

Cost: $30-$55 per set
Where to Buy: Etsy, boutique shops, farmers’ markets

40. Woven Baskets

Handwoven storage baskets combine functionality with rustic beauty. Crafters use natural materials like seagrass, rattan, or cotton rope for different styles.

Cost: $25-$60
Where to Buy: Fair trade stores, Etsy, home goods boutiques

41. Embroidered Tea Towels

Kitchen towels with hand-embroidered designs add charm to any home. Popular motifs include herbs, florals, or witty phrases that bring personality to practical items.

Cost: $12-$25 each
Where to Buy: Etsy, craft fairs, specialty kitchen stores

42. Stained Glass Sun Catchers

Handcrafted stained glass pieces catch light beautifully in windows. Artisans solder colored glass into patterns ranging from simple to intricate designs.

Cost: $20-$50
Where to Buy: Etsy, art galleries, craft shows

43. Crocheted Baby Blankets

Soft, handmade baby blankets come in gentle colors and timeless patterns. These heirloom-quality pieces make cherished gifts for new parents.

Cost: $35-$70
Where to Buy: Etsy, baby boutiques, craft fairs

When to Buy Homemade Crafts Instead of Making Them

Sometimes buying homemade crafts makes more sense than creating them from scratch. Here are situations when purchasing is the smarter choice:

Situation	Why Buy Instead of Make
Limited Time	Tight deadlines make DIY projects stressful. Buying ready-made crafts saves hours while still offering a personal touch.
Lack of Skills	Complex techniques like pottery or glasswork require training. Purchasing from skilled artisans ensures quality results.
Expensive Tools Needed	Projects requiring specialized equipment aren’t cost-effective for one-time use. The tools often cost more than buying the finished item.
Large Quantities	Making multiple identical items for events or parties becomes tedious. Bulk ordering from crafters maintains consistency and saves effort.
Special Techniques	Some crafts need specific expertise, like metalworking or advanced sewing. Professionals create better finished products.
Supporting Small Businesses	Buying from local artisans helps their livelihood while getting unique, quality pieces. It builds community connections, too.

The Key Takeaway

This collection of ideas proves that crafting fits any budget, skill level, or time constraint. Some projects take just minutes, while others become weekend activities worth the effort.

The beauty of handmade items lies in their uniqueness. Every piece tells a story and shows genuine thoughtfulness. S

tarting with simpler projects builds confidence for tackling more complex creations later. For those short on time, buying from skilled artisans still supports creativity while getting quality results.

The next step is simple: pick one craft that speaks to you and get started. Homemade crafts make both creating and giving more meaningful.