Holiday gifts are much more special when they’re personally designed for their recipients. Just a little customization turns a nice gift into a treasured keepsake. Don’t worry: You don’t have to be a craft ninja to make these DIY personalized gifts!
Here we’ve collected some of the best DIY personalized gift ideas for every type of talent and skill level. We even have suggestions for those who don’t want to craft by hand and would rather use online resources. Whichever method you choose, you can make the holidays more personal and memorable with these one-of-a-kind gifts.
1. Gold-foil personalized mini-notebook
Even in our digital world, there’s something special about an old-school notebook. Inspiration and creativity just seem to flow more smoothly when you have crisp, blank sheets of paper to fill with your thoughts and doodles. These gold-foil personalized mini-notebooks from DIY Candy are the perfect gift for the student, thinker, artist or doodler in your life. With just a few simple tools and an inexpensive, generic notebook, you’ll create a fabulous journal in which to collect thoughts and inspirations.
Let your creativity run free when making the covers! Select the perfect colors, designs, and a quote or name for each recipient. Your friends and family will truly appreciate these every time they need to jot a thought.
2. Personalized key ring
If you’re handy with a sewing machine, these adorable personalized key rings from Craftiness Is Not Optional are a great way to use leftover fabric scraps while creating a practical and super cute gift that the recipient will use every day.
Waste not, want not, right? With just a few inches of fabric, create the perfect “key-psake” for everyone on your gift list. These are so delightful that you might never hear the frantic words “I can’t find my keys” again!
3. Personalized profile pillow
Since the 1500s, people have enjoyed making silhouette profile portraits of their loved ones. These beautiful personalized profile pillows from Design Mom are an updated take on the traditional craft. These pillows make striking accent pieces for any décor, and although they look really fancy, they are easier to make than you might think! They’re the perfect gift for parents, grandparents, couples and pet owners. (Yes, you can make a dog or cat silhouette!) These are sure to be beloved gifts that serve as cozy keepsakes all year long.
4. Tile photo coasters
You might think you need a large budget if you want to give impressive personalized items to everyone on your list this year, but these tile photo coasters from Pop Sugar Living are here to prove you wrong!
With just some plain white tiles, your favorite photos and some Mod Podge, create these adorable and practical coasters for only about $5! These are quick, easy and fun to make (and a great way to remind your family to use a coaster). Just make sure you get some extra tiles, because you’re going to want to make a set for yourself.
5. Create-your-own love book
Let’s say you want to give your loved one something cute and personal, but you just aren’t feeling crafty this year. Or maybe you are pressed for time. Maybe you even have two left thumbs. The adorable create-your-own love book from LoveBook Online is the perfect solution.
You don’t have to be an artist — just choose from thousands of illustrations and ideas. They provide all kinds of amazing cover art and cute character drawings that you personalize to tell your own story. This is a great way to make a custom, one-of-a-kind keepsake that lets your special someone know just how much they mean to you.
6. DIY chalkboard wine glasses
These DIY chalkboard wine glasses from Cambria Estate Vineyard and Winery make the perfect gift for the wine-lover or hostess with the mostest in your life.
These glasses look elegant but are super easy to make. Just dip the bases in chalk paint and wait for them to dry. Then wrap them up with a chalk pen, and you have a gift that is sure to be a hit. They also make chic placemarkers on any table setting to get you and your friends toasting to all the joys of the season.
7. Personalized cutting board
This personalized cutting board from Design Mom is a gift that keeps on giving. With a store-bought cutting board and an etching tool, create custom serving pieces that are a joy to use at every event or even every meal.
Personalize these boards with a surname, an inspirational word or a creative design if you choose. These make great gifts not only for the holidays but also for weddings, Mother’s Day, birthdays or just about any occasion. They’re a great way to serve cheese, fruits and sausage, and are sure to be loved and appreciated for years to come.
8. DIY photo pendant
Believe it or not, you can make a custom, one-of-a-kind, vintage-looking keepsake that will be treasured for generations for only $2.50. Yes, it’s true.
These DIY photo pendants from Sweet Treats by Sarah are not only super fun to make, but also super affordable! At that price, you can make a pendant for every lady on your list — or make a whole charm bracelet. Nobody will believe you made these yourself!
9. Personalized playing cards
These Personalized playing cards from Visual Heart Creative Studio are a fun, thoughtful and affordable way to remind someone special in your life of all the things you love about them. There is one card for every week of the year!
All you need are playing cards, two rings and your list of 52 things. (And if you can’t choose just 52, feel free to add more cards.) These also make a great gift for an anniversary, birthday or Valentine’s Day.
10. DIY painted mug
A good cup of coffee or tea is a must for most people every morning. That’s why this DIY painted mug from Glued to My Crafts is the perfect gift. Unlike other personalized mugs you may have seen out there, this one’s designed for durability and machine-washing — it’s decorated with permanent, oil-based paint pens rather than just markers.
You don’t have to be an artist to create a professional-looking design. If you can draw a dot, you can make an eye-catching monogram using a few scrapbook stickers and your creativity. This gift is sure to bring a smile to your loved one’s face each and every morning!
