25 Thoughtful DIY Gifts for the Home – Never Show up Empty-Handed Again!

When it comes to housewarmings and other gift-giving occasions, you may find that instead of trying to find the perfectly personalized individual gift, making something for the house as a whole could be the right way to go. People appreciate the time and effort that goes into making something yourself, especially if it’s both visually appealing and useful at the same time.

So next time you find yourself in a pickle and not sure what to get, scroll through these fantastic handmade home gift ideas – you’re guaranteed to find (make) the perfect present!

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1. Golden Checkerboard

Every home needs a great collection of games, so I think this golden checkerboard would make a fantastic housewarming gift; not only is it functional, but it looks great as decoration too. The gold just looks so regal. How could anyone not love it?

2. Dipped Shot Glasses

We all have those silly shot glasses with lame “jokes” on them that we probably got as a birthday gift in college. But when you move into your own home, you definitely need classier glasses. This dipped look is really elegant, and you can use the same technique on other glasses or even a vase.

3. Singular Bud Vases

Instead of pitching up with a bouquet of flowers to brighten a friend’s home, why not make this interesting vase to display each flower individually? It’s so gorgeous and so totally different from regular vases.

4. Homegrown Crystal Geodes

Crystals like these make gorgeous decorative pieces, and wouldn’t it be cool to be able to say that you grew them yourself? Some of you may remember this experiment from your school days, but for those of you who are out of the loop, here are two great tutorials.

5. Marquee Sign

I just love the drama and excitement of this DIY marquee sign; it even looks fantastic when the lights are off. A good paint finish can make simple materials look like metal, so it’s cheaper to make than it looks. You could even create the homeowners’ initials, a favorite word, or a custom symbol for a personalized touch.

6. Fall Leaf Bowl

Fall truly is one of the most gorgeous times of the year – the changing leaves make the streets look magical. You can capture some of that beauty by making a DIY bowl from artificial fall leaves. It almost doesn’t even have to be functional, because it looks so pretty on its own.

7. Copper Arrows

These sleek copper arrow wall decorations are perfect for the home of a minimalist. The materials are very basic and simple to assemble, and since the copper part is just a paint job, you can pick any color that would best suit the lucky recipients.

8. Terrarium

In my opinion, living plants can never make a bad gift, especially when you’ve taken the time to build a terrarium all by yourself! Using succulents in a glass globe makes it simple to care for, and the result is a beautiful, miniature garden anyone would love.

9. Creative Coasters

These DIY map coasters are fantastic, and they’re so easy to make. A map of the London Underground would be another interesting map to use. You can also choose to go the more personal route and use a photo instead.

10. Marbled Clay Bowls

In my opinion, there is always a need or a place for a few small bowls here and there to keep your jewelry, keys, coins, or whatever other odds and ends from getting lost around the house. These are as gorgeous as they are thoughtful and budget-friendly.

11. Giant Jenga

Everyone loves Jenga, right? I used to play it so much as a child, and it still keeps me entertained from time to time. Well, you can bring in a hint of nostalgia but with greater excitement with this bigger outdoor version of the classic. Isn’t it great?

12. Giant Scrabble

Since we’re on the topic of giant, outdoor games, if the recipient isn’t a big fan of Jenga, they might enjoy word puzzles with Giant Scrabble! It’s a perfect way to spend a sunny day outside with the kids — and even better when you’ve made the set yourself.

13. Book Lamp

Now I’m not usually one for cutting up and ruining books, but if it’s for someone who you know will really love it, then I’m willing to make an exception. It really makes such a cute, rustic light – very shabby chic actually! If you love the idea of interesting lighting, have a look at this DIY lamp and chandelier collection for more projects.

14. Twiggy Votives

I just love any DIY that involves using items from nature, so these votive candle holders are something that I’d really love to make. I like the trio set, especially the gold; I’d maybe even do a bronze one too, just to amp up that sense of rustic glamor.

15. Wine Bottle and Glasses Holder

If you’re going for a picnic or heading out to the patio or lawn to enjoy some wine, then here’s a clever yet simple little woodworking project to make the carrying of the precious cargo so much easier. Any wine lover could do with something like this! And you can give it a decorative paint job if you’re feeling even more creative.

16. Coffee Candle

We all have coffee-loving friends, but this one is for the really obsessed… a coffee candle! And it’s a great way to recycle your used coffee grounds, I must say. Your friend will love the subtle scent of coffee floating around the room.

17. Paint Dipped Kitchen Utensils

This makes a great housewarming gift, since people often need these kinds of utensils when just moving in. And who wouldn’t want a set of pretty paint-dipped wooden spoons, etc., rather than the plain old boring versions?

18. Photo Clock

If the lucky gift receivers have pets that they fawn over, then they might appreciate an adorable wall clock made from a photo of their fur child. Try to find the cutest or funniest photo of the little one! Although, of course, with this tutorial, you could use a photo of just about anything, so don’t limit yourself.

19. Flavored Salt

When it comes to the foodie friends, a collection of homemade flavored salts can make the perfect gift. This tutorial shows you how to make a set of chili lime, rosemary & lemon, vanilla, and Sriracha. You just need to find some cute jars and make some pretty labels before handing these over.

20. DIY Pillows

People will always need pillows, whether it’s for a bed, a couch, or an outdoor seating area. The first tutorial shows you how to make beautiful, soft-on-the-eyes watercolor pillow cases, whereas the other shows you how to stencil on whatever image or phrase you wish.

21. Kitchen Chalkboard

I have a chalkboard in my kitchen because it’s the perfect place to write down a grocery list, dinner ideas, a note, or simply a cute phrase. What’s really great about this specific board is its shape – it looks like a cheeseboard, so it suits the kitchen perfectly.

22. Personalized Kitchen Towels

How cute are these? A bit of good humor should always be appreciated. It’s easy to stencil pretty much any image or frame onto a kitchen towel with a vinyl sticker, and if you really love these specifically, then you’ll be happy to learn that you can download the stencil templates for free.

23. Bath Bombs

For the friend who loves to soak in a tub and relax, homemade bath bombs could be the ideal home-related gift. They’re really easy to make and would look gorgeous in some pretty packaging with cute labels. You could even make your own soothing bath salts, too!

24. Photo Magnets

A fridge will always look empty without magnets holding up some reminders, notes, or photos. So what if you made personalized photo magnets for a friend’s fridge? This tutorial actually shows you how to make these into pendants for necklaces, but if you just glue a small magnet to the back of each, then you’ve got yourself a fantastic gift.

25. Wooden Starburst Mirror

I’ve always loved starburst mirrors and even made my own version after getting frustrated at how expensive they can be in stores. This tutorial shows you how to craft your own elegant, hand-made starburst mirror that’s perfect to give as a gift – the result is just so eye-catching and unique.