10 Easy Homemade Gift Ideas Under $10

Ever notice how the most meaningful gifts aren’t the pricey ones, but the ones that clearly came from the heart? One year, a friend dropped off a loaf of homemade banana bread still warm from the oven with a note that said, “Because Tuesdays need a little help.” It probably cost her five dollars, but it made my whole week.

If you’ve got more creativity than cash (or just prefer giving gifts that don’t end up in a landfill), you’re in the right place. These 10 DIY gift ideas cost less than $10 each, but they deliver something store-bought gifts often miss: thought, effort, and a touch of personality. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a thank-you, or just want to brighten someone’s day, these ideas prove that generosity doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Spa Set

Give all the stressed-out folks on your gift list the gift of relaxation. Make your bath products and then assemble them in a nice basket.

Place your spa products in individual bottles or small jars and decorate them with ribbons, labels, and embellishments. Add other items you can pick up at the drug store such as a washcloth, pumice stone, or loofah.

Here’s how to create some spa essentials:

Bath Salts

Combine 1 cup of Epsom salts, 1 cup of sea salt, 20 drops of any fragrance oil, and food coloring in a medium bowl and mix with a wooden spoon until fully combined and color is even.

Bath Oil

Mix 1/2 cup of sweet almond oil, 1/2 cup of castor oil, 1 teaspoon of Vitamin E oil, and 25-30 drops of fragrance oil in a bowl with a wooden spoon until combined.

Bubble Bath

Mix together 3 cups of clear, mild dishwashing liquid, 1 teaspoon of Vitamin E oil, 1/4 cup of glycerin, and 25-30 drops of fragrance oil in a bowl. That’s it—high-quality Bubble Bath!

Salt Scrub

Mix together Epsom salts with sweet almond (better) or mineral oil (cheaper) to resemble very wet snow. Then, add essential or aromatherapy oil for fragrance and soap colorant if you desire.

Looking to craft the perfect spa set for your loved ones? We’ve got you covered! Jump to the bottom of this article to find links to the ingredients needed for each spa product mentioned above.

MORE: 5 Easy DIY Body Scrub Recipes Using Pantry Ingredients

Heirloom Family Cookbook

Gather up your family’s best-loved recipes passed down through generations and create a family cookbook that will be cherished for years to come. Then make copies of it for family members on your list.

To add illustrations to your family cookbook, scan old family photos of the person who is known for making the recipe to include on a particular page. Consider including sections for birthdays and addresses, too

Need more help? Websites like CreateMyCookbook offer professional services to help you design and print a beautifully bound cookbook for a fee. Another favorite is Canva—a website for anyone to design anything on their own—no experience required! With Canva’s free online templates, creating a digital cookbook is as simple as a few clicks. Create beautifully designed cookbooks by dropping your images into Canva’s designer-made templates and instantly downloading them onto any device.

Once you’re happy with your creation, you’re also able to print booklets and proudly present. Oh, the possibilities!

DIY Stepping Stone

homemade gift ideas stepping stone childs hand concrete decorative stones

Example stepping stone credit: Your Home Wizards

Garden stepping stones are easy to make with a small amount of ready-mix concrete from the home improvement center. No need to buy expensive kits at craft stores, just look for a decorative mold to use.

To make a round stone use an old plastic 5-gallon bucket or similar. Coat with Vaseline before pouring in the ready-mix. When it has set the stone will slip out easily. Follow the instructions on the ready-mix bag.

Pour in about 1.5 inches of cement. When the consistency is right, have your child put in their footprints and/or handprints. Add the date if you wish. Embellish with seashells, marbles, mosaic tiles, Forget about expensive kits from craft stores.

Feeling more energetic? You’ll find a free complete expert-guided directive at this page.

Coffee Lover’s Basket

Have a coffee lover on your list? Here are a few ideas to include in a gift basket for any java junkie:

Chocolate-Dipped Spoons

Elevate their coffee ritual with chocolate-dipped spoons. It’s so easy! Melt chocolate chips of your choice. Dip the spoon end of a plastic spoon into the chocolate. Allow to dry then wrap the chocolate end in cellophane and tie with ribbon. It’s an easy-to-make addition that adds a touch of sweetness to each sip.

Sweets

Add a box of chocolate-dipped cookies or homemade biscotti for a pairing that will satisfy their sweet tooth.

Coffee Mixes

Provide an assortment of coffee mixes to suit their taste preferences:

Caffè Mocha

Mix a 1/4 cup instant coffee with 1/2 cup cocoa and 1/2 cup sugar.

Café au Lait

Mix a 1/4 cup instant coffee with 1/2 cup dry milk and 1/2 cup sugar.

Spiced Coffee

Mix a 1/4 cup instant coffee with 1/2 cup sugar, and a 1/4 teaspoon each: nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice.

Combine the ingredients and store them in tightly covered jars for up to 6 months. When ready to enjoy, add 2 teaspoons of mix to a cup and fill with boiling water for a flavorful and aromatic cup of coffee.

Grandparents’ Calendar

This gift is sure to be joyfully received by grandparents and other family members. Using the calendar template in your computer’s word processing program print out calendar months on 8.5 x 11 card stock. Be sure to check out the free calendar templates over at Canva, too.

Next comes the fun part: personalization. On the blank backsides decorate with your kids’ artwork, photos, poems, and clip art. Don’t forget to mark down important dates like birthdays and other special occasions to make each month extra memorable.

Once you’ve put the final touches on your calendar masterpiece, it’s time to give it that professional finish. Head over to your local library where you can laminate the pages (most libraries are cool with you using their laminating machine as long as you bring your own supplies). Alternatively, swing by a quick copy store to get the pages laminated and neatly bound together. Oh, and here’s a handy tip: most office supply stores can spiral bind your calendars for just around $5 a piece.

This is great for grandparents but can be modified for other friends and family.

No-Sew Fleece Blanket

For a cozy and personalized gift that’s as easy to make as it is snuggly, consider crafting a no-sew fleece blanket. Here’s how you can do it:

Head to your local fabric or craft store. Choose a pattern or motif that suits the recipient’s taste—whether it’s a favorite sports team, adorable juvenile characters, or classic plaid, there’s something for everyone. And here’s a tip: keep an eye out for sales at stores like Joann and Hobby Lobby to snag great deals on your fleece. Then make sure you have the app for Joann store so you’ll have a coupon to get as much as 40% off a single cut of fleece at checkout.

Once you’ve picked out your fleece, determine the size of your blanket. Baby blankets typically require about 3/4 yards of fleece, while adults and older children will need a yard or more. Since fleece is quite wide (usually around 58-60 inches), one yard will make a nice-sized blanket.

You can customize the weight of your blanket by layering two fabric panels for a heavier feel or using just one layer for a lighter-weight option. To finish off your blanket, cut 2.5-inch strips along the edges and tie them together to add a charming fringe. The best part? Polar fleece never frays, even with washing, so your blanket will stay cozy and beautiful for years to come. Click here for free printable instructions.

Cookie Mix Jars

Looking for a delicious gift idea for family, friends, or teachers? Look no further than these charming layered cookie mix jars. With their colorful layers resembling “sand art,” they not only make a delightful present but also add a touch of warmth to any kitchen.

Here’s how to assemble a cookie jar:

Start with a one-quart, wide-mouth canning jar and layer the dry ingredients to make either brownies or cookies. Get creative with your layers and don’t forget to add a decorative ribbon to the jar for that extra special touch.

This time of year, people often receive an abundance of baked goods, making a treat to enjoy later a welcome surprise. Even if your recipients aren’t in the mood to bake right away, the jar makes a lovely display piece for their kitchen.

As for the recipe, here’s just one example:

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chocolate chips
2 1/2 cups flour mixed together with 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Layer the ingredients in the jar in the order given, pressing each layer firmly in place to ensure everything fits snugly. Be sure to measure carefully and pack each layer tightly—especially the brown sugar and flour. A wooden spoon makes a handy packing device.

Don’t forget to attach the following message to the jar:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Empty jar contents into a large mixing bowl and blend thoroughly. Add 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine (not diet or tub variety), 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended. Shape into balls the size of walnuts and place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until just slightly golden. Do not overbake. Cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet, then remove to racks to finish cooling. These cookies will not firm up until completely cooled. Makes 2 1/2 dozen delicious cookies. Enjoy!

Personalized Art Frame

For a heartfelt and budget-friendly gift that’s sure to tug at the heartstrings, consider making a personalized art frame with your child. Here’s how:

Start by snagging an inexpensive picture frame from a local craft store or a department store like Target or Walmart. Then, have your child decorate the frame with acrylic paints, sequins, buttons and any other kind of creative thing kids love.

Place a photo of your child inside the frame once it’s dry, and you have a great gift for a grandparent, friend, or another relative.

Read-Along Videos

Create unforgettable moments for your younger siblings, nieces, nephews, or cousins with homemade read-along videos.

Set the scene by covering a cozy spot with blankets and arranging the stuffed animals around them. Grab your camera, set it up on a stable surface, and start recording as you read aloud from their favorite storybooks.

Old Family Photo Reproductions

Professionally duplicated venerable, heritage, family photos can be expensive. But you can do this yourself for very little and with extraordinary results. Here’s how:

Take your original photo to a local quick print shop and use their self-serve color photocopying machine to make copies. Whether your photo is black and white, sepia-toned, or full color, you’ll be amazed at the quality of the reproductions. And the best part? It’ll only cost you about two bucks for sizes up to 8×10.

Frame the photo appropriately and you cannot differentiate it from its original. Even if they’re printed on lightweight photocopy paper, once they’re framed with backing board and glass, they’ll look just as authentic.

Don’t forget to include a written account of who’s in the photo and any other details you may know—it adds a personal touch that makes the gift even more meaningful. With this budget-friendly DIY approach, you can preserve your family’s memories and create heartfelt gifts that will be treasured for years to come.

Resources

Amazon Basics Epsom Salt Soak, Unscented...

Morton Fine Mediterranean Sea Salt 17.6 oz. (pack...

Save $0.99

PHATOIL 9Pcs Fruity Fragrance Oil Gift Set...

Handcraft Blends Sweet Almond Oil | 100% Pure and...

Save $5.04

Cliganic Castor Oil Organic Cold Pressed...

Save $2.01

Cliganic Pure Vitamin E Oil for Skin, Scars, Hair...

NOW Foods Solutions, Vegetable Glycerin...

Save $4.00

Thirteen Chefs Mineral Oil - 12oz Food Grade...

Save $1.99

Rolio Premium Mica Powder Pearlescent Color...

Resource: What’s your favorite homemade gift to give or receive, and why? Let me know in the comments down below.

EverydayCheapskate™ is reader-supported. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

More from Everyday Cheapskate

How to Pack a Cooler That Stays Cold for 48 Hours

a lit sparkler with an american flag in the background 4th of july hacks tips and recipes

34 Fourth of July Recipes and DIY Hacks for a Stress-Free Holiday

close up photo a woman wearing a swimsuit with a mild sunburn

DIY After-Sun Spray That Cools and Soothes Skin

Homemade Laundry Stain Paste That Works for Pennies

a rustic wooden christmas tree in the sand on the beach

Christmas in June? Try This Amazon Prime Day Gift Guide

etriever labrador on white rug in bright contemporary living room pet stains and odors

Homemade Pet Stain Remover That Stops Repeat Accidents

how to get rid of the smell in the ice cooler chest

How to Clean and Deodorize Your Cooler So It Doesn’t Stink

hamburger patties on hot grill how to clean a bbq grill without using a metal brush

5 No-Brush Ways to Clean Your Grill (Using Stuff You Already Have)

MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 6 Pack

Homemade Eyeglass Lens Cleaner: 3 Simple Ingredients

Please keep your comments positive, encouraging, helpful, brief,
and on-topic in keeping with EC Commenting Guidelines

Last update on 2026-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Anita says:

November 21, 2022 at 7:39 pm

Good ideas.
Cranberry White Chip Cookies are another tasty cookie-in-a-jar option that I’ve gotten positive feedback on.
Layer the following in a quart jar:
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour mixed with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon baking soda, & 1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick oats
1 scant cup white baking chips
1 cup dried cranberries
Instruction tag: Combine 1/2 cup soft butter, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add contents of the jar and mix well. Drop by tablespoon full onto cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cool on rack. Enjoy.

Mary Hunt says:
November 21, 2022 at 9:42 pm

Thanks, Anita!

Mary says:

November 20, 2022 at 10:46 am

Be careful about adding food coloring to bath salts. You don’t want your friends and family to end up looking like Smurfs. Use soap coloring instead that you get off sites like Amazon.

Donna G says:

November 20, 2022 at 10:24 am

Last Christmas, I made a Photo cookbook for my adult children using all of our family favorites from over the years, along with photos of them growing up and my grandchildren. You would have thought I gave them gold! They continue to tell me how much they appreciate it. (I won’t be around forever but now they have cookbooks to pass on).

Victoria Jacobs says:

October 25, 2021 at 3:35 pm

Hobby Lobby – No more 40% off coupons in the weekly ad. Just read the ad for what is on special, often at up to 50% off.

Scrubs – try a sugar scrub using regular or fine sugar. It is less abrasive than salt and for my more mature and drier skin, it works better.

For a really inexpensive item, save your empty cans. Clean them well and dry them. The spray paint outside and decorate with items or markers, or cover with bits of wall paper, fabric, or contact paper. Give them away with a few pencils or pens, or paper clips in, say, a tuna can.

Linda D Radosevich says:

October 24, 2021 at 3:41 pm

I love your ideas for homemade gifts! Especially the ones involving the kiddos…my problem? MY kiddo lives in the Netherlands…and is 40 years old! 🙂

Mary Hunt says:
October 24, 2021 at 4:30 pm

Family Cookbook!

Danielle says:

October 24, 2021 at 12:21 pm

THIS is what I needed little worried about gifts for This year your a Angel I can make many of your ideas thank you

Mary Hunt says:
October 24, 2021 at 4:33 pm

Oh, good news. Have fun Danielle!

Jump to: