25 Easy DIY Gifts That Look Store Bought: Perfect for Any Occasion

25 Easy DIY Gifts That Look Store Bought: Perfect for Any Occasion


25 Easy DIY Gifts That Look Store-Bought

Looking for gift ideas that are thoughtful, affordable, and don’t look homemade? What if you could craft presents that feel just as polished as anything you’d find in a boutique—without spending a fortune? These 25 easy DIY gifts that look store-bought are the perfect solution for anyone who wants to give something meaningful, stylish, and personal to everyone on your list.

These easy projects can be completed quickly and are perfect for busy parents or anyone looking to create unique, personalised gifts without advanced crafting skills.

✅ Key Takeaways

  • You don’t need to spend a lot to create gifts that look store-bought—just a few supplies and a personal touch go a long way.

  • These ideas make thoughtful, handmade gifts perfect for friends, family members, and special occasions all year round. These easy projects can be completed quickly, making them ideal for busy parents and individuals of all ages.

  • With options using essential oils, mason jars, sewing skills, and more, there’s a DIY gift idea here for every style, budget, and skill level.


Whether you’re prepping for the holiday season, shopping for special occasions, or simply love creating handmade gifts that wow, these ideas are both thoughtful and surprisingly easy. With a few craft supplies, some basic sewing skills, and a little love, you can craft a personal gift that rivals anything you’d find at a store.

These DIY gift ideas are perfect for friends, loved ones, or any family member, and they make a great gift idea that adds a unique and personal touch.



1. Customized Coffee Mugs

Use vinyl decals or porcelain pens to create customized coffee mugs. Add a special message for a meaningful yet store bought feel.

2. Homemade Vanilla Extract

A homemade gift that feels gourmet—bottle up homemade vanilla in cute jars, add ribbon and a tag, and you’ve got a classy personal gift.


A neatly rolled handmade infinity scarf sits on a rustic wooden surface, accompanied by a charming gift tag and colorful fabric swatches, showcasing a thoughtful and unique gift idea perfect for the holiday season. This homemade gift reflects creativity and personal touch, making it a wonderful option for loved ones.

3. Infinity Scarf

With some fabric and a sewing machine, you can craft a cosy infinity scarf—a practical gift with style that looks totally store-bought.

4. Homemade Bath Salts

Combine Epsom salt, coconut oil, and essential oils to make relaxing homemade bath salts. Package in mason jars with custom labels.


In this festive image, layered cocoa mix is beautifully arranged in mason jars, topped with fluffy marshmallows and accompanied by striped straws, all set against a cheerful Christmas backdrop. This creative gift idea makes for a perfect homemade gift during the holiday season, ideal for sharing with friends and family.

5. Hot Cocoa Mixes in Mason Jars

Layer cocoa, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows in mason jars for festive hot cocoa mixes. These make adorable DIY Christmas gifts. These hot cocoa mixes make a perfect Christmas gift.

6. Handmade Headbands

Using fabric and fabric glue, you can create stylish handmade headbands—a creative gift for kids or trend-loving teens.


7. Embroidery Hoop Wall Art

An embroidery hoop, printed fabric, and a quote can turn into decorative wall art—one of the best handmade gift ideas with a standout piece appeal.


Alt text: A collection of beautifully wrapped bars of homemade soap, adorned with dried flowers on top, tied with twine and labeled, showcasing a thoughtful and unique gift idea perfect for the holiday season.

8. Homemade Soap

Make luxurious homemade soap using essential oils and moulds. A beautiful self care gift packaged with a handmade card.

9. Personalised Flower Pots

Paint names or messages on personalised flower pots. Pair with seeds for a great gift that’s both decorative and useful.


10. Hot Cocoa Gift Set

Build a complete hot cocoa kit with cocoa mix, mugs, and marshmallows. Add a tag that says “warm wishes” for a special gift touch. These hot cocoa gift sets are perfect for everyone on your list.

11. Bath Bombs

Fizzing, colourful, and fragrant—bath bombs are fun to make and gift. Use moulds and your favourite essential oils to personalize them.

12. DIY Recipe Cards

Print or handwrite recipe cards with your family’s basic recipe for cookies or holiday treats. Perfect for a thoughtful gift. Encourage your friends and family to find recipes that are perfect for gifting.

13. Handmade Infinity Scarf

With soft knit fabric and your sewing machine, you can whip up a stylish infinity scarf that feels like a high-end boutique item.

14. Homemade Candles

Melt wax, add essential oils, and pour into glass jars to create soothing homemade candles—a surprisingly simple and lovely DIY gift idea for friends.

15. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments

Tie twine and greenery around a cinnamon stick to create fragrant DIY Christmas tree decorations—great for Christmas Eve giving.


16. Basic Beanie

Use your yarn stash to make a basic beanie—a cute, practical gift that suits any style. Great for using basic sewing skills or knitting.


17. DIY Sugar Scrub

Mix sugar, coconut oil, and essential oils for a pampering scrub. Store in small jars with labels for a spa-style homemade gift. These DIY sugar scrubs are perfect for everyone on your list.

18. Thrift Store Upcycles

Find trays, vases, or frames at a thrift store and give them new life with paint or stencils—a fun and creative gift for décor lovers.

19. Personalised Ornaments

Make name ornaments from wood, clay, or acrylic—perfect as DIY Christmas gifts that feel like store bought gifts.

20. Handmade Card with Stitching

Craft a handmade card and add real stitching using thread or your sewing machine. It’s a unique and personal gift with heart.


21. Self Care Gift Basket

Combine homemade soap, bath bombs, and essential oils in a basket. A wonderful way to show love and care to loved ones. These self-care gift baskets are perfect for gifting to loved ones.

22. Mini Photo Album

Craft a small fold-out photo book as a personal gift that’s perfect for any family member or long-distance friend.

23. Easy Tote Bags

With fabric and basic sewing skills, you can sew chic tote bags. A great practical gift for errands, books, or groceries.

24. DIY Lip Balm

Make lip balm using coconut oil, beeswax, and tints. Pour into tins for a natural, store bought-looking homemade gift.

25. DIY Christmas Garland

Create a festive Christmas tree garland with dried oranges, felt, or beads—perfect for that season long holiday charm.


Final Thoughts

These 25 easy DIY gifts that look store-bought prove that you don’t need a big budget or pro-level crafting skills to make something truly special. Whether you’re giving to friends, family members, or loved ones, each handmade gift is a great gift filled with meaning and creativity. These homemade gift ideas cater to different occasions and budgets, showcasing simple yet thoughtful projects that can be made with basic materials.

So gather your craft supplies, light some homemade candles, and get ready to make this a merry Christmas filled with heartfelt giving!

🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good homemade presents?

Good homemade gifts include handmade candles, bath bombs, hot cocoa mixes, and DIY Christmas gifts like personalized ornaments or customized coffee mugs. These handmade gift ideas are easy to make and feel just as special as store bought gifts.

What's a good cheap gift?

A good cheap gift can be a homemade gift using items you already have—like a cocoa mix in a mason jar, homemade vanilla, or a handmade card with a special message. These simple gifts are heartfelt, budget-friendly, and make a great gift for friends or family members.

What is a great gift that doesn't cost anything?

A great gift that doesn't cost anything could be something made from items around your home—like a basic beanie if you knit, a heartfelt recipe card, or a thoughtful gift like a handmade photo album. Even a letter expressing gratitude or a DIY Christmas tree ornament made with scraps can be a wonderful way to show you care.

How to make a small handmade gift?

To make a small handmade gift, use materials like fabric glue, yarn, or small containers like cute jars or mason jars. You could create a lip balm with coconut oil, a tiny sachet with basic sewing skills, or even a mini framed quote using an embroidery hoop. Keep it simple, personal, and made with love!

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