The season of giving is upon us, and Do-It-Yourself gifts are the perfect project for those of you who love the art of gift-giving. Homemade presents are meaningful, unique, and get some of the best reactions! If you want to mix things up for the Holidays this year, a DIY gift would be the perfect way to do so. I have put together a list of my own favorite gift-ideas that you can make yourself and “Wow!” your friends, family, and loved ones. All are labeled with the level of time and effort they may take. Each craft you can easily make inside of your Camden apartment home.

DIY Pet Toy Box- Medium Level of Difficulty: 2 Hours

This is the perfect gift to store all of the new toys your fur baby will receive for the holiday (hopefully there are a lot!) This DIY Pet Toy Box is partially a gift for you, so you can feel especially organized, and have a special place for your pet’s things.

First, you start off with a wooden crate. Then you can sand it down with sandpaper, stain it, and personalize it to your heart’s desire. You can either paint your pet’s name, glue a bone to the front of it, or order a personalized stencil off Amazon to make it look extra professional. I promise this one is easier than it looks!

Pro Tip: The stain may take a few days to dry. Don't forget to use a plastic tarp on your Camden patio while you apply the stain, and let it sit for two days to completely dry before bringing inside.

Photo courtesy of pexels.com

Macramé Projects- Medium to High Level of Difficulty: 1-4 Hours, depending on the project

If you ever made friendship bracelets at summer camp or in school, macramé projects are cut from the same thread (pun intended). It is very easy to find patterns online for whatever project you would like to take on. I ordered my macramé on Amazon and picked up some key chains from Hobby Lobby. If you are feeling more advanced, you could make a bohemian-chic macramé wall hanging like the one featured below, which was a handmade gift my best friend made for me to decorate my Camden apartment!

Pro Tip: Vamp up your gift wrapping by substituting macramé in place for ribbon.

Photo courtesy of Photo taken by me, Sami Stone.

Gift Baskets – Easy Level of Difficulty: Under 1 Hour

While not entirely homemade, gift baskets are the perfect way to add thoughtfulness to a present. One simple idea is to grab a bunch of small things that someone loves and create a basket that is personalized just for them. You could also make a Hot Cocoa themed box with marshmallows, coffee mugs and candy canes. Or you could make a movie-themed box with popcorn, candy, and a new movie you can watch together. My personal favorite? A Self-Care themed box! Load a cute basket up with face masks, bubble bath, and bath bombs and I would be the happiest person in the world. Tie it all together with ribbon and a bow.

Photo courtesy of pexels.com

Framed Wall Art- Easy Level of Difficulty: 1 Hour

This project is best for the individual. Have a friend who could use something for their desk at work? Add an inspirational quote into a photo frame. Have a friend who loves pineapples? Stencil a pineapple onto parchment and frame it for them! If you have a favorite photo together, or a postcard from one of your favorite trips, make it into a piece of art.

Photo courtesy of pexels.com

I hope these ideas provide inspiration to you to sit down and create a gift by hand, and with love, for someone special this year. If you need any other insights into what to give this Holiday season, check out The Perfect Christmas Gift for Almost Everyone.