30 Unique Handmade Gifts to Make for Friends

Thirty creative and unique homemade DIY gifts to make for your friends and family.

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Today I have a wonderful collection of 30 unique handmade gifts to make for your friends and family.

It doesn’t get any more personal than a present chosen for you, then made by hand for you! Your recipient will feel loved and cherished.

These gift items would be perfect for Christmas, a birthday, an anniversary, a wedding, or really any time of year you need a heartfelt gift.

Creative artisans and bloggers created each of the free projects below. Each post includes a tutorial or pattern to walk you through each step.

The hardest part will be figuring out what to make! Enjoy. ☺️

Check out Homemade Food Gift Ideas too!
And find all gift guides here!

Gift Ideas for Favorite Things Party

If you are attending a Favorite Things Party this year, a handmade item would be an imaginative idea for your gifts! Simply create 3 of the same crafts at a time, and you are ready for the soireé!

Handmade macrame drink coaster.

Macrame Coasters DIY

A perfect boho decor addition to your coffee or bedside table! Make a set of 4 of these macrame coasters for under $20! These are usually over $50 for a kit on Etsy or to purchase made. They are a little time-consuming because of all the knots you have to make, but you can get them done in two days for sure!

Handmade crochet wall hanging.

How to Make Your Own Woven Crochet Wall Hanging

I’m excited to show you how a simple stitch can be used to create a woven-looking crochet wall hanging, so you can have a funky or geometric piece of decor to add to your room! And hey, use the same techniques to create rugs and pillows or even make a fashion statement!

Handmade crochet basket.

Scrap Yarn Crochet Basket

This crochet basket made from scrap yarn is the perfect craft project to use up all those leftover yarn ends that just seem to multiply.

Handmade simple macrame wall hanging.

DIY Macrame Wall Hanging

This DIY macramé wall hanging is actually simple. It doesn’t require a ton of different knots, counting rows, or measuring spaces. You can always add those things if you want to make it more interesting (a quick Google search will land you a ton of tutorials), but you don’t have to.

Handmade crochet wall hanging.

DIY Macrame Wall Hanging for Christmas

A unique macrame DIY project for Christmas. Display your love of macrame at Christmastime with this DIY macrame wall hanging of a Christmas tree.

Handmade simple macrame plant hanger.

How to Make a Macrame Plant Hanger

A macrame plant hanger is a simple project you can make to decorate your room with a vintage style. It’s easy! This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make one from start to finish.

Handmade simple crochet pumpkins.

Absolute Easiest Free Crochet Pumpkin Pattern

Learn how to crochet a pumpkin of any size using any weight yarn. This free crochet pumpkin pattern is as easy as crocheting a flat rectangle. Click below to find the free pattern and video tutorial.

Handmade simple crochet scrunchies.

Crochet Scrunchie

Learn how to make cute crochet hair scrunchies with this free, easy pattern that’s perfect for beginners. Trendy 90’s style scrunchies are great to make for handmade gifts or to sell at craft fairs. They work up really quickly, too! Click below to learn how to crochet a classic chunky scrunchie that’s fun and easy to make!

Handmade simple crochet star Christmas ornaments.

Crochet Christmas Ornaments

These simple Christmas crochet stars are free patterns that make a fun and easy holiday project. Use them for gifts, as ornaments on your tree, as decorations, or appliqués any time of year!

Handmade crocheted mini sweater ornaments.

Crochet Christmas Ornaments

This year, make these (adorable) ugly Christmas sweater crochet ornaments! They are perfect for gifts, your tree, or a dollhouse!

Handmade crocheted bear blanket or rug.

Crochet Rug or Blanket

Are you ready for THE SOFTEST, coziest crochet project your hands ever did feel? Because this magical bear is made entirely with single crochet, you’ll quickly get the hang of feeling for your stitches in the fuzzy yarn and finish this fun project in no time. Click below to find all the yarn and pattern inspiration details, or scroll down for the complete free crochet bear pattern.

Hearts and round shapes made with a wool needle felting tutorial

Needle Felting Hearts – Beginners Tutorial

Learn how to needle felt in this quick and easy beginner’s tutorial. Make hearts or spheres to add to garlands, paperclips, or hair accessories. Click below for a video tutorial.

Handmade simple Thaksgiving hand embroidery napkins.

Hand Embroidery – How to Embroider Words on Napkins

A message hand embroidery pattern with a step-by-step video that shows you how to embroider words on to DIY napkins. Embroider any linen you can think of; napkins, hand towels, kitchen towels, handkerchiefs, or placemats. All would make wonderful hostess gifts!

Handmade embroidery wall hanging.

Embroidery – Bouquet Tutorial

A lovely bouquet of flowers to hand embroiders for a friend! A free pattern and tutorial are included.

Handmade embroidered daisies.

How to Embroider – Free Daisy Pattern

Learn an easy way to embroider daisies in this beginner hand embroidery tutorial that includes a free pattern. These are lovely handmade gifts to make for girlfriends.

Handmade felt Christmas ornaments.

12 Months of Christmas Ornaments

Larissa Holland’s beautiful handmade embroidery ornament patterns are beautifully designed, with lovely stitch guides and color photos to guide you.

Handmade crepe paper flowers.

DIY Crepe Paper Flowers

Paper rose craft never gets old. Whether you’re using cardstock, craft paper, tissue paper, crepe paper, mulberry paper, or any kind of paper, paper roses turn out beautiful! This tutorial comes with a free template for the rose pattern. Grab some crepe papers, print out the template and get crafty!

Handmade simple snowman Christmas ornament.

Make an Easy Wood Snowman Christmas Ornament

Learn how to make this adorable snowman ornament from wood slices. The tutorial will guide you step by step.

Handmade cross stitch bumble bee.

Cross Stitch for Beginners: Easy Project

Here’s an easy contemporary aesthetic cross-stitch pattern. Enjoy the creativity of choosing colors for the floss and fabric. It’s just the right amount of structure and freedom, and it’s easy to get great results even as a beginner!

A picture of a dog wearing a bandana from a post on unique handmade gifts to make for friends.

DIY Dog Bandana – Beginner Sewing Projects

Raise your pet’s fashion quota with this adorable DIY dog bandana. An easy, beginner-friendly sewing project that makes a perfect customized gift for a furry friend.

Child's chef hat and apron from a tutorial for how to make a DIY Child Apron.

Make a DIY Apron

A hand-sewn apron makes a beautiful gift for a budding young chef or a cook of any age. Learn how easy it is to make one with a free pattern guide.

A picture of a piillow from a post on unique handmade gifts to make for friends.

Monogram Pillow

A personalized initial pillow is a beautiful custom gift that anyone would love! The instructions include a simple appliqué and free pattern.

Camouflage DIY crossbody purse with strap from Amazon

DIY Crossbody Bag

Come along and make a purse for a friend or yourself with this easy DIY crossbody bag pattern. Customize the size, the fabric, and the color, especially for the recipient.

Handmade soap scrub cubes.

How to Make Your Own (Totally Giftable!) Sugar Scrub Cubes

Homemade scrubs are some of my all-time favorite beauty products. They’re super easy to make and leave your skin feeling insanely soft and squeaky clean. Made with soap and nourishing coconut oil, they hold their shape while still exfoliating like a dream. And since there are about a million different scent + ingredient combos you can choose, there’s seriously a scrub for everyone!

Handmade pink bath bombs.

Chocolate Rose Bath Bombs Recipe

Learn how to make DIY chocolate rose bath bombs that look like truffles! This romantic bath bomb recipe combines the floral fragrance of roses with decadent chocolate essential oil, boasting a luxurious aroma that’s perfect for gift-giving.

Handmade market tote design.

Pom Pom Market Tote

Pom poms are the bomb, and if you disagree…well…you’re lying to yourself; the first step is admitting you have a problem. A pom pom problem. Lol. Here’s an easy-to-make market tote that makes a sweet and thoughtful gift!

Handmade wooden pencil holder.

DIY Wooden Pencil Holder

This is a very quick and easy gift that carries a very special handmade element that’s perfect for your kid’s teachers. You only need a few tools and supplies to create this fun DIY Pencil Holder.

A picture of a wooden swing from a post on unique handmade gifts to make for friends.

DIY Tree Swing

Making your own swings is pretty simple and doesn’t take long. Click below for a step-by-step tutorial.

A picture of a wooden tray from a post on unique handmade gifts to make for friends.

How To Make A Pallet Wood Serving Tray

A practical but beautifully handcrafted wood tray would be a handsome gift and welcomed by everyone.

A picture of a etched cocktail glasses from a post on unique handmade gifts to make for friends.

Etched Glass Set

An etched glass set is the perfect guy gift! Customize simple glassware with a personal message or favorite cocktail.

For more ideas to create and use your creativity, check out the links below.
All Projects on the Site
Other Creative Outlets

Enjoy your creative handmade gift-making! There is truly something for everyone on your list here. Happy creating, makers!

xo,
Cindy

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