10 Creative + Fun DIY Gifts For Friends (That You'll Want, Too!)
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The holidays are almost here and you need a great gift to give your best friend. Why not make one yourself? We love ideas for DIY gifts that are thoughtful and can suit every budget. Not only are you able to be creative this holiday season, but you can still give unique handmade gifts and save some money at the same time. We all know that it can be a costly time of the year, so a DIY gift for your best friends during the holidays is one way to go!
10 DIY Christmas Gifts To Give Your Best Friend This Year
BYO Holiday Cocktail Kit (Or Mocktail!)
Estimated Cost: Under $30.00 (Depending on the ingredients!)
Cocktail kits are becoming a huge hit, but some retailers can be costly. Creating a BYO Holiday Cocktail Kit is as simple as gathering all of the ingredients together. Choose which holiday cocktail you’d like to share such as Homemade Spiced Apple Cider or a year-round favorite, Smashed Strawberry Margarita.
Buying small bottles can be the best way to go. However, any other spices could be bought in bulk, so you're able to make multiple kits for other friends, or expand your own spice collection. Either way, a win-win! You can personalize each kit with a glass with their name or their first name initial. Say cheers to your friends near and far with this DIY kit!
And remember, these kits don’t have to include alcohol. For those friends who are sober (or prefer not to drink alcoholic beverage) — you can use a variety of fun mixers, juices, or other beverage favorites to create delicious mocktails.
Image: Etsy
Personalized Barware
Gifting Me Crazy
A small business customizing any style of their favorite drink glass.
Image: Amazon
Image: Amazon
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Mix and Match Skinny Cocktail Mixers
Thoughtfully
A perfect stocking stuffer, these mixers are sugar free, gluten-free, vegan/vegetarian, and contain 0 calories. A great way to sample cocktail flavors they might not ordinarily try.
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Cocktail Making Kit Sampler
Cocktail Box Co.
Each cocktail kit includes all the ingredients needed to prepare these cocktails (minus the alcohol).
8 Different Mixing Kits:
Old Fashioned
Margarita
Mai Tai
Gin & Tonic
Moscow Mule
Champagne Cocktail
Mojito
Manhattan
Image: Amazon
The Art of Mixology: Classic Cocktails and Curious Concoctions
Parragon Books
A must for any home bartender.
Image: Amazon
European-Style Whiskey Decanter and Glass Set
Finedine
Upgrade their home cocktail set up with elegant glassware.
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Crystal Cocktail Mixing Glass
Mixology & Craft
A chic mixing beaker for those cocktails that need to be stirred, not shaken.
Non-alcoholic options:
We know that the holidays can be an especially hard time for your sober friends or simply for those that choose not to drink alcohol. While many parties and get-togethers generally have a non-alcoholic version available, it’s frequently juice, soda, or fizzy water (or found on the kids’ table).
For those looking to be an inclusive host or wanting to give an alcohol-free DIY basket to friends, Lyre’s makes a great range of non-alcoholic spirits! They are 100% vegan and made with plant-derived extracts that allow you to create incredibly unique craft mocktails at home, without sugars and artificial ingredients. In fact, you can mix-and-match your favorite spirits to replicate the classics or create your own special signature drink for your next party.
Image: Lyre’s
Pink Cosmopolitan
A non-alcoholic cosmo that Carrie Bradshaw would be proud of!
Pink London Spirit &
Orange Sec
Tie-Dye Holiday Pajamas & Accessories
Estimated Cost: Under $40.00
Want to be extra crafty? Buy some dye and tie-dye a pajama set for your best friend! All you need to do is purchase dye, string, a cotton top and bottoms. Consider checking out a thrift shop, if you would like to dye a cool, vintage graphic tee. If not, you can buy brand new, plain white cotton shirts and bottoms from your favorite retailer.
If you want to be festive, you can use red and green dye for some holiday-themed pajamas. Of course, you don’t have to do pajamas, either. You and your friend can also dye socks, kitchen towels, tank tops, or whatever you choose! Make sure to use cotton and keep in mind that it takes a few days to ensure the dye sits.
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Rainbow Tie-Dye Kit 15-Color Party Kit
Tulip
The quintessential rainbow tie-dye kit with all of your favorite colors.
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Pastel Tie Dye Kit
Doodle Hog
If they’re not a fan of bright, bold colors, this pastel kit is the perfect choice.
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Stone Tones Tie-Dye Kit
Doodle Hog
Not everyone loves bright colors —a great tie-dye kit for the friend who loves neutrals.
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Long Sleeve Crop Top and Joggers Set
Zesica
Size: S-XXXL
A different style of the standard sweatshirt and pants — this crop top is for your fashion trend-loving friend!
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Loose Sweat Set
Caracilia
Size: S-XL
The perfect two piece sweatsuit set to dye. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors if you don’t want to use traditional white.
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100% Cotton Drawstring Backpack
Augbunny
This set of two drawstring bags is great for best friends to do together—great for anyone who doesn’t want to wear tie-dye.
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White Cotton Scrunchies
RJMBMUP
Perfect for parties—these scrunchies come in a set of 20 for under $10!
Dessert & Coffee
Estimated Cost: Under $30.00
Dessert and coffee are such an underrated pleasure, so why not give them to your best friend who has a big sweet tooth? Whether you’re an avid baker or just a beginner, this DIY gift is easy and thoughtful. You can choose your favorite pastry to bake, such as carrot cake, double fudge brownies, or some festive, holiday sugar cookies. Then, you can pack it nicely in plastic wrapping bags.
Next, pick a bag of local coffee beans or a roast you know your friends enjoy, grind the beans, and pack it in a mason jar. This DIY gift can fill their tummy, heart, and soul this holiday season!
Image: Bean Box
Gran Miscela Carmo
Bean Box
Referred to as “a bun in a mug,” this medium-roast blend has notes of praline, chocolate, and toasted sugar. Gift a one-time purchase or a subscription.
Image: Bean Box
Coffee & Chocolate Tasting Box
Bean Box
The ultimate gift idea for coffee and dessert lovers. A box of curated coffee blends that are exquisitely paired with chocolates for an incredibly indulgent experience.
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Coffee Run Bento Box
Sugafina
Gourmet candies featuring a variety of coffee favorites. A tasty stocking stuffer idea, too!
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24 Biscotti Cookie Chocolates Box
Barnett’s
Biscottis make the perfect cookie to go along with a cup of coffee. And chocolate? Even better.
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Confetti Cake Pop Kit
Uncommon Goods
A cup of coffee in the morning is always made better by fresh cake pops, right? Plus, these allergy-friendly bites will save them a trip to Starbucks!
Image: Uncommon Goods
Scandinavian Cinnamon Bun Kit
Uncommon Goods
A different take on a traditional cinnamon bun, this recipe includes cardamom to add a bit of spice to the sweetness of the pastry.
DIY Daisy Chain Bracelets
Estimated Cost: Under $30.00
Daisy chain bracelets are making a comeback in the cutest way. If you are feeling crafty this holiday season, making daisy chain bracelets at home can be the way to go for your best friend’s gift for the holidays. Making these bracelets are low-cost and can easily be personalized with colors and sizing. Choose gold and silver beads for more of a holiday vibe. You can even make a matching set or create a pair of friendship bracelets. All you need are beads, thread, and clasps.
If you’re feeling extra creative, try a variety of beaded bracelet patterns, charms, and even lettered beads!
(Not ready to DIY? Try these Unique daisy chain bracelets!)
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Glass Seed Beads & Alphabet Kit
UOONY
This set is the ultimate beaded jewelry kit with over 35,000 beads so you’ll never run out!
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Snowflake Spacer Beads
Kitbeads
The perfect bead kit to expand on your jewelry project, whether used alone or for other projects!
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Multicolor 3mm Glass Seed Beads Kit
Naler
A variety pack of the most popular colors to create bracelets or necklaces with your best friend.
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White Daisy Charms
PandaHall
Why not take DIY daisy chains literally by adding a cute charm on your bracelet?
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Colorful Acrylic Letter Beads
Anlan-Angel
A fun, colorful twist on the traditional black and white alphabet beads.
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White Daisy Link Chain
Kyutong
Don’t feel like stringing your own beaded bracelets? This roll of charms comes pre-made, all you need to do is attach your own clasps.
BYO At-Home Spa Kit
Estimated Cost: Under $40.00
This is a great gift for your friend who enjoys spas and baths. Create an at-home spa kit for your best friend as a Christmas gift this holiday season! The spa kit can include a scented candle with a relaxing scent, a salt scrub, an essential oil bottle, a gentle face mask, and some peppermint tea. The great part is that your best friend can use this kit whenever they please!
If you want to take the extra step, you can create a specific essential oil combo and a soy wax candle from scratch. Save your friend and your wallet some money this year by making an at-home spa skit that is specific to you this holiday season!
For more inspiration, watch our Home Spa Day YouTube video!
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Essential Oil Diffuser
Wanlola
This essential oil diffuser is not only useful, but an aesthetic gift to be a part of your home decor.
Image: Anthropologie
Well-being Essential Oil Set
NEOM
A relaxing and calming essential oil kit to diffuse or add to their favorite lotion or bath.
Image: Anthropologie
Volcano Matte Jar Candle
Capri Blue
With a 70-hour burn time, you can guarantee this candle will keep them relaxed for a long time!
Image: Nordstrom
Roses Candle
Diptyque
Smelling of its namesake, this candle is a sweet bouquet to fill their home with fragrance.
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Reusable Face Towel Mask
ProCIV
An eco-friendly alternative to traditional single-use face masks, this is the perfect gift for your friend who loves sustainable products.
Image: Sephora
St. Barts Cleansing Scalp & Body Sugar Scrub
OUAI
This sugar scrub exfoliates dry skin and removes product buildup on the scalp for an all-over body cleanse.
Image: Sephora
Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Detox Face Mask
Fenty Skin
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty has exploded onto the market with thousands of loyal fans of the high-quality products. This mask is no exception—a charcoal mask deep cleans pores, leaving fresh skin behind.
Image: Amazon
Organic Peppermint Tea Bags
FGO
High-quality peppermint tea comes together in eco-conscious tea bags that are free of dyes, adhesives, or glue for a delicious warm cup of tea that they can feel good about.
Holiday Time Capsule
Estimated Cost: Under $20.00
I know this sounds a little weird, but take your best friend down memory lane with a holiday time capsule as a gift. Buy a basket, bag, or box big enough to put a framed photo of when you were both younger, a snack or candy you used to enjoy together, and a hand-written letter like you could have done during class in middle school.
Lastly, if you have the time, create a quick playlist on Spotify or Apple Music that can bring back all of the best memories when the two of you were growing up. This is a timeless gift that can bring your best friend all the best vibes and feelings during this holiday season!
Image: Urban Outfitters
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Chevron Herringbone Photo Frame
Handicrafts Home
A simple, but unique, photo frame that will match their home decor.
Homemade Charcuterie Basket
Estimated Cost: Under $40.00
Create a memorable, easy, and delicious charcuterie board by gifting it in a simple basket! This is a perfect DIY holiday gift for your best friend who is a fan of tasty cheeses, dried fruits, select cured meats, chocolates, and, of course, some wine! You can be very flexible with your budget, but shopping online or at Trader Joe’s would be a great place to start to keep the charcuterie basket fun and affordable.
Pick out all the sweet and salty products your best friend enjoys. Or, get creative and upgrade their home charcuterie board for their next party with unique ingredients!
Buying a pre-made basket from a separate service can be pretty expensive, especially during the holidays. So, save money and create a thoughtful, custom charcuterie basket that is personalized for your best friend.
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Bamboo Cheese Board and Knife Set
SMIRLY
Upgrade their board with this set that comes with matching knives.
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Beautiful Boards: 50 Amazing Snack Boards for Any Occasion
Maegan Brown
Get them inspired with these beautiful boards for the next party!
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Nut and Dried Fruit Gift Basket
Oh! Nuts
A delicious assortment of fruits and nuts for those who aren’t fans of chocolate!
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100% Pure Raw Gourmet Honeycomb
Wild Garden
Made by bees in a sustainable community — with sustainable farming practices — sweet honeycomb is as close to hive-fresh as you can get!
Image: Amazon
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Flavored Natural Whole Pitted Olives
OLOVES
4 Different Flavors:
Basil & Garlic
Chili & Oregano
Lemon & Rosemary
Chili & Garlic
Sure, olives are a staple on charcuterie boards, but why not try a uniquely flavored blend?
Memorable Trip Photo Album
Estimated Cost: Under $25.00
Do you ever find yourself going through your camera roll and looking at past photos from a memorable trip with your best friend? Have you ever thought, "What am I going to do with these?” Well, now you can use the photos for a holiday DIY gift. You can create a photo album with all of the sweet memories from that adventure with your best friend. Having a concrete photo album isn’t as common with technology nowadays, so it is another way to preserve those memories. Find a low-cost photo album and print the photos at home or a printing center. Savor and celebrate those memories with your best friend this holiday season with this easy, homemade gift.
Tip: Shutterfly offers affordable options on photo printing and frames!
Image: Amazon
Magnetic Self-Stick Page Photo Album
ZOVIEW
An extra-large leather photo album to capture all of your memories!
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Our Adventure Book Handmade DIY Albums
BBWill
If you want something completely different, customize this adventure book with your favorite memories.
Beer Flight
Estimated Cost: Under $30.00
For the friends who enjoy beers! Get your friend three to five craft beers paired with a beer glass. Be creative and pick a theme, such as a holiday flight, select IPAs, or picking different beers from each store. Building a beer flight is a great way to support small businesses—especially if you buy from various local breweries—and is an easy and thoughtful DIY holiday gift, especially if you try and pick beers that make you think of the person!
(Not a beer lover? Give the gift of wine!)
Classic Photo Collage
Estimated Cost: Under $25.00
This is an easy DIY project that is great any time of the year, not just during the holidays or as a Christmas gift. You can find a simple picture frame that allows you to put six to eight different photos. Select some of your favorite photos with your best friend, with their family, their pets, or whomever—make it special. You can even include a sweet note on the back of the frame. A classic photo collage is an affordable DIY holiday gift since you’ll only need to purchase the frame and print out the photos!
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Wooden Clothesline Picture Photo Frame
Love-KANKEI
Instead of a frame, use this wall decor to add as many photos as you want!
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Collage Picture Frame Set
QUTREY
This collage frame comes in a set of 2 — you and your best friend can have matching collages.
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Macrame Wall Hanging Display
Mkono
If you have a friend who is a lover of all things boho, this macrame photo wall art will be a sure hit!
