This page contains thrifty craft projects that make great gifts.
Making a Middle School Survival KitThis is a page about making a middle school survival kit. These snack laden bags make for a special gift for your child, as they leave lower or elementary school and prepare to start middle school in the fall.
How to Make a Dish Towel AngelDish towel angels are fun and easy to make. They are nice to display in your kitchen or to give as gifts. Find projects offering variations of this craft on this page, along with supplies lists, instructions, and photos.
Gift Bags for Seniors in Nursing HomesMaking up some gift bags of items for people in a nursing home is sure to brighten the day of anyone receiving this thoughtful gift. This is a page about gift bags for seniors in nursing homes.
Family Night Gift Basket Ideas?A fun gift to give a friend or family member is a personalized Family Night basket. Include a movie, games, snacks, and more. If they have young children, consider a book. This page is about family night gift basket ideas.
Making Pizza Box Cash GiftThis is a page about making a pizza box cash gift. Coming up with cute ways to give cash makes the gift giving and receiving more fun.
Making a "Basket of Sunshine"Everyone can use a "Basket of Sunshine" now and again to brighten their day. This is a page about making a "Basket of Sunshine".
Plaque With Message from Father to Son?Share the love you have for your son with a message plaque. Make a plaque with a message from father to son.
Making a Butterscotch Candy Beer MugThis is a page about making a butterscotch candy beer mug. The kids can help make this sweet Father's Day gift.
Making a Tea Cup PincushionPincushions are a necessity for many crafters. Making your own is a craft in itself. One lovely way to design a pincushion is to use a pretty tea cup and saucer. These cushions make a nice addition to your craft area or unusual gifts. This is a page about making a tea cup pincushion.
Making Decorated Ink PensThis is a page about making decorated ink pens. Use your favorite artificial flowers or other supplies to make these cute decorative pens for yourself or as a gift for friends.
Use Newspaper Comics for Gift WrapThis is a page about use newspaper comics for gift wrap. If you still receive a copy of the newspaper, the colorful comics pages make fun recycled gift wrap paper.
Gift Ideas Using TeaGiving a gift of tea will be a special treat for the tea loving recipient. Whether you choose to make a wallet, wreath, card, or another of the projects offered below we can help with supplies lists, instructions, and photos.
Making a Paper Flower Candy BouquetDark chocolate peanut butter cups surrounded by pretty handcrafted pink paper flowers make up this gift bouquet. Choose your favorite candy and craft away!
Making a Birthday Candy CorsageThis is a page about making a birthday candy corsage. A unique personalized corsage can be a lovely birthday gift idea.
Newspaper Gift BagIt's easy to make a gift bag using any paper including newsprint, brown parcel paper, or gift wrap. If you want to go the eco route then newspaper looks just fine if you add some lovely ribbon, bows, buttons, flowers, raffia, or other colourful embellishments to finish it off.
Making a Money TreeThis is a page about making a money tree. A money tree is a nice gift for certain occasions.
Gift Book Filled with GoodiesI was able to repurpose a teal box lid into a gift book box filled with goodies (present) for a friend. A little pick me up gift since she was feeling down, it's a little spa/pamper kit - face masks and lip glosses.
Making Wrapping Paper and a Bow from Packaging MaterialsUse bubble wrap to create a fun design on kraft paper to use as wrapping paper. Tissue paper is used to fashion a fluffy bow. Learn how to use recycled materials to make gift wrap.
Personalized Photo BookmarkI wanted to come up with a homemade personalized gift for my best girlfriend of 42 years. She happens to be an avid reader and this is what I came up with, and with items I already had on hand :-)
Snowflake Craft IdeasSnowflakes are a popular winter craft subject, for Christmas decorations, ornaments or just to brighten up the cold months. They can be made with a variety of different materials but paper is by far the most common.
Money BouquetMy mom's birthday is like a double celebration since Mother's Day is approaching next to it. My siblings and I had decided to double the surprise, so I made another money craft for her. I gathered scrap materials since my prep time has almost ran out.
Surprise UmbrellaI made this craft for my mom's birthday. Money cake has become too popular and common so I thought of a different way to surprise her on her birthday.
Surprise Candy CakeThis craft is not a cake. I made this one for my son's birthday last December so that I don't have to make loot bags. Indeed I was able to save half of my budget. Anyway, I am sharing this to give you a gift idea for Valentine's Day. It's a DIY surprise candy cake.
Recycled Potpourri JarAn easy and inexpensive craft to make for mom for Mother's Day. Cover your work area with newspaper. Fill a clean baby food jar with potpourri. Use the dip container lid as a stencil. With a Sharpie marker, trace a circle around the dip container lid on the tulle.
Seed Pack GiftsYou can save back seeds from organic produce. I get a subscription box and with it, sometimes heirloom varieties that I want to experiment with or share with friends who garden. To save seeds, you basically soak them for a minute to rinse off the goop and leave them out to dry on a paper towel for a day or so before storage. This project teaches you how to make cute, simple seed packs for gifting.
Apple Field CandleTake 8 inch clay pot saucer, take foam and cut to shape of saucer cut out whole in center the size of the jarred candle you will be using. Glue done foam inside saucer, pin or glue in faux grass (or ivy or anything greenery), simply place candle in middle.
Craft Stick Crate Gift BasketHere is a cute mini gift basket you can make out of simple craft sticks. This crate measures about 5.25" L x 2.75" W x 2.5" H. It is a great size for smaller gifts!
Birthday Cake Gift BoxMake a simple greeting card and gift box in one for any occasion. Gifts made with great efforts are appreciated most. And no matter how simple it is, remember that it's always the thought that counts.
Upcycle a Kraft Paper Store BagUsing magazine clippings, or other decorative, colorful paper pieces you can upcycle a plain kraft paper shopping bag into a pretty gift bag. Let us show you how.
How to Make a Birthday Cake Gift BoxThis sweet little gift box begins with a lowly empty packing tape roll. The instructions and supplies list can be found below.
Making Cardboard Tube CrownsWhether you wear one on your head or use them as gift toppers you will have fun making these cute cardboard tube crowns. A bit of gold spray paint and a gem and you are off to the ball.
Simple Paper Bag Tassel Bow Gift TopperIf you have a brown paper bag there is no need for traditional gift wrapping paper. Learn how to make this cute, economical paper bag tassel bow gift topper for your paper bag wrapped present.
Making a Succulent Gift TagAdd a small succulent cutting to your homemade gift tag for a dual gift. See how in the project below.
Making a Monogram Gift BagTransform a plain gift bag into a monogram bag using a paper doily, paper, and and a chipboard letter. Step by step instructions follow.
Personalized Initial Confetti Gift Wrap PaperThis personalized initial confetti gift wrap paper was made using recycled packing paper, cardstock hole punchings, and a template for the initial of the recipient. The directions provided are simple to follow and include photos for each step.
Making a Magazine Bowl Gift BasketDecorate a paper bowl with magazine clipping to create a colorful gift basket. Add your items and wrap with cellophane paper and gift.
Making a Snowflake Bow for an Oversize GiftThis bow is such an eye-catcher it is perfect for a large unwrapped gift, a traditional wrapped one, or without the tissue bow element you can make a snowflake garland. The supplies list and easy to follow instructions follow.
How to Make a Bottle Cap Frog Gift TagIf you have a green plastic bottle cap you are on your way to recreating this fun little frog gift tag. Don't have one, this only adds one more step of painting one. Simple to follow instructions are given below.
Simmering Holiday PotpourriWonderful seasonal fragrance can fill your home with a simmering potpourri. You can make a special blend for an inexpensive holiday gift.
Decorating a Build-A-Bear T-ShirtPersonalize a small bear sized t-shirt with a printed family photo and dress a Build-A-Bear. You can add ribbon and other embellishments as desired. It makes the perfect gift for grandparents and other relatives.
Washcloth Flower ArrangementThese pretty flowers can be used as both a decoration and a gift for a baby shower or even a bridal shower. They could be made with napkins too.
Making Fabric Gift PouchesUse scraps of cloth and decorative cord to make pretty drawstring gift pouches. The instructions for this hand crafted project follow.
Gingerbread House Gift BagsMake your own seasonal gift bags using brown paper sacks, craft paper, and washi tape. Add a bow and cookie cutter and you have gingerbread house gift bags.
Making a Congratulations Gift BagMake your own sturdy gift bag by reusing a shopping bag. Add embellishments and a bow. This congratulations gift bag project follows.
Beautiful Folded Ribbon Gift TopperWire-edged ribbon is folded and tacked with a needle and thread to make this beautiful ribbon gift topper. Instructions follow.
Making a Two-Tone Ribbon BowEnhance the appearance of your next gift when you top it with this handmade two-tone ribbon bow. Let us show you how.
DIY Scratcher CardsMake your own scratchers to give as gifts. Crayons, dish soap, and acrylic paint will be needed along with a piece of cardboard.
DIY Gift Card and Matching EarringsThis fun gift is made using three gift cards. Cut the pattern from two of them and make into earrings. Then gift the cash gift card and the matching earrings.
How to Make a Hair Tie Lollipop GiftTrace a circle on sturdy cardboard, add a lolly stick, and wrap with hair ties. Add a bow and you have made a cute hair tie lollipop gift. The instructions can be found on this page.
Cold Hard Cash GiftA fun way to gift money is to freeze it in a block of ice. Give it a try and enjoy the reaction and facial expressions.
DIY Present Topper from Cupcake LinersUsing just decorated cupcake liners, a stapler, and scissors you can make this unique present topper. The instructions follow.
Making a Cardboard Tube Gift BoxYet another great idea for reusing the paper tube inside of toilet paper or paper towels. These tubes are perfect for many gift wrapping needs. You can wrap the tube and then add a bow.
Pipe Cleaner BowsUse pipe cleaners to make cute bows on their own or incorporate them into a more traditional bow by substituting the pipe cleaner for the ribbon tie in the center of the bow.
DIY Baby Girl Christening SouvenirDecorate a simple transparent plastic box to give a token gift or souvenir of jewelry to someone for a birthday or even a christening. This pretty memento will surely be treasured by the recipient.
Birthday Candy Cake + Cake Stand GiftThis cute faux birthday cake is made from a round plastic container filled with candy. Learn how to make this unique cake and cake stand gift.
Paper Flower Gift WrappingYou can skip the bow on your next gift by using this cute technique. You will be able to make a paper flower with your gift wrap by following the steps on this page.
Making a Pumpkin Seed Blessing Jar GiftDecorate a recycled or new jar with fall themed elements. Then fill with pumpkin seeds and add a favorite recipe for preparing them. This pumpkin seed blessing jar makes for a lovely, useful gift.
Making a Happy Birthday Gift BagStart with a kraft paper grocery bag and some colorful cupcake papers and you too can fashion this gift bag. This page contains photos and instructions to assist you in making a happy birthday gift bag.
Making Tissue Paper Flower BowsIf you are looking for an alternative to the traditional ribbon gift bow, consider making tissue paper flower bows. Learn how on this page.
Making a Father's Day Favor Gift JarFill a Mason jar with Dad's favorite treats (healthy or not so much) for a fun Father's Day gift jar. Add a paper tie and it's ready to gift.
DIY Newborn Baby Gift BasketRather than purchase an expensive commercially packaged gift basket for a newborn make one yourself. You can choose the basket and add more personalized and thoughtfully chosen items. Follow the instructions on this page to create your own version of this DIY newborn baby gift basket.
How to Make a Memory Jar for Mother's DayA memory jar is a simple and easy way to share your favorite memories of your mom for mother's day. Inexpensive to make, but full of priceless moments.
How to Make an Easy Lace BookmarkWith just two widths of lace braid, a couple of beads, scissors, and some glue you can make this pretty bookmark for your self or to gift a reader friend. The instructions are simple to follow and are accompanied by photos.
Making Paper BowsIt's easy to make a pretty bow for any occasion or usage on gifts, by using paper. You can use wrapping paper so it matches exactly or use contrasting or sparkly paper for a pop.
Making a "Get Better" Gift JarFill a jar with cough drops and herbal teas to make a nice gift for a friend with a cold. This is a page about making a get better gift jar.
Homemake Gift Ideas Using Cinnamon?I accidentally bought a 2nd large bottle of cinnamon from Costco. I'm wondering if there are gifts I can make that use quite a bit of cinnamon. I'd like to give them to about 60 people. The only idea I came across is cinnamon ornaments, but I'm not excited about that idea.
How to Make a Paper Towel BowYou can easily make this pretty gift bow from an ordinary paper towel and some food coloring. This is a page about how to make a paper towel bow.
Wire Gift Tag Charm and OrnamentsHere is an awesome way to personalize a gift, by adding a monogram initial gift tag charm that also serves as a Christmas ornament.
Make Your Own Gift Wrap from Recycled Packing PaperUsing recycled brown packing paper and paint, markers, etc. you can make unique gift wrap. The folds just lend character. This is a page about how to make your own gift wrap from recycled packing paper.
Homemade 3-Leaf Fall Birthday CardAn autumn themed birthday card is sure to be appreciated by anyone with a fall birthday. Make this 3-leaf fall birthday card for someone special in your life.
Thrifty Gift Wrap Using Food ColoringMaking your own gift wrap is a great way to put some extra love into a gift. Here's an idea about how to make some thrifty gift wrap using food coloring.
Homemade Fall Birthday CardFor someone with an autumn birthday, you can make a fall themed birthday card to accompany your gift. Make a homemade fall birthday card for someone special in your life.
How to Make Handprint Gift WrapThis unique decorated gift wrap is sure to be cherished by anyone that receives it, maybe even as much as the actual gift. This page shows you how to make handprint gift wrap for the next present you need to wrap up.
Ice Cream Cone Shaped Bath GiftYou are sure to make someone smile when they receive this adorable gift go bath items shaped like an ice cram cone. Make an ice cream cone shaped bath gift for someone special in your life.
Making a Shirt and Tie Bookmark for DadMake a fun Father's Day or other special occasion gift for the special dad in your life. Making a shirt and tie bookmark for dad, is an easy Father's Day craft.
Tying BowsA nice bow is a perfect way to finish decorating a present for a loved one. Use these ideas for tying bows on the next present you wrap.
How to Make Wax Paper Gift WrapWax paper can make a fun and unique way to gift wrap something. Make your own wax paper gift wrap to customize the next gift you need to wrap up.
Mock Mosaic Birthday CardYou can use any artwork or a favorite photo to make a mosaic card. Making a mock mosaic birthday card is a perfect supplement to a birthday gift for someone.
Stamped Tile CoastersUsing tumbled tiles and stamped images you can make attractive tile coasters for yourself or to give as gifts. This is a page about making stamped tile coasters.
Recycled Tissue Roll for Small Gift WrappingUsing tissue rolls is a very easy, simple, yet thrifty, way for wrapping gifts. One way of saving Mother Earth is by reusing rather than adding to the landfills. It is also a good project for making together with your kids. This is fun!
Delightful Jar Teacher's Appreciation GiftUse an empty glass jar, floral gift wrap, and a few embellishments to make a beautiful yet thrifty teacher's appreciation gift. Fill it with peanuts or sweets and show your child's teacher how much you appreciate her being part of your child's life.
Christmastime Homemade Christmas CardChristmas cards are a perfect homemade craft that doubles as a gift. This is a page about Christmastime homemade Christmas card.
Decorated Journal Teacher's Appreciation GiftTurn an ordinary manuscript book into a jazzed up journal for your child's favorite teacher. The teacher will love making some notes in this journal, keeping her thoughts organized during the school term. An easy, cost-effective way to show appreciation.
How to Make Knit Therapy BagsThese quick to make bags were originally made to give as gift to friends who were looking for something to take their mind off smoking. Add some knitting needles and yarn and they can make more to gift to other friends. This is a page about how to make knit therapy bags.
How to Make a Paper Plate Cookie Gift BasketThe humble paper plate once again finds itself the star of this cute cookie basket craft. This is a page about how to make a paper plate cookie gift basket.
Upcycled Beaded Lid Gift JarsAdd pretty beads to the lid of a jar and create an lovely gift jar. This is a page about beaded lid upcycled gift jars.
Helpful Hannah Gift IdeaHere is a great idea on how to make a nice gift for your hostess. This is a page about helpful hannah gift idea.
Making 'Sealed With a Kiss' Felt CrittersSend a sweet kiss to a loved one with these unique fun to make felt critters. Add magnets for hanging. This is a page about making "sealed with a kiss" felt critters.
Mini Handprint CanvasMake this treasured gift for grandparents and other family members. A small canvas, some paint, and a willing child are all you need. This is a page about making a mini handprint canvas.
Dinner and a Movie Gift BasketMake this gift basket for a couple in need of a date night. This page is about making a dinner and a movie gift basket.
Making a Cookie Cutter Poem and GiftAnyone receiving this gift of cookie cutters and cute poem is going to love it. This is a page about making a cookie cutter poem and gift.
Decorating Plain Brown Paper for Gift WrappingThis is a page about decorating plain brown paper for gift wrapping. Less expensive rolls of plain brown paper provide you with a canvas for creating your own unique gift wrapping paper.
Using Butcher Paper for Gift WrapThis is a page about using butcher paper for gift wrap. Butcher paper makes simple classic looking gift wrap and is easy to decorate if you want a more personalized style.
Making a Shabby Chic Gift TagThis is a page about making a shabby chic gift tag. This fun to make and easily alterable gift tag will make the recipient smile before they even open your gift.
'Adventure Funds' JarMy friend was looking for a gift idea for her son who recently got married. She decided that she wanted to collect money for them to be able to do some fun things together, that maybe they couldn't afford otherwise. So I made her this 'Adventure Funds' jar.
Making Colorful Children's Birthday Gift WrapThis is a page about making colorful children's birthday gift wrap. Using a cute rubber stamp and then coloring in the shapes you can make really nice gift wrapping paper.
Making a Dish Soap Bottle ApronThis is a page about making a dish soap bottle apron. This cute little apron makes a plain bottle of dish soap decorative. It makes a nice gift as well.
Making a "Vitamins for The Heart" GiftThis is a page about making a "vitamins for the heart" gift. Make this cute recycled gift for any loved one, perfect for Valentine's day.
Making a Paper Cup Gift BoxThis is a page about making a paper cup gift box. This cute paper cup gift box will delight whoever receives it.
Easy Candy Jar GiftsThis is a page about easy candy jar gifts. Candy jar gifts are quick and easy and thrifty gift that anyone will love.
Making Stenciled Gift WrapThis is a page about stenciled gift wrap. Making your own stenciled gift wrap is a great way to customize your gifts.
Making a Vintage Rose Gift BagThis is a page about making a vintage rose gift bag. Roses made from decorated egg carton cups are used to embellish a plain gift bag and make it unique and special.
Craft Stick Crate Gift BasketHere is a cute mini gift basket you can make out of simple craft sticks. This crate measures about 5.25" L x 2.75" W x 2.5" H. It is a great size for smaller gifts!
Succulent Gift TagMake this cute and trendy succulent gift tag to go with your gift bag or present. This tag could be for any occasion such as: Christmas, birthday, bridal, wedding, Valentine's Day, and so forth. And afterwards, your recipient could even peel off the tag and plant the succulent too if he/she wishes.
Monogram Gift BagGift bags start at only $1, but they could be more depending on the size, print/pattern, or character. However it's sometimes not worth going out to buy just a gift bag because that's time and gas plus it's a generic bag.
Congratulations Gift BagI needed a "Congratulations" gift bag and went to Dollar Tree. Many of the bags there were very thin for the fragile item I was gifting. I was afraid the bag would not hold up. I decided to make my own gift bag upcycling items I already had at home.
Seed Pack GiftsYou can save back seeds from organic produce. I get a subscription box and with it, sometimes heirloom varieties that I want to experiment with or share with friends who garden. To save seeds, you basically soak them for a minute to rinse off the goop and leave them out to dry on a paper towel for a day or so before storage. This project teaches you how to make cute, simple seed packs for gifting.
Housewarming Gift Bag from Recycled Food PackageBefore tossing out your cardboard box, see if it's worth keeping! I was able to transform this waffle box into a gift bag. It was a perfect fit for the mug I purchased for my friend to give to her as a small gift for her new place!
Wire-Edged Ribbon BowMake any gift extra special by making your own bow for it. Watch this video and learn how simple it is to make Wire-Edged Ribbon Bows.
Homemade Gift TagHere is a cute button and bow gift tag to personalize your gifts. Learn how to make it with this short video.
"You Are Beautiful!" FrameThis personalized frame is perfect if you are looking for a unique gift. Learn how to make it in this short video.
Money BouquetMy mom's birthday is like a double celebration since Mother's Day is approaching next to it. My siblings and I had decided to double the surprise, so I made another money craft for her. I gathered scrap materials since my prep time has almost ran out.
Surprise Candy CakeThis craft is not a cake. I made this one for my son's birthday last December so that I don't have to make loot bags. Indeed I was able to save half of my budget. Anyway, I am sharing this to give you a gift idea for Valentine's Day. It's a DIY surprise candy cake.
Surprise UmbrellaI made this craft for my mom's birthday. Money cake has become too popular and common so I thought of a different way to surprise her on her birthday.
Making Hot Chocolate Spoons?Exactly what kind of chocolate do you use?
Making a Perfect Bow?I remember reading an article on how to tie a perfect bow. I am 90% certain I found it here on Thrifty Fun, but can't for the life of me find it. Does anyone have the link to the page? My bows are messy and sometimes turn sideways.
Homemade Birthday Gift for Mom?What can make for my mom out of paper?
Making Crepe Paper Gift Baskets?Does anyone have instructions to make the paper bag gift baskets? You use crepe paper, material for lining, clothes pins, glue, etc. I have the measurements of the crepe paper, but I don't quite remember how to assemble it and all. Any suggestions?
Homemade Gift for Mom's Birthday?My mom's birthday is coming up in 2 days, and I need to make her something but I don't know what.
Homemade Craft or Sewing Kits for Young Girls?I wish to give something different as gifts, such as sewing kits or craft hobby kits for girls of 6 to 13 years which could be hand-made by me so as to get them interested in sewing or in some craft in the coming year.
