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Fun and Festive DIY Gifts

If you live life on a budget but you enjoy the experience of gifting friends and loved ones with meaningful treats, today’s post is for you! These DIY gifts are as innovative as they are delightful. Plus, they’re all beautifully photographed! From gifts that perform an important job (such as holding those pesky pushpins) to a sugar scrub that doubles as a work of art, the featured projects below will surprise you and inspire you to get crafty the next time a birthday or holiday rolls around. And it’s not too early to start thinking about Christmas gift ideas

Plant Perfection

We at Decoist love gifts that are functional and/or universally appealing. Houseplants are definitely having a moment, so this first group of DIY ideas is dedicated to the wonder of greenery, both real and faux. Let’s get started with a Cactus Pincushion DIY from A Beautiful Mess, which can be created with the help of a sewing machine or sewn by hand. In case you’re wondering, felt is the supply of choice! How cute are these?!

Cactus pincushion from A Beautiful Mess

Who doesn’t love a beautifully presented houseplant? Instead of purchasing a fancy pot, wrap the ordinary plastic starter pot in stylish paper, such as this free wrapping paper from Design Love Fest. A bit tropical and a LOT pastel. We’re not complaining:

Plants wrapped in printable paper by Design Love Fest

Terrariums are nothing new, but we’re loving the vibrant simplicity of this Aquarium Rock Planter from A Beautiful Mess. Yes, aquarium rocks from the pet store really make this project pop. And of course, there are the succulents…

DIY aquarium rock planter from A Beautiful Mess

Cute Containers

Containers: we all need them! These next three projects turn a functional item into an artistic statement. Studio DIY‘s Wooden Pineapple Bowls were created by giving used wooden bowls a makeover with paint (and some clever creativity). Whether your bowl is in the shape of a pineapple or simply round, you can mark it with your favorite modern designs, from sprinkles to geo colorblocked motifs.

Wooden pineapple bowl makeover from Studio DIY

We’re loving the look of this DIY Rope Bag from Honestly WTF, made from cotton clothesline rope, colorful thread and tassels. If you don’t have the time or the inclination to stitch this tote bag together with the rope, you could create a dip-dyed version using an affordable tote that you purchase. Don’t forget to add a tassel or two for the perfect on-trend finishing touch!

DIY rope bag from Honestly WTF

Like tacos? Or perhaps you know someone who does. Craft a DIY Taco Letter Holder using air dry clay and paint. Get all the details at Studio DIY. You may even be tempted to make a smaller version using oven bake clay. Your giftee can use it to hold business cards, or you can simply create a miniature taco to display on a shelf!

DIY taco letter holder from Studio DIY

Beauty Supplies

Looking to pamper a friend? Try combining art and bath products with this DIY Sugar Scrub Sand Art from Sugar & Cloth, made from granulated sugar, coconut oil, gel food colors and a few other supplies. The finished product is so pretty, your giftee may simply want to enjoy the sand art display for awhile before putting the contents of the jar to good use!

DIY sugar scrub from Sugar & Cloth

Keep your jewelry organized with these Triangle Clay Necklace Hooks from I Spy DIY. Oven bake clay and hooks are two of the necessary supplies, and when you leave a hole for the nail, your giftee will easily be able to display the finished product on the wall of her choice:

Clay necklace hooks from I Spy DIY

Will you be trying any of today’s featured DIY projects? Happy crafting!

Kate Simmons

Kate Simmons is a freelance writer and design blogger with a love of all things decor. She spent her childhood writing stories and working on interior design-themed DIY projects. Kate’s published writing reflects her special interest in how design has changed through the decades. Her blog Mirror80 ( http://mirror80.com/) explores the fashion and [...]

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