27 Expensive Looking Inexpensive DIY Gifts

Published Oct 16, 2015 By Stephanie

Looking for DIY gift ideas for the person who has everything? What better way to show that person you care than to make a homemade gift that shows how much thought and effort you put into it? From picture frames and wall art to one of a kind serving trays to knock offs of designer accessories, we complied a list of DIYs that has a little something for everyone. Whether you are looking for something for him or her, Mom or Dad, birthday, housewarming or an awesome Christmas gift idea that is sure to impress, we have lots of ideas for you!

If you don’t see what you want here, or just want to see more awesome DIY gift ideas, check out our original list of awesome homemade gifts, 27 Expensive Looking Inexpensive DIY Gifts

27 Expensive Looking Inexpensive DIY Gifts

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1. Picture Frame Tray

lovegrowswild

I love using trays like this in my house, I put one in the entryway to lay sunglasses, and keys in, also in my bedroom to organize jewelry and on just about any tabletop to give a resting place for decorative items like these candles in the dining room. I find my old picture frames at garage sales and thrift stores for very little money which makes this project REALLY budget-friendly. I just used Gorilla glue to fasten on a piece of wood to the back and you have an instant catch-all tray. You can also use an existing mirror and set everything on top of it, the decorative reflection of this is stunning and makes everything you put on it look fantastic.

2. Stamped Napkins

papernstitchblog

I really do not like to throw anything away, so I had some old napkins that had really seen better days and I threw them in a bucket full of dye, which covered most of the stains. The dye bath got rid of most of the stains, but they still needed a bit of help so I rounded up the kids gave each one of them a fork and a dipping tray of silver non-toxic paint and let them take the lead. This DIY craft stamped napkin idea is really fun to do with the kids and they did a fantastic job. The kids set the table that night for their Dad and he thought we had been out spending money, we kept it going until we were all cracking up too much to hide our little secret, a secret that was a joy to his heart when we finally told him.

3. Shell Ring Dish

twinspiration

I needed to separate my Daughter’s jewelry and we saw these shell tray ideas at Michael’s craft store. We purchased a pack of shells and some metallic Martha Stewart craft paint and a small pack of dollar brushes. We painted them and arranged them all over her dressing table, they looked adorable and it was so easy. We did a few extra to give as gifts if we are ever in a pinch. We can’t stop winning when we adhere to the principles of using our own creativity and intuition in these awesome DIY pursuits.

4. Colorful Home Grown Crystals

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Have you ever tried to grow your own crystals? I guarantee you will be amazed at how this works, it’s a fun way to bring the kids into the exciting world of science and let them feel the sheer unbridled energy of creation. These homemade crystals take DIY projects to a whole different dimension. We used eggshells, but you can grow them on anything. keys or jewelry, napkin rings anything you want to add the wow factor too. The magic ingredient is the alum, the crystalline kind works best. Then submerge in your colored water, you are going to get a call from NASA when this is all over. Your kids are really going to love it, take the crystal plunge and give this a go.

5. Leather Painted Coasters

confessionsofasecretcrafter

I love making leather clothing, so I was so excited to find this DIY leather coaster idea. I have so much scrap leather I thought it would be an excellent idea for Christmas gifts and it wouldn’t cost me a thing. I had some craft paint and Decopodge so I made my patterns and glazed the tops. Coasters need a bit of cork on the back which fastens on easily with Elmer’s glue. I also made a few mouse pads for my family and wrote their initials with a paint pen, they looked fantastic.

6. No-Knit Cowl

wecanmakeanything

This no knit cowl is made with fleece fabric and only requires 3 seams. It makes a great gift for the holidays and has all the warmth and coziness of any hand knitted design. I made mine with a single button closure and it looks terrific with any shirt, sweater, or coat. This is a perfect DIY sewing idea if you are cold and short on time and money, the no knit cowl is very budget friendly.

7. Animal Kingdom Key Chains

twineandtable

I have to tell you guys about one of the cutest DIY projects I’ve ever seen. The golden safari animal keychains are both elegant and useful for key chains, to attach to zippers on a purse or just to have sitting around on your dresser. All you need is a little inexpensive pack of animals from Michael’s craft store, some circular hooks, and gold spray paint. You simply screw your circular hooks into the backs of the animals then spray paint them gold, then attach keyrings and the end result is nothing short of amazing. This is the perfect starter for your Etsy shop, people will be lining up to get a few of your golden safari animals.

8. Ruffled Clutch

cailamade

This little DIY clutch is so cute and functional for anything you wish to put inside it. I made one for my Daughter’s makeup storage and she carries it everywhere. I got the bag closure from Joanne’s Fabrics and the rest required only minimal stitching. Not a lot of fabric is required so you can splash out on a lush looking fabric, I used a poly silk velvet and it was so plush and rich looking but my daughter is able to wash it with a little soap and water from time to time and make it look brand new.

9. Monogrammed Hand Sanitizer bottles

theidearoom

Teachers always get nicer when you give them gifts, and give them a personal monogrammed gift and they get super nice. These DIY personalized soap dispensers are just that kind of classy item that gets a lot of respect and admiration coming from your teacher, my Son’s teacher was beside herself with glee when we gave her a set of 3. This DIY project works best with a laser printer.

10. Modern Oil and Vinegar Bottles

oleanderandpalm

I never know which bottle is oil and which bottle is vinegar, so I decided to customize them with their own personal label. I used stick-on letters and craft paint and dried them in the oven to get a good crisp finished look. It was so easy to take myself out of the darkness of confusion, I simply called one V and the other one O. Everyone thinks they came from Pottery Barn, I try to tell them they were born from the inner core of my imagination, but they don’t seem to believe me because they look so doggone good! 😉