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

red holiday cocktail with berries in glass

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.

BYO Holiday Cocktail Kit gift ideas personalized bar glass

Image: Etsy

Personalized Barware

Gifting Me Crazy

A small business customizing any style of their favorite drink glass.


BYO Holiday Cocktail Kit gift ideas gold bartender kit

Image: Amazon

10-Piece Gold Bartender Kit

Mixology & Craft

A complete set for their home bar!


BYO Holiday Cocktail Kit gift ideas moscow mule mugs

Image: Amazon

Moscow Mule Mug

PG

After all, is a Moscow Mule served in any other mug still a Moscow Mule?


BYO Holiday Cocktail Kit gift ideas skinny cocktail mixers

Image: Amazon

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.


BYO Holiday Cocktail Kit gift ideas cocktail making kit sampler

Image: Amazon

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


BYO Holiday Cocktail Kit gift ideas art of mixology book

Image: Amazon


BYO Holiday Cocktail Kit gift ideas whiskey decanter set

Image: Amazon

European-Style Whiskey Decanter and Glass Set

Finedine

Upgrade their home cocktail set up with elegant glassware.


BYO Holiday Cocktail Kit gift ideas cocktail mixing glass

Image: Amazon

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.

Lyres pink spirit and triple sec non alcoholic bottles

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.

Tie-Dye Clothes Kit gift ideas for friends

Image: Amazon

Rainbow Tie-Dye Kit 15-Color Party Kit

Tulip

The quintessential rainbow tie-dye kit with all of your favorite colors.


Tie-Dye Clothes Kit gift ideas for friends

Image: Amazon

Pastel Tie Dye Kit

Doodle Hog

If they’re not a fan of bright, bold colors, this pastel kit is the perfect choice.


Tie-Dye Clothes Kit gift ideas for friends

Image: Amazon

Stone Tones Tie-Dye Kit

Doodle Hog

Not everyone loves bright colors —a great tie-dye kit for the friend who loves neutrals.


Tie-Dye Clothes Kit gift ideas for friends

Image: Amazon

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!


Tie-Dye Clothes Kit gift ideas for friends sweatsuit

Image: Amazon

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.


Tie-Dye Clothes Kit gift ideas for friends drawstring bags

Image: Amazon

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.


Tie-Dye Clothes Kit gift ideas for friends scrunchies

Image: Amazon

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!

DIY gift ideas for best friend coffee and chocolates

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.


DIY gift ideas for best friend coffee and chocolates

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.


DIY gift ideas for best friend coffee and chocolates

Image: Nordstrom

Coffee Run Bento Box

Sugafina

Gourmet candies featuring a variety of coffee favorites. A tasty stocking stuffer idea, too!


DIY gift ideas for best friend coffee and chocolates

Image: Amazon

24 Biscotti Cookie Chocolates Box

Barnett’s

Biscottis make the perfect cookie to go along with a cup of coffee. And chocolate? Even better.


DIY Gifts Confetti Cake Pops

Image: Uncommon Goods

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!


DIY Gifts - Cinnamon Bun Kit

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!)

DIY gift ideas for best friends seed bead bracelets

Image: Amazon

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!


DIY gift ideas for best friends seed bead bracelets

Image: Amazon

Snowflake Spacer Beads

Kitbeads

The perfect bead kit to expand on your jewelry project, whether used alone or for other projects!


DIY gift ideas for best friends seed bead bracelets

Image: Amazon

Multicolor 3mm Glass Seed Beads Kit

Naler

A variety pack of the most popular colors to create bracelets or necklaces with your best friend.


DIY gift ideas for best friends seed bead bracelets

Image: Amazon

White Daisy Charms

PandaHall

Why not take DIY daisy chains literally by adding a cute charm on your bracelet?


DIY gift ideas for best friends seed bead bracelets

Image: Amazon

Colorful Acrylic Letter Beads

Anlan-Angel

A fun, colorful twist on the traditional black and white alphabet beads.


DIY Gifts - Daisy Chain Spool

Image: Amazon

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!

DIY gifts for friends at home spa kit diffuser

Image: Amazon

Essential Oil Diffuser

Wanlola

This essential oil diffuser is not only useful, but an aesthetic gift to be a part of your home decor.


DIY gifts for friends at home spa kit lavender essential oil

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.


DIY gifts for friends at home spa kit capri blue candle

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!


DIY Gifts - Spa Day

Image: Nordstrom

Roses Candle

Diptyque

Smelling of its namesake, this candle is a sweet bouquet to fill their home with fragrance.


DIY gifts for friends at home spa kit reusable face mask

Image: Amazon

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.


DIY gifts for friends at home spa kit sugar body scrub

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.


DIY gifts for friends at home spa kit face mask

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.


DIY gifts for friends at home spa kit peppermint tea bags

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!

DIY gifts for best friend holiday time capsule

Image: Urban Outfitters

Instax Mini Photo Album

UO

Skip the boring frame and get them their unique photo album!


DIY gifts for best friend holiday time capsule

Image: Amazon

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.

diy gifts for your friend homemae charcuterie board

Image: Amazon

Bamboo Cheese Board and Knife Set

SMIRLY

Upgrade their board with this set that comes with matching knives.


diy gifts for your friend homemade charcuterie board

Image: Amazon

Beautiful Boards: 50 Amazing Snack Boards for Any Occasion

Maegan Brown

Get them inspired with these beautiful boards for the next party!


diy gifts for your friend homemade charcuterie board

Image: Amazon

Chocolate Gourmet Snack Box

Bonnie & Pop

Toffees, pretzels, and caramels for a sweet and salty treat!


diy gifts for your friend homemade charcuterie board

Image: Amazon

Nut and Dried Fruit Gift Basket

Oh! Nuts

A delicious assortment of fruits and nuts for those who aren’t fans of chocolate!


diy gifts for your friend homemade charcuterie board

Image: Amazon

Sweet Brown Butter Cashews

Squirrel Brand

We love a sweet and salty treat!


diy gifts for your friend homemade charcuterie board

Image: Amazon

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!


diy gifts for your friend homemade charcuterie board

Image: Amazon

Chili Infused Hot Honey

Mike’s Hot Honey

Perfect for the friend that loves a bit of spice!


diy gifts for your friend homemade charcuterie board

Image: Amazon

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!

diy gifts for best friends memorable trip photo album

Image: Amazon

Magnetic Self-Stick Page Photo Album

ZOVIEW

An extra-large leather photo album to capture all of your memories!


diy gifts for best friends memorable trip photo album

Image: Amazon

Our Adventure Book Handmade DIY Albums

BBWill

If you want something completely different, customize this adventure book with your favorite memories.

beer flight gift idea.jpg

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! 

DIY gifts for best friends photo collages

Image: Amazon

Wooden Clothesline Picture Photo Frame

Love-KANKEI

Instead of a frame, use this wall decor to add as many photos as you want!


DIY gifts for best friends photo collages

Image: Amazon

Collage Picture Frame Set

QUTREY

This collage frame comes in a set of 2 — you and your best friend can have matching collages.


DIY gifts for best friends photo collages

Image: Amazon

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!

Angela deMesa

Lover of French fries, travel, fashion, and the comfiest workout clothes.  She is from the beautiful, San Francisco Bay Area and currently resides in Barcelona, Spain.  In 2018, she followed her passion for writing and published for the first time in a tourism magazine called Barcelona Connect.  She continues to contribute to various online and print publications.  In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga, teaching an occasional spin class, and a glass of red wine with a good book.


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