10 Easy DIY New Year Gifts That Look Amazingly Expensive
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Every year, the holidays leave my wallet feeling emptier than a post-party fridge.
But I’ve found the ultimate hack: DIY gifts that look so luxe, people swear I spent a fortune.
Whether it’s a chic candle or a designer-look accessory, these ideas will save you cash and earn you endless compliments.
DIY crafts new year gift ideas
1. DIY Custom Calendar
Design a personalized calendar featuring photos, hand-drawn art, or inspirational quotes for each month. Customize it with special dates, events, or motivational goals for the recipient to look forward to throughout the year.
This practical and heartfelt gift is perfect for staying organized and inspired in the New Year.
Making Process: Use a free online calendar template or design software. Add personal photos or artwork for each month. Print on sturdy paper or cardstock, and bind it with a spiral binding or ribbon.
Price: Approximately $10–$20, depending on materials and printing costs.
2. DIY Vision Board Kit
Help someone kickstart their New Year resolutions with a DIY vision board kit. Assemble items like a corkboard, magazine clippings, printed motivational quotes, push pins, and decorative materials for them to create their vision board.
This gift inspires creativity and motivation for the year ahead.
Making Process: Purchase or reuse a corkboard or poster board. Include materials like scissors, glue, pins, stickers, and magazines with vibrant images. Pack everything neatly into a decorative box.
Price: Approximately $15–$20.
DIY memory jar new year gift ideas
1. Gratitude Memory Jar
Create a memory jar specifically for capturing moments of gratitude throughout the year. Add a few pre-written “gratitude starter” notes to inspire the recipient, such as “I’m grateful for…” or “Today’s highlight was…”. Decorate the jar with calming colors and positive affirmations.
This gift encourages mindfulness and positivity as they reflect on and record their blessings.
Making Process: Use a mason jar or glass jar. Write gratitude prompts on small slips of paper and include blank slips for the recipient to fill in. Decorate with ribbon, pastel colors, and positive affirmations like “Count Your Blessings.”
Price: Approximately $10–$15 for materials.
2. Year-in-Review Memory Jar
Create a memory jar designed to capture highlights of the recipient’s year as they happen. Add themed decorations for each month (e.g., snowflakes for January, flowers for spring) to make it visually appealing.
This jar becomes a time capsule for cherishing moments and reflecting on the year’s journey.
Making Process: Use a jar and decorate it with markers, stickers, and ribbons representing the months of the year. Include blank slips of paper for the recipient to write their memories and a label like “2024 Highlights.”
Price: Approximately $10–$15 for materials.
DIY new year gift ideas for kids
1. DIY New Year’s Countdown Clock Craft
Create a fun craft that helps kids count down to the New Year! This paper clock features movable hands and space for kids to decorate with stickers, glitter, or drawings.
This interactive gift is a great way to teach kids about time and get them excited for the celebration.
Making Process: Cut out a clock face from cardboard or sturdy paper. Attach movable clock hands using a brad fastener. Provide crayons, markers, and stickers for kids to decorate the clock themselves.
Price: Approximately $5–$10 for materials.
2. DIY New Year’s Resolution Board
Help kids create their own resolution board to set fun goals for the New Year. Include prompts like “What I want to learn,” “What I want to do,” and “How I will be kind.” Provide stickers and craft supplies for customization.
This gift encourages creativity and goal-setting in a kid-friendly way.
Making Process: Use a small poster board or foam board. Add colorful sections for different prompts and include markers, stickers, and decorations. Pack everything in a small kit for kids to assemble.
Price: Approximately $10–$15 for materials.
DIY crafts new year gift ideas for adults
1. DIY Wine Glass Candle Holders
Transform wine glasses into elegant candle holders by decorating them with glitter, paint, or metallic markers. Add a small tealight or scented candle on top for a cozy and stylish New Year gift.
This gift is both decorative and functional, perfect for creating a festive atmosphere.
Making Process: Clean and dry a wine glass. Decorate the outside with glitter, glass paint, or metallic markers. Once dry, place a tealight or small candle on the base (or inside the inverted glass).
Price: Approximately $10–$15 for materials.
2. DIY Herbal Bath Salts
Create a luxurious and personalized jar of herbal bath salts using Epsom salt, dried herbs, and essential oils. Decorate the jar with ribbons and a handwritten tag for a personal touch.
This relaxing gift is perfect for adults to unwind and start the New Year feeling refreshed.
Making Process: Mix Epsom salt with a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus) and add dried herbs or flower petals. Pour into a decorative jar and label it with instructions for use.
Price: Approximately $10–$20 for materials.
DIY crafts new year gift ideas for friends
1. DIY Friendship Coupon Book
Create a personalized coupon book filled with thoughtful gestures or fun activities, such as “Coffee on Me,” “Movie Night,” or “One Free Favor.” Decorate the booklet with festive designs and inside jokes.
This gift shows your appreciation for your friendship while offering memorable experiences to share.
Making Process: Cut small rectangular cards from sturdy paper. Write or print different “coupons” on each card. Bind them together with a ribbon or staple and decorate with markers, stickers, or drawings.
Price: Approximately $5–$10 for materials.
2. DIY Photo Collage Frame
Create a framed photo collage featuring your favorite memories with your friend. Include decorations like quotes, stickers, or small New Year-themed embellishments.
This gift is a heartfelt way to celebrate your bond and reminisce about the good times.
Making Process: Print out photos and arrange them on a sturdy backing board or inside a frame. Add decorative elements like washi tape, glitter, or small drawings, and write captions for a personal touch.
Price: Approximately $10–$20 for materials.
