Unique and Fun DIY Gift Ideas

Julia Bodeeb
50 State Quarters

Collect a bag full of the quarters from all 50 states. Tie a ribbon on the bag and write a note to the gift recipient that you hope that during their life they will visit all 50 states. This is a quick and easy little gift that will bring a smile to the face of who ever receives it.

If you are feeling extravagant you could also put a plane ticket in the bag too or a gift certificate to a travel agency. This gift may be customized in many creative ways.

Beach Bag Surprise

Everyone likes an unexpected getaway to a warm location. So plan a quickie beach vacation for someone special. Fill a cute beach bag with tickets or a map of the travel route. Add some cute vacation goodies like sparkly body lotion, flip flops, a sun hat, or sun glasses.

This gift is usually very pleasing to the recipient. Fun in the sun is one of the best gifts for those who like warm climates.

Empty Journal with Inscription

Give someone a blank journal that you have personalized with an inscription on the inside cover or the first page. Tell the person how special they are to you in the inscription. You may also want to set a topic for the journal.

A journal is a special gift because it encourages someone to find some private time to reflect upon their life. This gift will probably be cherished forever.

Bag of Lollipops

Sometimes life is tough and you just need a tiny treat to make it through a rough day. Thus a bag of lollipops is a cute and colorful gift. Find a clear bag, vase, or bowl to place the lollipops in and wrap it with a ribbon.

Then attach a cute note to suit the personality of the person who is receiving the gift. Lollipops bring back the joy of being a child. Have fun with this gift idea, most people will enjoy receiving it. If sugar is a problem, be sure to get sugar free lollipops.

Flip Binder of Note Cards

Give someone a little flip binder of 3x 5 note cards with inspirational quotes written on them. You may also want to fill a few of the cards with IOUs for fun activities or for doing chores for someone.

This easy to make gift is inexpensive and yet shows some thought and care went into it. This gift may be customized in many ways. You could have special friends or relatives write notes on some of the cards or you could write some IOUs for dinner out at favorite restaurants.

Basket of Writing Supplies

For anyone who is a student, professor, writer, or journal keeper, a basket full of writing supplies would be a delightful gift. Stock the basket with cute pencils and pens, notebooks, journals, index cards, a clip board, stationery, fine line markers, and any other writing supplies of interest.

Many writing supplies are available at dollar stores, flea markets, and thrift shops. This gift won't cost a lot, but it will bring delight to anyone who loves to write.

Published by Julia Bodeeb

Winner, Pulitzer Center Global Issues contest (Washington, DC), semi-finalist: The Nation's poetry contest. Published in newspapers, magazines and many online websites. Sold jokes to a major comic. Over a...  View profile

8 Comments

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  • Nancy Tracy8/3/2010

    Love these gift ideas, Julia. They weren't just copycats from those cheesy women's magazines. Especially liked that most of the gifts emphasized experiences over things. P.S. I think the writer would prefer a new laptop... just saying : )

  • Abby Greenhill8/2/2010

    Cute ideas - love the lollpop idea!

  • Pauline Dolinski8/2/2010

    Very cute suggestions, which will get us thinking of more. I like the quarters, especially for young people, grads, etc. I remember getting to state #50 and feeling quite pleased with myself.

  • Lady Samantha8/1/2010

    Good ideas!

  • Michele Starkey8/1/2010

    I would appreciate any of these DIY gifts :) cheers

  • JulieW8/1/2010

    great ideas...i think i would like all of these as gifts!

  • Joan Haines8/1/2010

    I would love the writing supplies gift.

  • Delicia Powers8/1/2010

    Very thoughtful ideas:0)

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