White Elephant gift exchanges can be much fun, but finding the perfect gift can be challenging. For those with a crafty streak, making a DIY gift is a great way to add a personal touch to the exchange. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 12 DIY White Elephant gift ideas that will impress any crafty person.
From a DIY terrarium kit to a customized coffee mug, these gifts are not only creative and thoughtful, but they’re also practical and functional. Each project can be personalized to suit the recipient’s taste and style, making them even more special.
Whether you’re looking to impress your crafty friends or want to try your hand at a new DIY project, these gift ideas are sure to inspire. With easy-to-follow instructions and affordable materials, they’re perfect for any skill level and budget.
So, grab your crafting supplies and prepare to make some amazing DIY White Elephant gifts. With a little creativity and some love, you’ll have a gift that will surely be the party’s talk.
1. DIY terrarium kit
Making a DIY terrarium kit is a fun and creative gift idea for crafty people. Here are the steps to create your terrarium kit:
Materials:
• Glass jar or container with a lid
• Succulent or small plant
• Potting soil
• Small rocks or pebbles
• Activated charcoal
• Decorative elements like moss, sand, or seashells
• Small tools like a spoon or tongs
Instructions:
1. Clean the glass jar or container and allow it to dry completely.
2. Add a layer of small rocks or pebbles to the bottom of the jar. It will help with drainage.
3. Add a layer of activated charcoal on top of the rocks. It will help with filtration and prevent the soil from getting too moist.
4. Add a layer of potting soil on top of the charcoal. Make a small hole in the soil to accommodate the plant.
5. Place the succulent or small plant into the hole and gently pack the soil around it.
6. Add decorative elements like moss, sand, or seashells to the top of the soil.
7. Close the lid of the jar and package the kit with small tools like a spoon or tongs.
Your DIY terrarium kit is ready to be gifted to a crafty friend or family member. They can enjoy assembling their miniature garden in a jar.
2. Handmade soap
Handmade soap is a great DIY project that can result in a thoughtful and unique gift for crafty people. Here’s how you can make your handmade soap:
Materials:
• Soap base (melt and pour or cold process)
• Essential oils or fragrance oils
• Natural ingredients like herbs, flowers, or oatmeal
• Soap molds
• Heat-safe container
• Mixing spoon
• Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle
• Optional: soap colorants
Instructions:
1. Cut the soap base into small pieces and melt it in a microwave or stovetop heat-safe container. If you’re using a cold-process soap base, you must follow specific instructions for mixing the soap base with lye and oils.
2. Once the soap base is melted, add a few drops of essential or fragrance oils and stir to combine. You can also add soap colorants at this point if desired.
3. Add natural ingredients like herbs, flowers, or oatmeal to the soap mixture and stir gently.
4. Pour the soap mixture into molds and allow it to cool and harden. If bubbles form on the surface of the soap, you can spray the top with rubbing alcohol to help release them.
5. Once the soap has hardened, please remove it from the molds and package it in a cute box or bag.
Your handmade soap can be gifted to a crafty friend or family member. They’ll love the unique scent and natural ingredients in the soap.
3. Customized coffee mug
Customizing a plain white coffee mug is a fun and easy DIY project that can result in a personalized gift for a crafty person. Here’s how to create your customized coffee mug:
Materials:
• Plain white coffee mug
• Ceramic paint or markers
• Stencils or masking tape
• Optional: clear sealant spray
Instructions:
1. Start by cleaning and drying the coffee mug to ensure the paint adheres well.
2. Choose a design or message you want to add to the mug. You can use stencils or masking tape to create straight lines and shapes.
3. Carefully draw or paint your design onto the mug using ceramic paint or markers. If you’re using markers, let the ink dry completely before continuing.
4. Once your design is complete, allow the paint to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. If desired, you can add a clear sealant spray to the mug to help protect the design.
Your customized coffee mug is ready to be gifted to a crafty friend or family member. They can enjoy their morning coffee in a unique and personalized profile.
4. Knitted scarf
Knitting a scarf is a classic and cozy DIY project that can result in a thoughtful and handmade gift for a crafty person. Here’s how to knit your scarf:
Materials:
• Knitting needles (size 8 or 9 recommended)
• Soft yarn (worsted weight recommended)
• Scissors
• Optional: stitch markers
Instructions:
1. Begin by casting on stitches to create the width of the scarf. The number of stitches will depend on the desired width of the scarf.
2. Once you’ve cast on the desired number of stitches, begin knitting the first row. To create the knit stitch, insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle, bringing the yarn behind the right-hand needle. Wrap the yarn over the right-hand needle and pull it through the first stitch, slipping the stitch off the left-hand needle.
3. Continue knitting each row, using the knit stitch, until the scarf reaches the desired length. If you’d like to add variety to the scarf, you can experiment with different stitch patterns or textures.
4. Once the scarf has reached the desired length, cast off the stitches to finish the scarf. Cut the yarn and weave in any loose ends.
Your knitted scarf is ready to be gifted to a crafty friend or family member. They’ll love the cozy warmth and handmade touch of the scarf.
5. Homemade candles
Making homemade candles is a fun and creative DIY project that can result in a thoughtful and personalized gift for a crafty person. Here’s how to make your homemade candles:
Materials:
• Candle wax (soy or beeswax recommended)
• Candle wicks
• Fragrance oils or essential oils
• Candle dye or coloring
• Heat-safe container
• Double boiler or heat-safe pot and bowl
• Thermometer
• Stirring spoon
Instructions:
1. Begin by melting the candle wax in a double boiler or heat-safe pot and bowl. Use a thermometer to monitor the resin’s temperature, ensuring it does not exceed 185°F.
2. While the wax is melting, attach the candle wicks to the bottom of the heat-safe container using a small amount of melted wax.
3. Once the wax has melted, please remove it from the heat and add fragrance or essential oils, stirring gently to combine. You can also add candle dye or coloring at this point if desired.
4. Pour the wax into the heat-safe container with the candle wick, making sure the wick stays centered.
5. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch.
6. If desired, decorate the outside of the container with ribbon, twine, or other decorative elements.
Your homemade candle is ready to be gifted to a crafty friend or family member. They’ll love the unique scent and handmade touch of the candle.
6. DIY succulent planter
Creating a DIY succulent planter is a fun and easy project that can result in a beautiful and personalized gift for a crafty person. Here’s how to make your DIY succulent planter:
Materials:
• Small terracotta pot
• Succulent soil mix
• Small pebbles or rocks
• Succulent plants
• Decorative moss or other embellishments
• Spray bottle
• Optional: gloves
Instructions:
1. Begin by filling the terracotta pot with succulent soil mix, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
2. Add a layer of small pebbles or rocks on top of the soil. It will help with drainage and prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
3. Carefully remove the succulent plants from their original pots and gently loosen the roots. Place them on top of the pebbles in the terracotta pot, pleasingly arranging them.
4. Add more soil around the plants, ensuring to fill in any gaps between them.
5. If desired, add some decorative moss or other embellishments around the plants to add visual interest.
6. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the soil and plants with water. Be careful not to overwater, as succulents prefer well-draining soil and can be prone to root rot.
Your DIY succulent planter is ready to be gifted to a crafty friend or family member. They’ll love the personalized touch and natural beauty of the succulent plants.
7. Hand-stamped tote bag
Creating a hand-stamped tote bag is a fun and creative DIY project that can result in a thoughtful and personalized gift for a crafty person. Here’s how to make your hand-stamped tote bag:
Materials:
• Plain cotton tote bag
• Fabric paint or ink
• Stamps (either purchased or hand-carved)
• Stamp pad or foam brush
• Paper or cardboard
Instructions:
1. Begin by placing a piece of paper or cardboard inside the tote bag to prevent the paint or ink from bleeding to the other side.
2. Choose the stamps you want to use for your design. You can either purchase stamps from a craft store or create your own by carving them out of rubber blocks or other materials.
3. Apply the fabric paint or ink to the stamp using a stamp pad or foam brush. Be sure to apply enough paint to cover the entire stamp.
4. Carefully stamp the design onto the tote bag, applying even pressure to ensure that the entire design is transferred.
5. Repeat the stamping process as desired, creating your unique design.
6. Allow the paint or ink to dry completely before removing the paper or cardboard from the tote bag.
Your hand-stamped tote bag is ready to be gifted to a crafty friend or family member. They’ll love the personalized touch and usefulness of the tote bag for carrying around their crafting supplies.
8. DIY sugar scrub
Making a DIY sugar scrub is a simple and fun project that can result in a thoughtful and useful gift for a crafty person. Here’s how to make your DIY sugar scrub:
Materials:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup carrier oil (such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil)
• Essential oils or fragrance oils
• Mason jar or another container with a lid
• Optional: food coloring
Instructions:
1. Combine the granulated sugar and carrier oil in a mixing bowl, stirring until well mixed.
2. Add a few drops of essential or fragrance oil to the mixture, stirring to combine. You can adjust the amount of oil to achieve your desired level of scent.
3. Add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture to achieve your desired color.
4. Pour the sugar scrub mixture into a mason jar or other container with a lid.
5. Decorate the jar with ribbon or other decorative elements as desired.
Your DIY sugar scrub is ready to be gifted to a crafty friend or family member. They’ll love the sugar scrub’s sweet scent and luxurious feel for use on their hands or body.
9. Handmade Jewelry
Making handmade jewelry is a fun and rewarding DIY project that can result in a thoughtful and personalized gift for a crafty person. Here’s how to make your handmade jewelry:
Materials:
• Jewelry wire (such as copper or sterling silver)
• Jewelry pliers (round-nose, flat-nose, and wire cutters)
• Beads, stones, or other decorative elements
• Clasps and jump rings (if making a necklace or bracelet)
Instructions:
1. Choose the wire you want to use for your jewelry. Copper wire is a good option for beginners, as it is easy to work with and relatively inexpensive.
2. Use your round-nose pliers to create a loop at one end of the wire. It will serve as the starting point for your jewelry piece.
3. Begin adding beads, stones, or other decorative elements to the wire, using the flat-nose pliers to hold the wire in place and the round-nose pliers to make loops as needed.
4. Continue adding elements to the wire until you reach the desired length for your jewelry piece.
5. Use your wire cutters to trim any excess wire, leaving enough to create a loop at the other end of the piece.
6. Use your round-nose pliers to create a loop at the other end of the wire, attaching a clasp or jump ring if making a necklace or bracelet.
7. Repeat the process to create additional pieces of jewelry as desired.
Your handmade jewelry is ready to be gifted to a crafty friend or family member. They’ll love the personalized touch and unique design of the jewelry piece.
10. Painted plant pots
Painted plant pots are a great DIY project that can result in a thoughtful and personalized gift for a crafty person. Here’s how to make your own painted plant pots:
Materials:
• Terracotta plant pots
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Clear spray sealant
• Optional: stencils, painter’s tape, or other decorative elements
Instructions:
1. Begin by cleaning the terracotta plant pots with warm water and soap. Allow them to dry completely before painting.
2. Choose the acrylic paint colors you want to use for your plant pots. Depending on your desired design, you can use one color or multiple colors.
3. Use your paintbrushes to paint the plant pots with your chosen colors. You may need to apply several coats of paint to achieve full coverage. Allow the paint to dry completely between coats.
4. If desired, use stencils, painter’s tape, or other decorative elements to create designs on the plant pots. Be sure to allow each layer of paint to dry completely before applying additional layers.
5. Once you have finished painting and decorating the plant pots, use the clear spray sealant to seal the paint and protect it from damage.
6. Allow the plant pots to dry completely before adding soil and plants.
Your painted plant pots are ready to be gifted to a crafty friend or family member. They’ll love the personalized touch and unique design of the plant pots and appreciate the ability to use them for their plants or give them as gifts to others.
11. Personalized cutting board
A personalized cutting board is a practical and thoughtful gift that any crafty person would appreciate. Here’s how to make your personalized cutting board:
Materials:
• Cutting board (wood or bamboo)
• Vinyl stencil or contact paper
• Cutting machine (such as a Cricut or Silhouette)
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Clear sealant (such as polyurethane)
Instructions:
1. Begin by choosing a design or message for your personalized cutting board. You can use a pre-made design or create your own using a cutting machine.
2. Cut your design or message out of vinyl stencil or contact paper using your cutting machine.
3. Peel the backing off the stencil and carefully apply it to the cutting board; press down firmly and smooth out any bubbles.
4. Use a paintbrush to apply acrylic paint to the stencil. Be sure to apply the paint evenly and cover the entire stencil.
5. Allow the paint to dry completely before carefully removing the stencil.
6. Once the paint is completely dry, use a clear sealant to protect the paint and make the cutting board more durable. Apply the glue evenly and allow it to dry completely before using the cutting board.
Your personalized cutting board is ready to be gifted to a crafty friend or family member. They’ll love the personalized touch and practical use of the cutting board and appreciate the effort you put into creating a thoughtful and useful gift.
12. Embroidered tea towels
Embroidered tea towels are a classic and thoughtful gift that any crafty person would appreciate.
Here’s how to make your own embroidered tea towels:
Materials:
• Tea towels (cotton or linen)
• Embroidery floss
• Embroidery hoop
• Embroidery needles
• Scissors
• Pencil or water-soluble fabric marker (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by choosing a design or message for your embroidered tea towels. You can use a pre-made design or create your own.
2. Place the tea towel in the embroidery hoop, ensuring it is taut and centered.
3. Use a pencil or water-soluble fabric marker to lightly sketch your design onto the tea towel. This step is optional but can help guide your embroidery stitches.
4. Thread your embroidery needle with the desired color of embroidery floss. Tie a knot at the end of the floss.
5. Begin embroidering your design onto the tea towel, using backstitch or other embroidery stitches as desired. Be sure to keep your stitches even and tight.
6. Continue embroidering until your design is complete.
7. Once your embroidery is complete, carefully remove the tea towel from the embroidery hoop.
8. Use scissors to trim any excess embroidery floss and clean up loose threads.
Your embroidered tea towels are ready to be gifted to a crafty friend or family member. They’ll love the personalized touch and classic design of the tea towels and appreciate the effort you put into creating a thoughtful and useful gift.
In a nutshell, making your DIY White Elephant gift can be a fun and rewarding experience. These 12 DIY gift ideas for crafty people are a great way to add a personal touch to your gift exchange while showing off your creativity and skills. From handmade soap to personalized cutting boards, these gifts are not unique but practical and functional. They’re perfect for any occasion and crafty person on your gift list. With some effort and love, these DIY gifts will surely be a hit at your next White Elephant exchange. So, grab your crafting supplies, get creative, and have fun making some amazing gifts that are sure to impress.
FAQs
Q: What is a White Elephant gift exchange?
A White Elephant gift exchange is a game where participants bring wrapped gifts to a gathering and then take turns choosing a gift to open or “stealing” an already-opened advantage from someone else.
Q: What is a DIY gift?
A DIY gift is a gift that is made by hand rather than purchased. It can be personalized and tailored to the recipient’s interests and tastes.
Q: Are DIY White Elephant gifts expensive to make?
DIY White Elephant gifts can be as expensive or as affordable as you choose. Most of the gift ideas on this list use inexpensive materials found at a craft store or online.
Q: Are these DIY gift ideas suitable for beginners?
Yes, most DIY gift ideas are suitable for beginners with crafting experience. Each gift idea includes instructions and materials that are easy to follow and use.
Q: Can these DIY White Elephant gifts be modified or personalized?
Yes, each gift idea on this list can be modified or personalized to suit the recipient’s interests and tastes. Feel free to get creative and add your personal touches to each gift.
Q: Where can I find the materials for these DIY gift ideas?
Most of the materials for these DIY gift ideas can be found at a craft store or online. You can also use materials you already have at home to save money.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings