When I was a kid, I always knew I was into three things: arts, music, and writing. For the arts, I know, I’m no artist the way my younger brother is (sorry for that plug), but I did enjoy doing art-related things (and I still do): drawing comics, making greeting cards, doing calligraphy, and creating homemade gifts. I always believed that there was so much meaning in this type of gift category, as it requires time and effort, and a lot of heart.
To be honest, it’s been years since I last made homemade gifts; but recently, I was inspired by my best friend Danica (whom I’m sure will be really surprised by this because I’ve never told her before) to start again. The last time I saw her, as we were parting ways to be separated by a two-hour difference and a lot of water, she gave me something homemade, and I just saw the sincere amount of effort she put into it (not gonna lie, writing this is making me emotional). And because of her, I’ve found my love for homemade gifts once more.
In this entry I have a total of three ideas for DIY gifts you can give to family, friends, partners, or just about anyone. Although read with caution, these gifts come with time and patience, but the after product is always very rewarding.
CONTENTS FOR THIS ENTRY
Gift #1: Why You’re My Bestie Booklet
Gift #2: The Happy Basket
Gift #3: Personalised Photo Album
1. WHY YOU’RE MY BEST FRIEND BOOKLET
The first is the “Why You’re My Bestie” booklet.
These are just some of the materials you can use to make it.
This gift was inspired by my best friend (Lizle)’s birthday gift to me last year, which was a miniature version. I thought it was such a cute, funny, and smart gift to give, so I made my own style.
The idea of this booklet is to answer 50 questions about your best friend. There are cheesy questions like “you can cheer me up by…” or personal questions such as “you have the best taste in…” The greatest part about this feature, is that you can answer in however weird, crazy, and stupid way you want.
For my version, I decided to print out and paste the questions instead of writing them, since I wanted it to look uniformed.
I decided to put my own twist into the booklet, so I added instax films of us on some pages, and my favourite quotes on other pages. You can be as creative as you want with it, because in the end, the recipient would probably love to receive something so personal such at this. It’s a great way to show someone how much you appreciate them, how much you know them, and remember all your moments together.
Scrapbook notebook is from Muji; Instax Films and Printer from Fujifilm, double sided tape from Muji
2. THE HAPPY BASKET
Basket is from the Sunday market at Centris
The idea of a “Happy Basket” came up when I was wondering how I could make someone happy in the midst of stressful times. The concept is pretty simple, but personal and heartful all the same. Fill the basket with some food, candies, and drinks that the recipient could easily snack on while working or studying.
To add some order, place the candies and drinks in tiny Mason jars. As for the final touches, add a letter or card.
And voila, a bakset filled with pure happiness.
3. PERSONALISED PHOTO ALBUM
Notebook from Muji
Finally, the personalised photo album. This last gift targets family or friends whom you’ve either traveled with before or just generally share a lot of memories with. Memories of which were captured on film.
Like a normal photo album, the first step to making this is first, having tons of photos you can choose from and place inside. Choose the photos, and add some captions describing when and where they were taken.
You can even add like pieces of souvenirs that both of you share, such as tickets to theme parks, or tickets to movies. It’s boardering the idea a regular scrapbook, except this one is less colourful and artsy and leaning more towards minimalism. Just think about how your friend will enjoy flipping through the pages, reminiscing the simple moments you shared. I’ve always believed in the power documentation.. But I’ll talk about that some other time.
Even if these took a few days to make, I thoroughly enjoyed the process. It’s rewarding knowing that whomever you give these to will be happy no matter what. And it’s definitely worth it if the recipient is someone deserving of it. Just shows how much you appreciate them.
Anyway, that’s it for today! I hope you enjoyed these three ideas for DIY gifts. Enjoy crafting! Don’t forget to leave a comment and subscribe. I’ll see you in the next one.
Featuring: The person who inspired me to do homemade gifts again, Danica. She’s my Bruneian best friend.
caitdegreat 