There are a ton of holidays throughout the year when a little gift is nice to give. But all the little stuff tends to add up when you’re just buying cheap items from the store… and at the end of the year it’s probably going to get tossed.

Why give something that’s just going to get thrown away? Give gifts that matter, that are personal, and will be cherished for years to come.

Small Handmade Gifts for All Occasions

Here are a few homemade gift ideas for when you value the things that you give away (or bring into your own home) and don’t want to give junk!

Throw in a few homemade cookies or candy and you’ve got a gift anyone would love.

Fingerprint Charm

This sweet little gift is SO easy it’s just begging to be a necklace or a charm on a bracelet. And it doesn’t have to be silver, you can make it any color you want.

But if you DO want it to be silver, you can buy precious metal clay here, and when you bake it, it’s actually STERLING SILVER!

DIY Leather Pouch

For the Pirate OR Princess in your life, this leather pouch is a must. It works on either a chain, or on a belt!

Just a little bit of leather, some cording, and you’re all set. You can even fill it with seasonal goodies when you’re done!

Tic Tac Toe Rocks

Ok, WHAT? This is the most adorable thing! I wish I had seen this when I was teaching kindergarten; those kids would have LOVED this!

Talk about easy, cheap, and super fun. These rocks and infinitely customizable with just a few paint pens, and the bag too (which doubles as the board). Seriously, if you’re reading this and you know me in real life… your kid is getting one of these!

Clay Garden Markers

I don’t know about you, but there are a ton of people I know who would adore these cute little markers.

Customize them with a set of letter stamps and they are sure to be cherished by all the gardeners in your life!

Chalkboard Handwriting Disks

Help your little ones get in some fun practice with these chalkboard disks!

Though the original post uses chalkboard vinyl cutouts, your could paint the letters on with some chalkboard paint (various colors available) and a stencil!

Felt Piggy Bank

Felt. Piggy. Bank. Do I really need to say more?

Grab your favorite color felt and whip out a few of these right now! You could make any shape or animal to personalize them to your loved ones.

Homemade Slingshot with Felt “Rocks”

Easy peasy, these slingshots are the bees knees! Grab some left over leather from your pouch project and make a few of these bad boys!

You can even buy the little felt balls pre-made and ready to go for practically pennies if you don’t want rocks to be launched.

Mystery Braid Bracelet

Give a little mystery and magic with this easy to do leather bracelet! Great for boys and girls alike, this fun craft will keep them guessing.

Get the kit here, or make your own with a piece of thick leather and a closure set.

On the Go Pocket Pillow

For the avid reader in your life… you know you have at least one! Make this pillow in their favorite colors and add a new book to the pocket.

Here’s a great list of current young adult best sellers.

While this gifts is a little bigger than the other ones on this list, it was too good not to share.

Deluxe Indoor Fort Kit

Again, a little bigger than the others, but come on! Permission (and all the supplies) to make an indoor fort??

Best. Gift. Ever.

This kit is made to include the “fort” (sheets), suction cups, clips, rope, flashlight, and the cool storage bag.

More DIY Gifts They Actually Want to Get!

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