DIY Sentimental Gifts

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September 14, 2025

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Meaningful gift giving doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or time. We’ve rounded up some of the best DIY sentimental gift ideas to help you give thoughtful gifts this year without spending a lot of money or time on them.

A handwritten recipe card sits on top of an open book. Text overlay reads: 25+ DIY Sentimental Gift Ideas.

Sentimental gifts will mean different things to different people so be sure to keep the recipient in mind as you’re deciding what to give. If the person is short on space, then give something that doesn’t take up much space, like the “when to open” envelopes. If the recipient hates clutter then give something that’s practical, like an apron from a man’s shirt.

I think the number 1 rule for gift giving is will the gift bless the recipient or cause them to feel overwhelmed? Aim for the blessing.

1
A collage of images showing the process of turning kids' artwork into embroidered ornaments. Includes a sketch, embroidery hoop, red fabric being rinsed, and a completed ornament with childlike drawings. Text reads "Kid's Artwork Embroidered Ornaments.
swoodsonsays.com
How to turn kids artwork into an embroidered ornament
Preserve your kid's sweet drawings by turning them into ornaments with this simple tutorial for hand embroidering them.
Check out this recipe
2
A white linen towel with hand-written text lies on a wooden surface. It features a colorful floral trim with shades of green and blue, adorned with small white pom-poms.
2beesinapod.com
DIY Handwritten Recipe Tea Towel… – 2 Bees in a Pod
Handwritten recipes are truly something special. Learn how to put Grandma's recipe on a tea towel that will be cherished.
Check out this recipe
3
Three felt mice wearing Santa hats snuggled inside stockings on a wooden surface. Two mice are in white stockings with "2018" on one, and the third is in a red stocking. Each mouse has gray fur and rosy cheeks.
cutesycrafts.com
Baby Sock DIY Christmas Ornaments
Got a new baby in the family? Use one of his little socks to make a keepsake stocking. These would make really cute ornaments, especially if you added information about the baby to the stocking.
Check out this recipe
4
A Christmas tree with ornaments, including a round embroidered family photo ornament. Text overlay reads: "How to Make an Embroidered Family Photo Ornament." A sewing needle and thread are visible.
swoodsonsays.com
How to make an embroidered family photo ornament
Save family photos for the tree with this easy hand embroidered embroidery hoop ornament tutorial.
Check out this recipe
5
Old window frames repurposed as picture frames hang on a wall, displaying a collage of various black and white and color family photos. The frames have handwritten phrases on them, adding a nostalgic and personal touch to the decor.
thegoodheartedwoman.com
“Windows to the Past” – How to Make an Epic Family Photo Display from Vintage Windows
Vintage windows make wonderful collage photo frames. Learn how to make one for your family with this tips.
Check out this recipe
6
Two clear ornaments hang against a white wooden background on red snowflake ribbons. One reads "Mary Rose," and the other displays "11-2-2013, 8 lbs 5.6 oz, 20.5 inches, 9:22 am." Text above says "Birth Information Ornament.
chickenscratchny.com
Birth Announcement Ornaments
You can use vinyl or paint to make these cute birth announcement ornaments for the new baby in the family.
Check out this recipe
7
A wooden wall hanging spells "LOVE" with white wooden letters "L" and "E." The "O" and "V" are represented by a gold-painted handprint and pair of footprints.
ourcraftymom.com
Make A Keepsake Baby Hand Print Love Sign
Nothing is more cute than little fingers and toes. Learn how to create a sign that spells LOVE in this tutorial.
Check out this recipe
8
Top image: Green and blue ornament with a white ribbon hangs on a Christmas tree. Bottom image: Green ornament with ribbon hangs on a Christmas tree. Both images showcase sweater-style ornaments. Text reads "Christmas Sweater Ornaments.
www.heatherhandmade.com
Christmas Sweater Ornament
Old sweaters can be repurposed into fun Christmas ornaments that will bring back fond memories year after year.
Check out this recipe
9
A variety of decorative papers in a fan layout, including a paisley pattern, solid red, and textured browns and yellows. Beside them, a handwritten recipe is laid out on a lined page.
www.toworkwithmyhands.com
Heirloom Document Decor {Before & After} | To Work With My Hands
Handwritten recipes don't have to be kept in a box or book, you can display them! Learn how turn handwritten recipes into a sentimental gift that truly is a work of art.
Check out this recipe
10
A collage showing a before-and-after of a family cookbook restoration. The top half displays aged, stained recipe pages, while the bottom half shows the same recipes neatly preserved in a binder. Text reads "Restore The Family Cookbook" and "Before, After.
lifeshouldcostless.com
Restoring The Family Cookbook
Family cookbooks are filled with the best of the best and it's a sad day when they start to fall apart. Learn how to salvage the family cookbook so it can be used for years to come.
Check out this recipe
11
An open scrapbook page displays a vintage wedding photo with labeled individuals. Above the page are a pair of scissors and a glue stick on a textured surface.
thecarpentersdaughter.co.uk
Tips on Scrapbooking Your Family Tree
Food is such an important part of family heritage. This scrapbook idea includes recipes and a family tree. I love the back story of how this gift came about.
Check out this recipe
12
A round Christmas ornament featuring a miniature map with a figurine of a mouse character dressed in a Santa outfit. The ornament hangs by a red and white braided string.
kimandcarrie.com
Disney Theme Park Map Christmas Ornament
While this themed ornament is Disney themed, you can use these tips to make any themed ornament.
Check out this recipe
13
A Christmas tree ornament shaped like a lightbulb filled with red tinsel hangs on a tree. Attached to the ornament is a green tag with handwritten text, surrounded by burlap garland and white lights.
www.broughttoyoubymom.com
Personalized Ornaments for Kids to Make – How Tall This Christmas
This is such a fun keepsake idea for children and grandchildren. Plus it's a festive and inexpensive way to decorate the Christmas tree.
Check out this recipe
14
A hand writes a shopping list on a white sheet of paper attached to a refrigerator with a round magnet featuring a photo of a couple. The list includes eggs, bread, milk, and cereal.
amber-oliver.com
Mason Jar Lid Magnets – DIY Photo Magnets!
Don't toss those used mason jar lids. Repurpose them into photo magnets! You could even use photos from an invitation to a special event like a wedding or graduation.
Check out this recipe
15
A rustic white wooden board displays three framed handwritten recipes and a vintage photo of two women seated at a table. Nearby, two recipe cards, including one in a green spiral-bound notepad, are also visible.
walkingonsunshinerecipes.com
Old Family Recipe Cards: How to Create DIY Kitchen Art
Keep old family recipes alive by displaying them in a photo collage. Add a photo of the recipient with the recipe creator to make it extra special.
Check out this recipe
16
A handmade bird-shaped Christmas ornament crafted from plaid fabric, embellished with a blue patch and white ribbon loop for hanging. Text reads "Christmas ornament made from loved one's old clothing" with the "Cutesy Crafts" logo.
cutesycrafts.com
Papa’s Bird Memory Ornament – Cutesy Crafts
This bird memory ornament is a simple and respectful way to remember a loved one who is no longer with you each year.
Check out this recipe
17
A handmade seed paper card on a wooden table, adorned with colorful pressed flowers and seeds. A pair of scissors and a twine circle are placed beside it. The text "Three Seed Gifts" is displayed at the top.
homesteadlady.com
3 Seed Gifts
Gather your family's favorite flower and herb seeds and create seed paper. These would be great as gift tags for some of your other sentimental gifts. The recipient can just plant the paper after opening the gift.
Check out this recipe
18
Two pint glasses with etched designs. The left glass reads "Dad" with dates, and the right glass reads "Grandpa" with dates. Both have "Established" followed by birth, marriage, and children's birth dates.
www.wherethesmileshavebeen.com
Dual-Sided Dad & Grandpa Established Etched Glass
Any grandpa is sure to love this DIY personalized etched glass showcasing the dates they became a father AND grandfather!
Check out this recipe
19
Festive table setting with white napkins featuring handwritten script and floral details. A red ribbon is tied elegantly around the napkins. Pine cones and red berries add a holiday touch in the background.
hearthandvine.com
Handwritten Family Recipe Tea Towel Gift
This is another variation of a family heirloom recipe printed on a tea towel. There are some really great tips in this article.
Check out this recipe
20
Three small, handmade fabric sachets are stacked on a wooden surface. The top sachet has a geometric pattern, and a sprig of lavender lies on it. The other sachets have subtle pastel prints. The background is light and textured.
homespunseasonalliving.com
Making Herbal Dream Pillows
Show your friends and family you care about them with these simple herbal dream pillows. These can be made with store bought fabric or with old shirts that have sentimental meaning.
Check out this recipe
21
Silhouette of a person's profile on a plain background. The figure has a ponytail, and their profile is visible with distinct neck and face outlines.
www.schneiderpeeps.com
How to Make a Silhouette
Silhouettes are such a great way to capture your child's likeness. These make a fantastic gift that is also very inexpensive but super meaningful.
Check out this recipe
22
Top-down view of a DIY lip balm kit in a plastic container. Includes jars labeled Shea Butter, Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, and Coconut Oil, a clear pipette, red measuring spoons, a small bottle, and a red instruction sheet. Text reads "Lip Balm Kit.
learningandyearning.com
DIY Lip Balm Kit
Who know lip balm could be so sentimental? Learn how to make lip balm kits and how giving the same gift year after year can be a good thing.
Check out this recipe
23
A person wearing an apron made from a striped men's dress shirt stands in front of a weathered wooden wall. The sleeveless apron has a collared neckline and button details. The person has their hands on their hips and is looking to the side.
lovegrowswild.com
Men’s Dress Shirt Apron
If you need a practical sentimental gift, here it is. Use a man's shirt to make an apron. Of course, you can by a shirt at a thrift store but it will be more meaningful if you can get an old shirt from a man in the recipient's life.
Check out this recipe
24
A collage showing a DIY craft using popsicle sticks. Steps include writing on sticks with a marker, cutting a photo into strips, adhering the strips to sticks, and tying the finished piece with a ribbon. The photo features a couple in a garden.
ldr13.wordpress.com
“Open When” Envelope Ideas…
These "open when" envelops are such a great gift. Certainly, they will take some time to put together but what a great idea, especially for someone who you don't see very often – like a kid going to college or into the military.
Check out this recipe
25
A tutorial image showing a birthday board with hanging tags labeled with names and dates under each month. The header reads "Grandchildren" and "how to make your own birthday board" is written below. Close-up shots of crafting steps are included.
sugarbeecrafts.com
Birthday Board
A birthday board can be a lifesaver. As the family grows it's hard to remember everyone's birthday. This would make a great grandparent gift!
Check out this recipe
26
Three rustic candle holders made from tree trunks with white painted bark, each featuring carved heart designs. The carvings read "K + M" and "LOVE" with an arrow through a heart. A small white candle sits on top of each holder.
petitemodernlife.com
DIY Valentine Logs
Small wood logs make great tea light holders. Learn how to make this fun and useful gift for friends and family.
Check out this recipe
Collage image with tea towels tied with red ribbon, seed paper with scissors and twine, etched drinking glass, and baby announcement ornament. Text overlay reads: 25+ DIY Sentimental Gift Ideas.

Thanks for sharing!

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