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.
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.
DIY Sentimental Gifts
Sentimental gifts don't have to be sappy. You'll find something for everyone with these diy sentimental gift ideas. Most of these gift ideas come together very quickly which makes them perfect for last minute giving.
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.
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.
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.
How to make an embroidered family photo ornament
Save family photos for the tree with this easy hand embroidered embroidery hoop ornament tutorial.
"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.
Birth Announcement Ornaments
You can use vinyl or paint to make these cute birth announcement ornaments for the new baby in the family.
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.
Christmas Sweater Ornament
Old sweaters can be repurposed into fun Christmas ornaments that will bring back fond memories year after year.
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.
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.
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.
Disney Theme Park Map Christmas Ornament
While this themed ornament is Disney themed, you can use these tips to make any themed ornament.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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!
DIY Valentine Logs
Small wood logs make great tea light holders. Learn how to make this fun and useful gift for friends and family.
