25 DIY Birthday Gifts Kids Can Make For Friends And Family
Looking for a way to surprise a friend or family member with something special on their birthday? Involving the kids adds an extra layer of fun and meaning to the gift-giving process.
This list of DIY birthday gifts kids can make is great for all ages. Plus it offers a variety of creative, heartfelt, and even edible gift ideas.
Explore these thoughtful DIY birthday gift ideas that create cherished memories for both the kids and the lucky recipients.
This post contains affiliate links. See my disclaimer for more.
Want to save this idea?
Enter your email and I'll send the link straight to your inbox.
Pro Tip: Batch-make these DIY birthday gifts with your kids to save on time and materials. Many of them are also perfect for party favors or multiple celebrations!
Fun Homemade Birthday Gifts Kids Can Make
1. DIY Citrus Sugar Scrub
Kids can help measure the ingredients to put this simple sugar scrub together. You will need:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/4-1/2 cup coconut oil
- 10 drops orange essential oil or lemon
Pour all of the ingredients into mason jars and close with a ribbon and free printable tag. Give as gifts!
Bonus: Top with dried citrus slices or a mini wooden scoop tied on with twine. It smells (and looks) like sunshine!
2. Paperwhite Flowers in a Jar
If you’re looking for flower bulb gift ideas that are thoughtful, easy, and elegant, this DIY paperwhite project is the perfect choice. It’s simple enough for non-gardeners, affordable to make in batches, and is so pretty when it blooms.
3. No-Sew Felt Coffee Cup Cozies
Use this free cozy cup pattern and vibrant felt to create adorable no-sew cup cozies. Pair one with the birthday recipient’s favorite hot drink for a thoughtful and cozy gift!
4. Plant With Decorated Flower Pot
Decorate a small flower pot with bright colors, fun patterns, or a personalized design. Then plant a beautiful flower or hardy succulent (in the winter) inside for a charming, handmade gift.
Have kids write uplifting messages around the rim like “You grow, girl!” or “Thank you for helping me grow.”
5. Homemade Lip Balm
Try out this easy homemade lip balm recipe that uses only three ingredients. It’s a simple and cost-effective gift that anyone will love to receive!
Kids can decorate the lids with tiny stickers or washi tape for a boutique-style look.
6. Friendship Bracelets
My girls have given these for many birthday gifts, and they’re always loved. It’s fun for them to create one-of-a-kind bracelets using colorful thread or beads. Add names, initials, phrases, or favorite colors for a personal touch.
Package them in small boxes with a tag that says, “Made by hand, tied with love.”
7. Sharpie Painted Mugs
These DIY Sharpie-painted mugs are an easy and affordable way to create a personalized gift. Customize them with unique designs using oil-based Sharpies for a long-lasting, dishwasher safe finish.
Bonus: Include a small packet of hot cocoa or coffee beans inside the mug for a complete gift set.
8. Tie-Dye Beach Towel
Learn how to make this vibrant, personalized tie-dye beach towel. Everyone will be asking for one for their next birthday!
Roll it up, tie it with ribbon, and include a beach toy or sunscreen for a “sunshine gift pack.”
9. Custom Tote Bag
Design a one-of-a-kind tote bag using fabric paint, stencils, handprints, or markers for a personalized and practical gift. Fill the tote with small treats like books, snacks, or art supplies to make it feel even more thoughtful.
Try out these easy and adorable DIY Dotty Tote Bags that use a glue stick, paper, fabric paint, and cotton swabs.
10. Handmade Coasters
Gift these DIY glitter coasters to help your friends and family members keep their drinks straight! They are easy to make and you can get creative with your design.
11. Duck Tape Bookmark
These duck tape bookmarks are versatile and simple for kids to make and personalize. Add a tassel made of embroidery thread for an extra pop of color.
12. Lego Pen Holder
This lego pen holder makes a fun and functional addition to any office or bedroom desk. Customize it with a personalized photo or design personalized for the gift recipient.
Got a Lego Master on your hands? Have them sneak in a “secret drawer” for the recipient to find!
13. Mini Spa in a Jar Gift
A Mini Spa Kit gift in a Jar is easy for kids to make and packed with self-care goodness in the cutest way possible.
From soothing bath salts to handmade scrubs, you can personalize each jar for under $10.
14. DIY Computer Wrist Rest
Kids can make this useful DIY wrist rest to make computer work more comfortable! Customize it by using patterned fabric (like florals or superheroes) that fits the recipient’s personality.
15. Lavender Heart Bath Bombs
Use this easy bath bomb recipe to give the gift of relaxation. Wrap them in tissue paper and place inside a “Relaxation Gift Box” with a candle and a tea bag.
16. Cord Keepers
These adorable cord keepers are a game-changer for keeping chargers and earbuds neatly organized. Use the free printable templates, colorful felt, hot glue, and velcro dots to craft a practical and thoughtful gift.
Related: Fun & Affordable Birthday Party Ideas For Kids
17. Beaded Keychain
String beads to create a fun accessory for keys or backpacks. For birthdays, spell out the recipient’s name or a fun word like “Shine” or “Joy.” Add a pom-pom or charm for personality. It’s perfect for backpacks or lunch bags!
Keepsake DIY Birthday Gifts Kids Can Make
18. Hand-Shaped Ring Dish
Use air-dry clay, a small ball, a sharp kife, and a rolling pin to create the most perfect hand-shaped dish that can hold rings or small objects. It’s a sentimental keepsake parents will cherish forever.
19. Memory Jar
Write fun memories on slips of paper and put them in a cute jar for the recipient to read throughout the year.
20. “Open When” Letters
Write notes for different occasions like “Open when you’re sad” or “Open when you need a laugh.” Then, slip in tiny treats like confetti or stickers to make each one feel like a mini surprise too.
Tie them together with a ribbon or wrap them up in a box for the birthday recipient. Kids of all ages can participate in this which makes it a sweet family gift.
Don’t just do the obvious prompts. Get creative! Try “Open when you need a pep talk,” “Open when you’re feeling silly,” or “Open when you want to dance.”
21. Personalized Candle
Kids can put their own artwork right on a candle for this creative gift. (If they’re drawing, you’ll want to have them practice their design on paper once first.)
Pair the candle with a handwritten tag that says, “You light up my life!”
22. Smile Jar
Spread joy with a Smile Jar! Fill it with happy thoughts, uplifting quotes, silly jokes, or funny memories written on colorful paper. Whenever the recipient needs a little boost, they can pull out a note for an instant smile!
Edible DIY Birthday Gifts Kids Will Love To Make
23. Hot Cocoa Kit in A Jar
Have the kids mix up an easy homemade hot chocolate mix in a jar that’s perfect for warming up for a winter birthday treat. Don’t miss the free printable on the post!
Bonus: Add chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermint for a deluxe version. Kids can decorate the jar with stickers or hand-drawn snowflakes.
24. S’mores in a Jar Gift
This S’mores in a Jar gift idea is the perfect blend of thoughtful and delicious! Kids just layer classic s’mores ingredients in a mason jar, tie it up with a festive ribbon, and top it off with one of our free printable gift tags.
25. Homemade Granola
Package homemade granola in a cute jar with a ribbon for a delicious birthday snack or healthy breakfast treat. Grab the free printable tag there too.
I love giving this gift with fresh fruit. But you can also give it with dried fruit like cranberries.
26. Homemade Flavored Popcorn Kit
Pack three small bags of plain popcorn with DIY seasoning blends like cinnamon-sugar, ranch, or spicy cheddar in tiny jars. Add a fun label!
27. Sweet Compliments
Give the gift of sweet words and chocolate with a Jar of Chocolate Compliments!
Write heartfelt or funny compliments on decorative paper, wrap them around bite-sized chocolate bars, and fill a jar. Every treat comes with a smile!
28. Favorite Things Basket
Any child will love choosing the birthday recipient’s favorite snacks and drinks for a fun, personalized treat. Pack them in a cheerful basket, tote, or bag, and add a homemade note for an extra special touch. It’s a thoughtful and easy last-minute gift!
More Ways To Save On Birthdays
- Fun & Cheap Birthday Party Ideas Adults Will Love
- 50 Free & Cheap Things To Do On Your Birthday
- Best Affordable Birthday Gift Ideas
What’s Next?
Next, learn more! Become a part of the Wealthy Woman community, receive my best tips for wealth-building, and have instant access to the free resource library. Start now!
Don’t forget to pin this on Pinterest for later!
