My goal for the next two weeks is to help you out a bit with your Holiday gift giving! I’ll be posting ideas for gifts that you can sew, make, OR buy. Some will be quick, and others will be well worth the extra time involved. Today I have for you a round-up of 25+ DIY gift ideas for girlfriends.
Okay, let’s chat about Christmas. When do you start your Holiday gift buying or making? I’m NOTORIOUS for waiting until after Thanksgiving and always start out with a list of things to make that is a MILE long.
I usually end up giving up on most of it a few weeks before Christmas. Since I live in Kentucky, and most of my family lives in Utah, if I want to make gifts AND send them in time I really only have until about mid-December. Why after 20 years of living far away from family I haven’t figured this out I do not know!
This year I am attempting to start my gift planning/making earlier (although I’m guessing many of you may already be done) as I’ve been making lists of things to make, and buy, for the people I love in my life, I thought that I’d share with you some of the things that I’ve found.
19 DIY Gifts to Make for Girlfriends
Before we get going, this list is made up of DIY gifts for Girlfriends, like your “best friend that’s a girl”, not necessarily a romantic partner girlfriend. If you’re looking for ideas for that, I suggest jewelry. If you’re totally stumped try an Initial Necklace. You can get them at all price points and styles.
DIY Gifts for Girlfriends
Show your "besties" some love this year with one of these unique handmade gifts!
Travel Inspired Gifts
While we might not be traveling much now, we can still "prepare" for the day we are all ready to get out of town!
How to Make a Frame Clutch Purse
These cute clutches are fun to make because you can customize them with unique fabrics and trims. The project includes links to purchase the frames for the bags.
Travel Curling Iron Sleeve Sewing Pattern
Every year I think I need to make one of these for myself! They are great when you need to pack in a hurry.
Infinity Travel Scarf Sewing Tutorial
This scarf is crazy simple to make and takes just a yard or so of knit fabric. Make one for a friend, then make one for yourself too!
Fat Quarter Zip Pouch Sewing Pattern
These pouches are SO easy to make. They are a beginner sewing project for sure. I find them to be so useful and are perfect for traveling.
Stitch an Adorable Zippered Pouch with a Flat Bottom
These pouches are SO easy to make. They are a beginner sewing project for sure. I find them to be so useful and are perfect for traveling.
Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern & Free Cricut Cut Files
Last year I made myself a set of drawstring travel bags and I’m surprised at how many times this year I’ve used them. I love the large laundry bag the most. Plus they are a super quick make if you need to create a bunch.
Striped Pencil Pouch Sewing Pattern
This pencil pouch is made using a quilt as you go method, which saves time and adds texture to the final project.
Retro Travel Bag Sewing Pattern
This bag is one of my all-time favorite weekender bags! It's just the right size for a quick getaway.
Learn How to Make a Bag; A Simple Tote Bag Pattern
I always need tote bags! I have one for the kids "school stuff" one for "church stuff" and one for "road trip stuff".
Quick Sew Gifts
Each of these gifts is FAST to sew. You can easily make them in bulk.
DIY Keychain Chapstick Holder Tutorial
I’m always losing my chapstick! These make great gifts for girlfriends and for teachers.
How to Make A Lip Gloss Pouch
For your friend who loves glam! Stitch her up a set of lipgloss pouches, and put some of her favorite lipsticks inside.
How to Make a Fabric Covered Notebook with Applique Details
A fun way to dress up a simple notebook.
Holiday Themed Gifts
I love to give Holiday themed gifts to my girlfriends. Here are a few items that I've gifted in the past.
Patchwork Quilted Christmas Pillows
A few years ago I stitched up a bunch of these and gave them to friends and family for Christmas. I even managed to gift them a week or so before the Holiday so that they could enjoy them early!
Felt Gingerbread House Christmas Ornament Pattern
A beautiful gift that they will use for years to come.
Gifts for the Home
Create a little something for them to use in their home with one of these simple tutorials.
Nesting Fabric Baskets Sewing Pattern
These little baskets are just the right size to keep bedside to stash things like jewelry or chargers.
DIY Padded Storage Bins Sewing Pattern
I have one of these bins that I keep my hand stitching projects in. They are also great for storing makeup or for travel.
Gift Ideas for Girlfriends; Things to Buy
Gifts to Buy for Girlfriends
Let me tell you, every time I post a project I get lots of “can you just make it for me?” or “where can I buy something like that?” emails. So this year in addition to DIY gifts, I’m going to include a few suggestions for gifts to buy as well.
A Beautiful Mug or Teacup
Fill it with supplies to make her favorite warm drink, whether it’s coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
Rifle Paper Co. Explore The World 2021 Wall Calendar
I picked up one of these a few years ago fell in love, and now buy one every year! I love them so much that I save the calendars and frame the pages after the year is over.
A beautiful Cutting Board
If you have a girlfriend who loves to entertain or cook, a beautiful cutting board or cheese board makes a great gift. There are so many affordable ones out there for sale now.
S'Well Water Bottle
I bought one of these skinny water bottles last year and was surprised by how much I loved it! I ended up toting it with me everywhere. I especially loved it for airplane trips. So many airports now have water bottle refill stations! Get your own bottle so you don’t have to buy the exorbitantly priced water at the airport.
Yeti Tumbler
My kids got me a YETI tumbler as a gift two years ago and I LOVE IT. I drink a lot of ice water and I love that I can fill it up with ice at the beginning of the day and it’s still cold at the end of the day. Make it extra special by adding a fun monogram.
Blanket Scarf
It seems the world has gone mad for plaid, and I could not be happier! This scarf would be a wonderful gift to keep your friends warm during the long winter months. Most are less than $20!
Volcano Candle
My daughter talked me into buying this candle and let me tell you the scent is intoxicating! I’m really really picky about smells and this one is very pleasant and not too perfumey.
MM~
Love your blog and I really appreciate your lists. I’m not able to mall shop this holiday season (knee surgery- thanks zumba ;D ), so I’m crushing on the new ideas. The Paper Source site has some AMAZING gifts and ideas. I get lost in the web shopping thing, so fresh perspective goes a long way. Keep up the good work! k
Paper Source is AMAZING, we have a store here and I love going in there to browse! I had surgery a few years ago, lots and lots of web surfing while I laid on the couch! Hope you heal fast!
These are definitely what a girl would like.