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    Home » Gift Ideas

    25+ Gifts to Buy or DIY for Girlfriends

    Updated: Nov 3, 2021 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 3 Comments

    collage image with gift ideas to diy for girlfriends with text overlay

    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 friends.

    nesting trinket baskets on white countertop with text overlay

    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.

    Table of Contents
    • 24 DIY Gifts to Make for Friends in 2021
    • 2021 Gift Ideas for Girlfriends; Things to Buy

    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.

    Every year I update this list to add new sewing patterns that I’ve created during the year and new gifts I think your friends will love.

    24 DIY Gifts to Make for Friends in 2021

    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!

    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

    Every year I think I need to make one of these for myself! They are great when you need to pack in a hurry.

    Metal Frame Coin Purse

    These cute little coin purses are easy to make than you think!

    The Saturday Duffle Bag

    This sewing pattern comes in 3 sizes. If you want to make it as a weekender bag, I recommend the largest size.

    One of my favorite features of this bag is that you can customize it with decorative trim.

    Leather Cord Snaps

    Last year I used my Cricut to create a set of Leather Cord snaps. I have used mine ALL YEAR long. These are super simple to create, your machine does all the work.

    Infinity Travel Scarf

    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

    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.

    Flat Bottom Zip Pouch

    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, Reversible Drawstring Bag

    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

    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

    This bag is one of my all-time favorite weekender bags! It's just the right size for a quick getaway.

    A Simple Tote Bag

    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.

    Keychain Chapstick Holder

    I’m always losing my chapstick! These make great gifts for girlfriends and for teachers.

     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.

    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

    A beautiful gift that they will use for years to come.

    Quilted Christmas Potholders

    This pot holder pattern comes with free printable gift tags.

    Gifts for the Home

    Create a little something for them to use in their home with one of these simple tutorials.

    Nesting Fabric Baskets

    These little baskets are just the right size to keep bedside to stash things like jewelry or chargers.

    Lavender Sachets

    Perfect for a jewelry box or lingerie drawer.

     Padded Storage Bins

    I have one of these bins that I keep my hand stitching projects in. They are also great for storing makeup or for travel.

    2021 Gift Ideas for Girlfriends; Things to Buy

    10+ Gifts to Buy for Friends

    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 10 suggestions for gifts to buy as well.

    A Beautiful Mug or Teacup

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    Fill it with supplies to make her favorite warm drink, whether it’s coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

    Custom Monogram Necklace

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    There are several different designs to pick from, ranging from a small circle monogram to a modern style initial necklace

    Rifle Paper Co. 2022 Calendar

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    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

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    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

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    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.

    Lip Sleeping Mask

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    My oldest daughter got me this lip mask a few years ago and I don't know how I lived without it. You put it on at night and it helps keep your lips from drying out while you sleep!

    Volcano Candle

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

     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.

    Hand Cream Trio

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    This is my "go to" hand cream. I get nervous when I start to run out!

    The Shea butter is my favorite, but the Lavender is divine too! I put it on my hands at night and the scent helps me relax as I try to fall asleep.

    A Set of Beautiful Tea Towels

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    Tea towels come in so many gorgeous colors and patterns. Pick out a set you think matches your friend's style.

    Custom Return Address Stamp 

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    I got one of these as a gift a few years ago and love it. I use mine all the time. I especially love that it's self-inking.

    collage image with gift ideas to diy for girlfriends with text overlay

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    • Great Gifts for Guys; 25 Things to Make and Buy
    • 25+ Things to Make & Buy for Kids as Gifts
    • Gift Ideas for Teenage Girls; Gifts to Make & Buy
    « How to Make a “Letters to Santa” Reading Pillow
    Great Gifts for Guys; 25 Things to Make and Buy »

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    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. kim says

      November 11, 2015 at 3:02 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        November 12, 2015 at 1:05 pm

        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!

        Reply
    2. Heart says

      November 12, 2015 at 4:59 pm

      These are definitely what a girl would like.

      Reply

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