25+ Gifts to Buy or DIY for Girlfriends
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.
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 give 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 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 I’ve created during the year and new gifts I think your friends will love.
24 DIY Gifts to Make for Friends in 2023
Before we get going, this list comprises 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
2022 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
Fill it with supplies to make her favorite warm drink, whether it’s coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
Pura Home Fragrance Diffuser
I got one of these as a gift last year and have absolutely loved it! I even signed up for the delivery service which is something I NEVER do (it's not required to use the device).
So far my favorite scents are Santorini & Cedar Leaf & Lavender.
Custom Monogram Necklace
There are several different designs to pick from, ranging from a small circle monogram to a modern style initial necklace
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.
Lip Sleeping Mask
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
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
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
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
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.