You don’t just have to write straightforward expressions like “Thank you for always being there for me. " Feel free to get creative — poems, limericks, jokes, acrostics, and even short stories can make a card really shine.
To make a scrapbook, you’ll just need a few pieces of construction paper, some glue or tape, a skinny ribbon, a hole punch, and lots of photos of you and the gift recipient. Paste the pictures in any sequence you want on your sheets of paper. For example, you may want to begin with photos of when you first met. Decorate the pages with printed-off quotes, doodles, inside jokes, stickers, glitter, or whatever else you want. When you’re ready, punch holes in one side of the stack of papers and tie them together with ribbon to make a book. Don’t forget to leave a blank sheet at the front for the cover.
See our article on homemade coupon books for more help with this task.
For this gift, you will need a full deck of cards, 52 blank sticker labels, and markers, glitter, and other supplies, if you want to decorate. Put a label on each card. If you can, leave space for the number and suit so you can still use the cards to play. Write something you love about your friend on each label. When you’re done, decorate the cards and the box how you wish.
Another great way to make a flower arrangement is to buy a hard foam sphere from a local craft store (these are usually quite cheap). Cut it in half to make a dome, then bore holes in it with a pen or pencil. Paint this how you wish. When the paint dries, put flowers, twigs, and other pretty objects from outdoors in the holes.
Making a gift basket is easy. Start by filling a basket with tissue paper, shredded cardboard, or decorative packing material. Wedge small gifts into basket, arranging them in a pleasing pattern. Place the card in the basket with the gifts as well. If you wish, decorate the basket by hand or wrap it in cellophane before giving it.
When you’re picking out fabrics, consider the occasion. For example, if the blanket is a Christmas present, you may want to use green and red fabrics, or if it’s for Valentine’s Day, you can use red and pink. If it’s for a birthday use the person’s favorite colors. See our main article on making quilts for more help. If you have a loom, you can knit a beautiful blanket using the loom.
If you have construction paper and paint, you can decorate your jar for a “stained glass” effect. Cut the paper into a shape or design that makes sense. Glue it or tape it to the inside wall of the jar. Paint the inside of the jar with a thin layer of paint and allow it to dry. Carefully peel the paper out and its shape will be imprinted on the glass.
Don’t feel like you have to make a piece of clothing — accessories can often be quicker, easier and just as appreciated. For example, a duct tape wallet makes a durable yet stylish gift.
For one piece of wall art that’s fairly beginner-friendly, you’ll need spraypaint, a small sheet of plywood (2’ × 2’ max), and a yard or two of wooden dowel material. Cut the dowel into a few narrow strips, spray paint them, and glue or nail them to the plywood to make a frame around the edge. Next, cut the dowel crosswise to make many small pegs that are almost the same size, but not exactly. Spraypaint these pegs different colors. Use wood glue to stick them inside the frame randomly until it is completely full. When the glue dries, you’ll have a uniquely textured, multicolored piece of art to give to your friend.
