14 DIY easy gifts we’d actually like to receive this holiday season

You’ve received your fair share of ‘What Is This Thing’ DIY gifts. You know the ones. You coo when you unwrap it, and say, “Wooooooow! It’s, it’s so…Wow!”. And now that thing is in a box, tucked away in your crawl space or garage or attic. We know because we’ve got one of those boxes too. The too thoughtful to trash, but too lame/hideous/tacky/omgwtf to use or keep out on display.

Well, luckily the internet is a hotbed for crafty DIYers—and even if you’re not usually one yourself, you can likely handle these makes. We’ve rounded up the most awesome, unique, (relatively) easy and honestly impressive gifts that you can make for your loved ones. No shopping mall (once you’ve got your supplies) required.

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14 DIY easy gifts we’d actually like to receive this holiday season

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  Chalkboard Serving Tray

  A rustic piece of wood and some chalkboard paper make a great serving tray. Gift it pre-loaded with labelled treats and impress your guests with your ingenuity, culinary skills and penmanship. Via The Wood Grain Cottage .The Wood Grain Cottage

• Ice Cream Sticks Arrow Bookmark

  First of all: you get to eat a bunch of banana Popsicles (or whatever your flav of choice is) in December, so that's pretty great. But even better than that will be the look on your recipient's face. This ice cream arrow bookmark is easy, adorable and easy on the wallet. Via One Lmon.One Lmon

• Gold Pencil Cup

  Gold foil has never felt so good. This pencil cup holder is a cinch to make--all you need is an old glass tumbler, some white spray paint and of course, gold foil. Pick a geometric pattern that speaks to you, and start taping. Via Damask Love.Damask Love

• Map Frame

  Remember those epic European escapades you and _____ had? They do too. With an interesting vintage map and some patience, this creation can look like something you'd pick up at Urban Outfitters. Except, it's a map from a place where you made a wicked memory. Via Popsugar.Popsugar

• Pinecone Firelighters

  You know there's going to be some gathering around the fire this season. These fun, flammable and nicely scented (optional) little DIYers make a great little gift for anyone who appreciates crafts...or very mild pyrotechnics.Via Kate's Creative Space.Kate's Creative Space

• Infused Vodka

  Rather than grabbing that same bottle of booze your bestie likes from the liquor store, this year take it a step further and infuse some of their favourite flavours into a bottle of vodka. Festive flavour options: apple cinnamon, vanilla bean, peppermint. Santa can have the milk. Via On Mill Road.On Mill Road

• Old Book, New Purse

  This book-turned-purse is a great opportunity to show how much you know (and care) about the person you're gifting to, by giving them a cover they know and love. We'd rock a vintage Anne of Green Gables purse hard, and looove the person who gave it to us. Via A Beautiful Mess.A Beautiful Mess

• Marbled Clay Ring Dish

  These stylish little bowls are a whole lot of fun to make. The Femo material—which is like a colourful baking clay—takes us back to the Play Doh and Plasticine days of our childhood. Still got it, baby! Via A Beautiful Mess.A Beautiful Mess

• Flavoured Sea Salts

  This is a gift that, when done right, can give dinner after dinner. Choose some attractive jars and mix in a few of your own favourite flavours. While you're making it, sample a bit on some popcorn (and maybe watch all of Tim Allen's The Santa Clause flicks), obviously. Via All Roads Lead to the Kitchen.All Roads Lead to the Kitchen

• Zippered Clutch

  Time to pull that old sewing machine out of the closet and get nimble with your thimble. What makes these clutches so precious is that they're one-of-a-kind...just like you. (Feel free to use that on the card.) Via The Girl Inspired.The Girl Inspired

• Sloth Sock Monkey

  Do you have someone on your holiday lists who just adores sock monkeys? Or, maybe they're totally terrified of them. Or maybe you always gift them a sock monkey, and now it's just a hilarious joke. Regardless, this sock sloth is too cute for words, and is like a sock monkey, only better. Via LPD.LPD

• Trophy Coat Rack

  An oldie (for you hardcore crafters), but still a goodie. Snag some vintage trophies from your local thrift store, break 'em apart, cover in metallic spray paint, screw five of 'em onto a wooden board, and you've got yourself a seriously rad coat rack. Compliments will be pouring in as guests arrive for your festive soiree. Via Apartment Therapy.Apartment Therapy

• Painted Kitchen Utensils

  The simplest DIYs are often the best. Like this one. Why didn't we think of this? We've just been using natural wood-handled spatulas our whole lives, like suckers. Well, no longer. Make sure to gift with proper washing instructions. Via The Gold Jellybean.The Gold Jellybean

• Animal Bookends

  You don't need to be an avid reader to appreciate the decorative nature of the written word. These bookends would be cool with most toys and or figurines, but you can earn extra brownie points from the giftee by selecting a nostalgic toy from their childhood. Via Natalme.Natalme