10 Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas Kids Can Make Themselves
Encourage creativity and money smarts with these thoughtful DIY gifts.
Gifts don’t have to cost a lot to mean a lot. In fact, the most memorable gifts are often the ones made with love and creativity—especially when they come from kids!
Letting children create their own gifts not only saves money, but also teaches them about thoughtfulness, budgeting, and the joy of giving. These 10 ideas are fun, easy, and perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
And the best part? They’re made by little hands and big hearts.
1. Handmade Coupon Book 🎫
Create a booklet of coupons offering helpful or sweet favors like “One big hug,” “Breakfast helper,” or “Storytime with me.”
🧠 Money Lesson: Giving doesn't have to cost money—just time and love.
2. Decorated Picture Frame 🖼
Use cardboard, popsicle sticks, or an old frame. Let your child decorate it with paint, buttons, stickers, or nature items. Insert a favorite photo inside.
🧠 Money Lesson: Reusing items saves money and reduces waste.
3. DIY Friendship Bracelets 🧵
All you need is yarn, string, or beads. Kids can make personalized bracelets for friends, siblings, or grandparents.
🧠 Money Lesson: Crafting teaches focus and adds value through effort.
4. Baked Goods with a Handwritten Tag 🍪
Bake cookies or muffins together, then package them with a handmade note: “Made with love by [child’s name]!”
🧠 Money Lesson: Ingredients + time = something special and delicious!
5. Painted Rocks with Kind Messages 🪨
Find smooth rocks, paint them with inspiring words or cheerful images, and give them as paperweights or garden decor.
🧠 Money Lesson: Beautiful gifts can come from nature and imagination.
6. Mini Scrapbook or “Why I Love You” Book 📚
Fold paper into a small book and let your child draw, write, or paste pictures that show special memories or reasons they love someone.
🧠 Money Lesson: Words and memories are valuable—and free.
Download Free Printable Mini Workbook "Why I Love You" Here!
7. Personalized Bookmarks 📖
Using cardstock, ribbon, markers, or stickers, kids can create unique bookmarks for teachers, parents, or friends who love to read.
🧠 Money Lesson: Practical + thoughtful = the best kind of gift.
8. Mason Jar of Positivity 🫙
Fill a jar with folded paper slips—each one a kind message, funny joke, or compliment. It’s a gift that brings joy over time.
🧠 Money Lesson: The gift of positivity is priceless.
9. Bath Salts or Scent Sachets 🛁
Mix Epsom salt with a few drops of essential oil and food coloring for homemade bath salts. Or use dried lavender or rice + essential oils in fabric squares for scented sachets.
🧠 Money Lesson: Simple ingredients can become luxury gifts.
10. Homemade Greeting Cards 💌
Using construction paper and craft supplies, kids can make their own cards with drawings, glitter, or pop-up designs.
🧠 Money Lesson: A handmade card is more personal—and saves on store-bought ones.
Thoughtfulness Over Price Tag!
Encouraging kids to make gifts teaches them something powerful:
🎨 Creativity is valuable.
💸 Money isn’t the only way to show love.
🎁 Giving is more meaningful when it comes from the heart.
These DIY ideas are perfect for family time, holiday projects, or even a “Kids Giving Corner” at home. Add a “Made by Me” label to make each one feel even more special.
👉 Want more money-smart activities for kids? Check out our Money Camp Academy E-course or download a free printable Mini Workbook "Why I Love You" to get started today!
