photo courtesy of LollyKnit

Sometimes the best (and most affordable) gifts are made by hand. But if your creative juices just aren’t flowing or you need to jump start your inner-craftiness, try checking out some of these eight ideas for DIY gifts.

1. Miniature Books: At LostButtonStudios.com you’ll find step-by-step instructions along with printable templates for making your own miniature books. Use wrapping paper, junk mail or old calendars as the cover. They’re great for keeping little notes or writing down thoughts.

2. Cookie Mix in a Jar: Everyone loves freshly baked cookies, but sometimes by the time the gift arrives, those cookies aren’t so fresh. By making your own mix and packaging it in a cute jar, the receiver can have yummy cookies whenever they want. Check out this recipe from About.com.

3. Creative Coasters: Coasters are a great gift for a wide variety of people. Pick up cork coasters for just a buck or two and use this tutorial from Paper and Stitch to embellish them with your own creative flair.

4. Dog Clothes: If you like to sew, make a gift any pet lover would love: a jacket for Fido! Check out this free pattern from Circle of Crafters.

5. Salt Scrub: Make your own salt scrub by mixing Epsom salts and baby oil until it looks like very wet snow.  Add aromatherapy oil to make it smell pretty. Package it in a creative way.

6. Storage Crate: Laura Gunn came up with a lovely way to transform ugly plastic crates into cool containers. Print off her instructions, pick up some fabric and get to work.

7. Cookbook: Create, organize, and store your recipes in your very own customizable cookbook with TasteBook. A hardcover, full-color book with tabbed chapters starts at just $19.95. Put in your favorite recipes and pass them on to friends and family.

8. Pin Cushion: This one is easy enough for kids to try. Using scrap fabric, a round container and a few other supplies, easily create a pin cushion and pin storage container that anybody (especially seamstresses) will love.

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Now, let’s talk! Have you tried any of these? Let us know your opinion! Leave a comment!