I love DIY gifts. From August to November, I am busy making this and that for my extended family. However, my own projects don’t make it onto the lists, and here’s why. Most of mine rely on Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. These are professional design tools that require dedication to master, a strong computer, and a monthly subscription.  It wouldn’t be fair to tell you, “Here, you can do this too!” In the same vein, I won’t list anything that requires knitting, crochet, painting, drawing, or anything with a big learning curve for many givers.

Instead, I spend a lot of time searching out projects that anyone can realistically pull off. Ones that will still look impressive when they’re finished.

What Makes the Cut

When I test a DIY project, I run it through my own checklist:

• Professional results: You should be proud to give it.
• No fancy equipment: If it needs a Cricut, kiln, or cloud subscription, it’s out.
• Useful, not clutter: The result should be something people actually enjoy, not another thing shoved in a drawer.
• Effort-to-payoff ratio: You shouldn’t have to spend three days for a so-so result.

My Current Test: Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making

Currently, I’m working on a jewelry-making kit from ArtsvilleHandcrafted on Etsy that allows you to wire-wrap a polished stone into a necklace. The photos look amazing: definitely something I’d wear myself or give as a gift. Before I tell others, I want to see how doable it is for someone who’s not already a crafter, like me! Wire wrapping can be fiddly, and what feels meditative to me might feel like frustration to someone else. If it turns out to be beginner-friendly, the project could make my list. If not, it stays in my personal craft stash.

Why It Matters

The internet is full of “easy DIY” projects that turn into hours of wasted supplies and a half-finished mess. My job is to filter those out so you don’t end up with a Pinterest fail. I only share projects that strike a balance between accessibility and quality: things you can make with tools you probably already have and some simple supplies. The final result should look polished, and that won’t leave you muttering under your breath.

DIY gifts should feel good for both the giver and the receiver. That’s why I test first, and only recommend the projects I’d be proud to wrap up myself.