20 Inexpensive Homemade Gifts for Kids

This fun collection of easy to make homemade gifts for kids will not only save you money, they are unique and sure to be loved and enjoyed! Perfect for Christmas gifts, birthday gifts or just because. 

There are affiliate links in this post – please read my full disclosure policy.

If you are looking for some great, inexpensive homemade gift ideas to make for children, then you are at the right place!

I had so much fun creating this collection and made sure that each of the ideas was something that my own children would enjoy.  I also tried to choose things that were easy to make so that pretty much anyone could create them without too much trouble.  Because if you are like me, unless it is easy, you won’t get it done!

Enjoy!

20 Inexpensive Homemade Gifts for Kids

1. Bath Crayons from Glimmer and Grit
Kids usually love to play in the tub when it’s bath time and these bath crayons are a fun idea for tub time play!  This recipe uses glycerin soap, but if you’d prefer, here’s a tutorial on making bath crayons with Ivory instead.

2.  Child’s Tool Belt from Make It and Love It
This tool belt is easy to make and I can’t imagine a little boy that wouldn’t be thrilled with it!  In fact, when our son was younger my husband had an old, worn tool belt that he let my son play with and it was a favorite toy.  Add these Black and Decker Tools for kids and you have yourself a fantastic gift!

3.  Wooden Food from The Sew*er, The Caker, The CopyCat Maker
Scrap wood turned into cute play food?  Yes, please!  And you can even download the printable labels for free!

4.  Miniature Marshmallow Gun from The Idea Room
This simple little miniature marshmallow gun would be a huge hit with my 6 yr. old!  Isn’t it just the perfect thing for a little boy?  What a great way for them to enjoy “hunting” without having to worry about someone getting hurt.

5.  Doll Diapers and Wipes from Craftaholics Anonymous
If you have a little girl that loves playing doll, you know that these adorable doll diaper and wipes would be the most popular thing ever!  In fact, it’s kind of making me wish that I was a little girl again!  🙂

6.  Mini Foosball Table from U Create
Is this mini foosball table not the coolest thing?  I love that it doesn’t take up much space, is sized perfectly for little hands and is super simple to make from just a shoe box, clothespins, dowel rods, pretty paper and plastic toy golf balls!

7.  Portable Lego Tray from Somewhat Simple
This is just a really cool idea!  And I was surprised to find that the Lego trays are actually very inexpensive on Amazon.  (You might want to read the reviews on the site though.  It seems that maybe the measurements of the tray vary a bit.)

8.  Fort Kit by Saltwater Kids
Can you imagine the hours of fun this fort kit would provide?  And it can be made super inexpensively buy finding most of the supplies at thrift and dollar stores!

9.  Fleece Tie Pillows from Blossoms and Posies
For some reason, most kids think it is just awesome to have their very own pillow.  These fleece pillows are cozy and super easy to create.  In fact, they are simple enough that older kids can make them.

10.  Memory Game from Supply Me
I love how this simple memory game teaches shapes and colors while also providing lots of fun!  It’s super inexpensive to make too.  (Amazon has round wood discs for a great price if you aren’t sure where to find them!)  If you would like a more personalized version, check out this memory game that uses photos.  Super cute!

11.  WOODEN SNAP BLOCKS from I Can Teach My Child
I think these wooden snap blocks would inspire lots of creativity!  You could easily just buy this wood block set and use a handful of blocks from it.

12.  Felt Pizza from Lemon Tree Creations
Toy food is always a favorite thing to play with, and this pizza made from felt is so cute and fun.  It’s a great way to inspire creative play!

13.  Drums from A Beautiful Mess 
I love the idea of re-purposing old cans to make these cool drums!  The most expensive supply will be the leather but you should be able to get that fairly inexpensively at a store like Joann’s.  In fact, Amazon even has some faux leather for reasonably cheap.

14.  Clothespin Wrap Dolls from This Heart of Mine
These are just simply darling!  Both my son and daughter would have fun playing with them and I’m thinking they would be great for travel or quiet play.  Not sure where to find the clothespins?  Amazon has a 6 pack that would work perfectly!

15.  Stick Horses from Lia Griffith
What a darling creation!  I never knew stick horses were so easy to make.  If you want another version that uses a sock, this one from Red Ted Art will give you more inspiration.

16.  Dishtowel Apron from Live Free Creative Co
Want to encourage creativity in the kitchen?  This sweet little apron made out of a dishtowel is not only cute and practical but is also super easy to make!  If you don’t know how to sew, try this no-sew kids apron.  If you need a tea towel, Amazon has a bunch of fun towels that are the perfect size.

17.  Play Dough from Domestic Super Hero 
I think you’d have a hard time finding a kid that doesn’t like play dough!   Make the traditional play dough or try some fun varieties like these Gingerbread and Candy Cane versions.

18.  Messenger Bag from Zaaberry
I think these messenger bags are just adorable!  And I know that both my son and daughter would be thrilled to have one.  My daughter loves bags in general -such a girl!- and my son loves things like this to use to take books and small toys along on trips.  I don’t enjoy sewing that much but the tutorial for this bag is pretty detailed and makes it look quite easy.

19.  Block Puzzle from Makezine
Use scrap wood to make this fun multi-sided puzzle.  You can personalize it with any design that you want.  In fact, How Does She has a cute puzzle similar to this where she uses a photo to make it.  Really, the possibilities are pretty wide open here!

20.  Animal Ear Headbands from Hart and Sew
Aw, these are just darling and would be so fun and perfect for inspiring creative play!  I love how simple they are to make too!

Looking for other cheap gift ideas?  Check these out.

• 50 Awesome Gifts for Kids that Cost $10 or Less
• 50 MORE Awesome Cheap Kid’s Gifts that Cost $10 or Less
• 40 Frugal Non-Toy Kid’s Gifts that Cost $35 or Less
• 40 Frugal Gifts for Women that Cost $30 or Less
• 40 Frugal Gifts for Men that Cost $30 or Less
• 15 Fun Inexpensive Teacher Gifts
• 20 Inexpensive Homemade Gift Ideas

OTHER POSTS YOU’LL ENJOY: