Three Homemade Gift Ideas That are Unique but Will Take Time
These homemade gifts are perfect for those who have everything. It may take you some thought and time, but that is what makes it extra special.
1. Crochet Bouquet/Pipe Flower Bouquet
I made a crochet bouquet for my mother's birthday a few years ago, and she absolutely adores it. These flowers will last forever.
If you've never crocheted before, it's definitely a fun skill to learn. This was my second crochet project ever, and it was far from perfect, but it made a beautiful gift. I learnt everything from @lingzhihandmade on YouTube. I highly recommend this channel if you're ever interested in taking up the skill. If you already know how to crochet, then this should be easy-peasy.
I also recently discovered Pipe Cleaner Flowers. It's the same idea as the crochet version, as these flowers will also last forever. I will definitely try to create some one day, as they look absolutely gorgeous.
ImageCredit: Glow with Simi - Pinterest
2. Custom Monopoly
There are a couple of ways you can tackle this gift project.
If you're a great traditional artist, you can buy thick cardboard from Officeworks or Spotlight and draw the custom board yourself. Check out Kira Goode on YouTube for inspiration. She hand-draws everything.
A digital artist can create it on Canva.com, but you will need to have it professionally printed on self-adhesive gloss paper for best results. I used MBE Australia to print mine, and the cost was $60. You can try to print it yourself on normal paper, then glue it for a more DIY look.
This is one I made last year for my sister's 30th. Once again, not perfect, but it took me a month, and she cried tears of joy when she got it. I cheated a bit and bought the actual game, then I just covered the whole thing with my prints. I do not consider myself artistic at all, but using Canva made everything easier since they have premade elements you can use.
For all community chests/chance cards, you can just use the original and tweak it to make it relevant to the recipient. For properties, you can use the streets they lived on, jobs, schools, favourite food/shopping places. Just any location that means something to them.
I used this website as a measurement guard for printing: https://www.template.net/graphic-design/monopoly-sizes/
3. Succulent Fairy Garden
This last one, I have not tried, but it's on my list of things to make and gift.
Succulent Fairy Gardens would be perfect for those who love plants, fairytale vibes or miniature things. Succulents are low-maintenance as well. According to my research, they are drought-resistant, and they just need watering once every 2-3 weeks. Seems easy enough.
Definitely search the concept up on Pinterest for inspiration. Here are some of my favourites:
ImageCredit: Jordan Kelly / Credit: Suzanne P. Hernandez
*Edit*
I did it! It took me about 2 hours, as this was my first attempt, but I am pretty proud of the result. I got a smaller pot so I couldn't fit a miniature house; however, it still looks great. I will give an update in a few weeks to see if the plants survived. I got the pots from Bunnings, the pebbles and gnomes from the cheap store (but you can find some in nature), and the plants from the farmer's markets - 6 for $27. Definitely search Facebook Marketplace and thrift shops for fairy garden items if you have time.
