10 Easy DIY Birthday Gift Ideas for Best Friend You’ll Want to Make Today!
There’s something truly special about creating something with your own two hands, especially when it’s for someone who means the world to you. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent way too much time scrolling Pinterest or TikTok looking for easy DIY birthday gift ideas for best friend—only to end up overwhelmed or realizing half the supplies cost more than an actual gift from the store.
So, I decided to gather the cutest, most aesthetic, inexpensive, and meaningful homemade and handmade gift ideas all in one place. Whether your bestie is turning her 20th, 23rd, or celebrating the big 30th birthday, these ideas can be personalized to match your BFF’s style — girly, minimal, pink aesthetic, funny, classy, or even chaotic (because let’s be honest… some friendships are beautifully chaotic). 😄
As I was writing this post, I kept thinking about the DIY presents I’ve made over the years—some adorable, some questionable, and some that had my best friend crying happy tears. And honestly? That’s the magic of DIY: it’s imperfect, personal, and unforgettable.
This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.
💖 Why DIY Gifts Always Win
Store-bought presents are convenient — but DIY gifts? They tell a story. They say:
- “I know you.”
- “I took time to make something just for you.”
- “You matter.”
Even if your project turns out slightly wonky (trust me, been there!), the sentimental value makes it priceless. Plus, many of these gifts are bff-approved, budget-friendly, last-minute, simple, and super cute.
🛍 Supplies Checklist
You don’t need to be a professional crafter to make these. Here are a few essentials you might want to have ready:
- Glue gun
- Markers or paint pens
- Ribbon (pink works perfectly for a girly aesthetic)
- Mason jars
- Printed photos
- Blank cards
- Beads or thread (for jewelry ideas)
- Stickers or washi tape
Okay, ready? Let’s get into the good stuff — the list of ideas you’ll love and actually want to make today.
🎁 10 Cute & Easy DIY Birthday Gift Ideas for Your Best Friend
1. Aesthetic Memory Jar
This one is so simple but incredibly meaningful. Grab a mason jar and fill it with:
- Little notes
- Photos
- Affirmations
- Inside jokes
- Plans for the future
You can make it pink and aesthetic with ribbon, dried flowers, and glitter if your bestie is a girly girl. Or go neutral beige if she prefers minimalist vibes.
Tip: Add a label: “Open When You Need a Smile.”
2. Handmade Photo Collage or Scrapbook
If your best friend loves memories, this one is perfect — especially for a milestone like her 20th birthday, 23rd, or 30th. Include:
- Cute captions
- Polaroid prints
- Sticker emojis
- Handwritten quotes about friendship
It’s personal, heartfelt, and guaranteed to make her cry happy tears.
3. DIY Friendship Bracelet or Necklace
Throwback to middle school? Maybe. But friendship bracelets are trending again — especially cottagecore and pastel bead versions. Add initials, charms, or a funny code word only you two understand.
✨ Helpful Amazon Finds to Make Your DIY Gifts Easier
While DIY is fun, sometimes having the right supplies makes everything smoother. Here are a few things I personally recommend (and have used!).
📌 1. Acrylic Paint Markers
Perfect for decorating mugs, jars, cards, and scrapbooks. The colors are vibrant, long-lasting, and great for beginners.
Why I Love It: No artistic talent needed — everything looks aesthetic immediately.
👉 Click here to buy the paint markers on Amazon
📌 2. Mason Jar Set with Lids
If you're making memory jars, DIY candles, spa jars, or snack jars — this set is super versatile.
Bonus: Comes in a pack, so you can make multiple gifts or future projects.
👉 Shop the mason jars on Amazon
📌 3. Jewelry Making Kit
This kit includes everything—beads, charms, clasps, and tools—so you don’t have to buy pieces separately.
Perfect for: cute jewelry, aesthetic keychains, or friendship bracelets.
4. DIY Spa Basket
This gift looks luxurious but can be made entirely from scratch. Try making:
- Sugar scrub (brown sugar + coconut oil + essential oil)
- Homemade bath salts
- Hand-poured candle
Place everything in a cute basket with a handwritten card. Bonus if you make it pink and girly!
5. Candy or Snack Bouquet
This one is so fun and perfect if your best friend loves snacks. Glue treats to sticks and arrange them like flowers. Add a funny tag like:
“Because you're sweeter than chocolate.”
Yes, it’s cheesy — but adorable.
6. Customized Mug
Using the paint markers above, design a mug with:
- A cute quote
- Her name
- An inside joke
- A funny drawing
This is one of my favorite inexpensive last-minute presents because it feels thoughtful but takes under an hour.
7. DIY Perfume or Body Spray
Mix rose water, vanilla extract, or essential oils and pour into a cute atomizer. Add stickers or ribbon for an aesthetic finish.
This feels expensive but is incredibly budget-friendly.
8. Playlist in a Jar Gift
Create a playlist on Spotify or Apple Music, then print a QR code and place it in a tiny decorative jar.
Add dried flowers, glitter, or confetti.
Perfect for music lovers.
9. Open-When Letters
Write 5–15 envelopes labeled:
- Open when you're sad
- Open on your next birthday
- Open when you need confidence
- Open when you miss me
This is emotional, thoughtful, and unforgettable.
10. Cute Aesthetic Gift Box
Fill a small box with tiny handmade items like:
- Mini candles
- Tiny cards
- Beaded keychain
- Bracelet
- Chocolate
Decorate with pastel or pink tones for Pinterest vibes.
💬 Final Thoughts
Making something by hand isn’t just about saving money — though many of these inexpensive, DIY, simple, last-minute ideas definitely help with that. It’s about showing your bestie how much you care.
Whether your handmade gift turns out perfect or a little quirky, your best friend will love it — because it came from you.
If you try any of these easy DIY birthday gift ideas for best friend, tag or message her with a big birthday hug from me. 💕
Happy crafting, and happy gifting! 🎉