null
Free DIY Gift Ideas Under Rs. 1000 (That People Will Actually Love)

Posted by Sabin on Jul 31, 2025

Free DIY Gift Ideas Under Rs. 1000 (That People Will Actually Love)

You don’t have to spend a lot to give a great gift.
These 10 fun and easy DIY gift ideas cost less than Rs. 1000 to make — but they deliver major wow factor. Whether it's for a birthday, Rakhi, Dashain, or just because, these gifts show you care without emptying your wallet.

Each idea includes:

  • Purpose/Occasion

  • Materials + Tools

  • Step-by-step guide

  • Bonus upgrade idea

  • Optional Giftmandu add-ons to personalise or elevate your gift

Let’s jump in!

1. Memory Jar

Perfect for: Birthday, Farewell, Rakhi, or even Anniversaries

A memory jar is a heartwarming gift filled with notes, memories, or quotes — one for each day, week, or mood. It's personal, thoughtful, and feels like giving a hug in a jar.

Materials Needed:

  • A clean glass jar (mason jar, old coffee jar, or any reused jar)

  • Small slips of coloured paper or sticky notes

  • Ribbon, jute, or string

  • Optional: beads, buttons, dried flowers, glitter

Tools Required:

  • Scissors

  • Pen or marker

  • Glue (optional, for decorations)

How to Make It (Step-by-Step):

  1. Clean & dry the jar — remove labels if you're upcycling.

  2. Cut paper into small squares (about 2"x2").

  3. Write 20–50 short notes — memories, things you love about the person, jokes, inside stories, compliments, or future plans.

  4. Fold each note and place them inside the jar.

  5. Decorate the jar with ribbon around the lid or stick small cutouts on the glass.

  6. Add a label/tag: “Open When You Miss Me”, “52 Reasons I Love You”, or “Memory Jar – 2024”.

Bonus Tip:

If you want to level it up, add small chocolates or candies between notes for an extra surprise.

Optional Giftmandu Add-On:

Add a printed photo sticker for the jar or wrap it in a personalised paper from Giftmandu’s custom gift wrap options.

2. Handmade Coupon Book

Perfect for: Rakhi, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Valentine’s Day

A coupon book is a fun and personal gift that offers the receiver little treats or favours they can redeem — like “Free back massage”, “Movie night of your choice”, or “One guilt-free chocolate binge.”

It’s creative, customisable, and surprisingly meaningful.

Materials Needed:

  • A4 paper or thick coloured paper

  • Ribbon or staple pins to bind

  • Optional: washi tape, stickers, printed icons or emojis

Tools Required:

  • Scissors

  • Pen or markers

  • Hole punch (or just use a stapler)

  • Ruler (optional, for neat cuts)

How to Make It (Step-by-Step):

  1. Cut your paper into small cards (around 3"x6" works well — like mini cheques).

  2. Write one “coupon” per card — like:

    • “Good for one day of no chores”

    • “Redeem for a movie + snacks night”

    • “One phone call without interruption”

  3. Decorate each card with doodles, icons, or stickers.

  4. Stack the cards and either punch a hole to tie them with ribbon, or staple one end to bind them into a flipbook.

  5. Add a cover page: “Coupon Book for [Name]” or “Rakhi Special: Brother’s Privileges Book”.

Bonus Tip:

Make it themed! Romantic for your partner, funny for your brother, helpful for parents, etc.

Optional Giftmandu Add-On:

Order personalised greeting cards or name-printed keychains to include with your DIY coupon book:
Giftmandu Personalised Gifts

3. Personalised Photo Frame

Perfect for: Dashain, Anniversaries, Farewell, Rakhi

A photo frame never goes out of style — especially when you make it yourself. Personalise it with memories, dates, or messages for a truly one-of-a-kind gift.

Materials Needed:

  • Sturdy cardboard (reuse a delivery box or thick notebook cover)

  • Printed photo

  • Wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, or fabric scraps

  • Small decorative items (buttons, stickers, dry flowers, ribbon)

Tools Required:

  • Scissors or box cutter

  • Glue or double-sided tape

  • Ruler and pencil

  • Pen/marker for personalisation

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Cut out a rectangle frame from the cardboard (around 6"x8").

  2. Cut a slightly smaller rectangle inside to create the photo window.

  3. Cover the frame with decorative paper or fabric. Secure neatly.

  4. Stick the photo behind the window using tape.

  5. Add a back panel to hold the photo in place (leave one side open if removable photo is preferred).

  6. Decorate the front with embellishments, and write a date or message.

Bonus Tip:

Add a small stand at the back with a folded piece of cardboard so it stands on a table.

Optional Giftmandu Add-On:

Order a personalised photo printed on a magnet, wood, or canvas to level up your frame:
Photo Gifts

4. Sweet Box with a Twist

Perfect for: Dashain, Tihar, Bhai Tika, Birthdays

A simple box of sweets becomes a thoughtful gift when you add a twist — notes, small surprises, or a personalised label.

Materials Needed:

  • Small box or leftover gift box

  • Homemade or store-bought sweets (barfi, chocolates, cookies)

  • Tissue paper or cupcake liners

  • Handwritten note or greeting card

Tools Required:

  • Scissors

  • Pen

  • Ribbon or washi tape

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Line the box with colourful tissue or paper.

  2. Add sweets — arrange them in cupcake liners or rows.

  3. Slip in handwritten notes or tiny “fortunes” beneath each sweet.

  4. Add a ribbon or wrap and attach a tag with your message.

Bonus Tip:

Decorate the box lid with their name or a festival greeting using markers or stickers.

Optional Giftmandu Add-On:

Order a sweet sampler box or premium mithai add-on from:
Mithai Gifts

5. Custom Quote Poster

Perfect for: Friendship Day, Teacher’s Day, Anniversaries

Turn a powerful quote into a wall-worthy piece of art using hand-lettering or collage techniques.

Materials Needed:

  • A4 or A3 sheet

  • Markers, brush pens, or watercolours

  • Printed quotes or old magazines (optional for collage)

  • Decorative tape or stickers

Tools Required:

  • Pencil

  • Ruler

  • Eraser

  • Frame (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Choose a quote that fits the occasion.

  2. Lightly sketch your layout with a pencil.

  3. Letter it in bold using markers or paint.

  4. Decorate the background with stickers, drawings, or collage.

  5. Frame it or roll and tie with ribbon.

Bonus Tip:

Use their handwriting or inside jokes as part of the design for a personal touch.

Optional Giftmandu Add-On:

Frame it with a custom photo frame or gift alongside a printed message plaque.

6. Mini Scrapbook or “Open When” Letters

Perfect for: Farewell, Long-Distance, Rakhi, Breakups

Give them a box of notes or a tiny scrapbook filled with memories, reminders, or open-when letters.

Materials Needed:

  • Colourful paper or envelopes

  • Small box or folder

  • Stickers, washi tape, printed photos

Tools Required:

  • Scissors

  • Pen

  • Glue or tape

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Write 5–10 notes: “Open when you miss me”, “Open when you’re bored”, etc.

  2. Decorate envelopes or fold into mini booklets.

  3. Label each one clearly and arrange in the box/folder.

  4. Add photos or keepsakes to match the letter themes.

Bonus Tip:

Include small items inside the envelopes like a teabag, quote card, or tiny drawing.

Optional Giftmandu Add-On:

Add a personalised greeting card or custom printed message keyring.

7. DIY Candle in a Jar

Perfect for: Romantic Gifts, Tihar, Self-Care Birthdays

Homemade candles are easier than you think — and smell amazing.

Materials Needed:

  • Wax (reuse old candles or buy paraffin wax)

  • Wick or cotton thread

  • Clean jar or teacup

  • Essential oil (optional)

Tools Required:

  • Metal or glass container for melting

  • Spoon

  • Lighter

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Melt wax in a double boiler or cup placed in boiling water.

  2. Place wick in jar, fix it upright with tape or a pencil across the top.

  3. Add a few drops of oil for scent.

  4. Pour wax into jar, let it cool for 3–4 hours.

  5. Decorate the jar with jute, ribbon, or a label.

Bonus Tip:

Layer coloured wax for a striped effect.

Optional Giftmandu Add-On:

Pair it with a box of incense, tea lights, or a self-care gift.

8. Decorated Mug with Sharpies

Perfect for: Coffee lovers, Birthdays, Teachers

Customise a plain mug with drawings, quotes, or patterns.

Materials Needed:

  • White ceramic mug

  • Oil-based Sharpie markers or ceramic pens

Tools Required:

  • Oven (optional, for setting ink)

  • Rubbing alcohol and cotton (to clean surface)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Clean the mug’s surface with rubbing alcohol.

  2. Draw your design using oil-based markers.

  3. Let it dry, then bake at 175°C for 30 minutes (optional).

  4. Cool completely before washing or gifting.

Bonus Tip:

Write a secret message on the bottom of the mug!

Optional Giftmandu Add-On:

Order a fully custom-printed mug:
Custom Mugs

9. Homemade Bath Soak or Scrub

Perfect for: Birthday, Self-Care Kits, Mother’s Day

Create a spa-in-a-jar gift using simple pantry ingredients.

Materials Needed:

  • Epsom salt or coarse sea salt

  • Baking soda

  • Essential oil

  • Dried rose petals or citrus peels

  • Small jar or bottle

Tools Required:

  • Spoon

  • Bowl

  • Ribbon, tag

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Mix 1:1 salt and baking soda in a bowl.

  2. Add 5–10 drops of essential oil.

  3. Stir in petals or dried ingredients.

  4. Spoon into a jar, seal tight.

  5. Label with a cute tag: “Relax, you deserve it.”

Bonus Tip:

Create a “spa hamper” by combining it with tea bags, a candle, and a face mask.

Optional Giftmandu Add-On:

Add a mini towel, spa mask, or self-care item from your gift collection.

10. Upcycled Gift Basket

Perfect for: Dashain, Thank You Gifts, Birthdays

Create a curated gift basket using items you already have — snacks, stationery, care items — wrapped up beautifully.

Materials Needed:

  • Old basket or shoebox

  • Wrapping paper, fabric, or newspaper

  • Small snacks, gifts, DIY crafts

Tools Required:

  • Glue or tape

  • Scissors

  • Ribbon or twine

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Wrap or line the box with fabric or paper.

  2. Arrange the items inside with filler like tissue or shredded paper.

  3. Add a label or note card with your message.

  4. Tie with ribbon or cover with transparent sheet wrap.

Bonus Tip:

Choose a theme — tea basket, chill kit, study survival box, etc.

Optional Giftmandu Add-On:

Add a personalised tag, rakhi, or small festive gift from your store to round it out.

Final Tips:

  • Personalise the gift — use names, dates, or inside jokes

  • Clean and neatly pack everything — presentation matters!

  • Include a handwritten note — it makes all the difference

  • Stick to your budget — most of these can be made with Rs. 500 or less

Bonus: Make It a Combo with Giftmandu

Want to boost your DIY with a little something extra?
Pair your homemade gift with:

You stay thoughtful — we help you level it up.

!