Make a one-of-a-kind birthday present that is as unique as the child you’re celebrating with this collection of 30+ DIY birthday gifts for kids.
Birthdays are typically a magical journey for kids. You get to anticipate gifts, fun times with friends and family, and being a year older.
Plus the day is all about you. If you had siblings (I had four of them!), birthdays were the one day of the year that you didn’t have to share.
As you get older, it’s not all about the gifts so much. Most times you can buy what you need or figure out a way around it. But the personal touches . . . those ALWAYS make birthdays special.
Crafting DIY birthday gifts for kids is not just a way to express your creativity, but also a heartfelt gesture that brings smiles and creates lasting memories.
In a world where most gifts are predictable like store-bought toys or gift cards, a handmade gift truly stands out.
Making DIY birthday gifts for kids that are both creative and memorable requires a thoughtful approach, so I’ve put together a selection of unique and kid-approved DIY gift ideas.
Whether you’re making something special for your own child, a niece or nephew, or a little one of a friend, these gifts are guaranteed to light up their birthdays.
From custom-crafted toys that ignite imagination to playful accessories that add fun to their playtime, each of these gifts is as delightful to create as they are to give.
They’re not just presents; they are tokens of love that tell a story and bring joy to both the giver and the receiver. They might even be something the little keeps forever.
So, let’s dive into the world of celebration crafts. Grab your craft supplies, and let your imagination soar as we explore a variety of DIY birthday gifts for kids.
Get ready to make their birthdays not just fun, but truly unforgettable with your unique creations!
DIY Birthday Gifts for Kids
Make a one-of-a-kind birthday gift that is as unique as the child you're celebrating with this collection of 30+ DIY birthday gifts for kids
Dollhouse
This cardboard box dollhouse takes a bit of time to create, but is definitely worth it. It has 3 floors, scrapbook paper rugs and wallpaper, and even a shingled roof!
Captain America Sit And Spin
Follow the detailed steps and video provided to make your own DIY Sit 'n Spin. A Captain America theme is shown, but you can customize it to the birthday kid!
Explorer Activity Kit
Making a gift for a child who likes to explore and examine things closer? This explorer activity kit is perfect for them!
Wire Word Jewelry
Bending wire takes some patience, but anyone can do it! Debi gives you a tutorial, including a video to show you how it's done. Customize with the embroidery floss colors of your choice.
Cuddly Robot
I'd like you to meet Meap the Robot! This cute crochet amigurumi robot is not only fun to play with, it is also cuddly to sleep with.
Fort Kit
Here is another kit idea for a gift: a DIY fort kit! Kids love making forts, and this idea comes with a free printable tag for your gift.
Clay Mermaid Box
Any mermaid-loving child will fall in love with this polymer clay mermaid box! Add a surprise inside the box with this DIY mermaid fin hair clip.
Wood Train Set
Train sets are a big hit with little ones. If you enjoy working with wood, this DIY gift is for you. It is the sort of toy that will last and get passed down from generation to generation!
Sprinkle Jewelry
Did you know you can use sprinkles in crafting? This colorful jewelry set consists of a bangle bracelet and rings. It just screams happy birthday!!
Reading Pocket Pillow
Giving a book for a gift can be hit or miss. Pair it with a personalized reading pocket pillow and it will definitely be a hit!
Perler Bead Bracelets
There are 2 ways you can give these bracelets as a gift. You can make them yourself, or you can make a kit so the birthday girl can make it herself! Just include the directions and perler beads needed.
IKEA Easel Makeover
Pick up a thrift store easel or use one you have at home. Once this is updated, it looks brand new and can be enjoyed for years to come!
Word Hair Pins
Learn how to make hair pins with the message of your choice! This is a fun fashion craft for kids and adults.
Large Yard Dice
Not only the birthday child, but their whole family will like this DIY gift! Create some easy DIY yard dice, put them in a basket and include some instructions for how to play different dice games.
Woodland Animal Finger Puppets
These woodland animal finger puppets are so adorable! Get the free patterns to make them with felt and a bit of sewing.
Nerf Gun Target Board
Does the birthday kid enjoy Nerf guns? Make a fun target board following the easy steps and video provided. Mom will be happy that they aren't shooting each other... or her!
Shut The Box Game
Make your own Shut The Box game to give as a gift. You'll need dice, a wood box, a square dowel and some paint. Personalize the box for the recipient.
Superhero Perler Beads
Instead of making these superheroes as a gift, give a child the patterns and perler beads needed to make them on their own! Both Marvel and DC patterns are included.
Teddy Bear Smartphone Case
How adorable is this? You won't believe what was used to make this teddy bear phone case... a glove! It even has a slot for a card and arms that close with magnets.
Play Campfire
Upcycle old socks (yes, socks!) into a kid's play campfire. It even has roasting sticks and marshmallows!.
Kids Indoor Tent
You could also give an easy to sew indoor tent to go with that campfire above! It can be enjoyed as a fort, a tent, or a quiet place to read.
Harry Potter Wands
Is the birthday child a Harry Potter fan? You could give a book, or movie and include these DIY magic wands in the gift!
Bean Bag Toss
I created a DIY bean bag toss game using clay saucers and a printable. This bean bag game is easy to assemble and makes a great gift for a child!
Unicorn Sugar Scrub
Whip up a batch of DIY unicorn sugar scrub in under 10 minutes with this quick and easy sugar scrub recipe. An awesome DIY homemade gift idea for girls!
You can also make DIY bath salts. Just another idea.
Giant Jenga Game
Here is another outdoor game idea: DIY giant Jenga! You'll use 2x4s to make it and the giant size will be a big hit with kids.
Perler Bead Crown
Do you love crafting with perler beads? Make a unique perler bead crown with this easy tutorial! Cute for a kid's dress up. Make it yourself, or gift all the materials needed so kids can make it on their own!
Secret Diary
Girls love diaries—especially if they have a lock! Find out how to make one from a notebook, and you can customize it to the recipient.
Octopus
An octopus stuffed animal can be enjoyed by any kid! Learn how to make one using kids' tights.
Comic Wall Art
Use comic books (or color copies!) and Mod Podge to make this comic book canvas wall art – a great gift for a child who is a comic book or superhero lover!
Fishbowl Necklace
You can make a DIY fish bowl necklace with resin and a few supplies. These cute necklaces are perfect for kids who like whimsical jewelry or those that love goldfish, these are absolutely the perfect gift!
Glitter Phone Case
Does the birthday kid have a phone? Make a them a DIY phone case with glitter and Mod Podge in four easy steps!
Personalized Bookmarks
DIY bookmarks with vinyl names will make reading fun! If you have a cutting machine, this is for you.
Personalized iPad Case
Learn how to make this DIY tablet case using a dollar store find! It's easy to do with Mod Podge. You can personalize it for the birthday child.
Did you enjoy these handmade gift ideas? I’d love it if you could share this list using the buttons below. Then check out these other kid-approved craft ideas: