The Best DIY Gift Ever!

Compensation was provided by Target via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, Kari Herrera, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

Continuing our partnership with Target Style, this month we’re looking into what makes the perfect DIY gift.

Good gift-giving is a tricky enterprise. No matter how much we invest, be it time or money, what we give is either received as useful or it isn’t. There’s no in-between. Which is intimidating as a giver because an unusable gift isn’t a good gift. Not to mention, usefulness is an idea completely at the whims of personal preference.

Case in point: a friend once gave me a quilt. For context, this friend gave me a patchy county superstore quilt – as a wedding gift. I never registered for this quilt because no one would ever register for this particular quilt. It is hideous. I’m also pretty sure, like 500% sure, it was re-gifted to me. Still, in the thick of Chicago winters, when Netflix and chill is the only thing I want to do, this quilt is my best friend. I use it every day, fareals. It is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received, up there with my fish spatula and vacuum.

The Best DIY Gift Idea

I don’t celebrate Christmas. I do celebrate people, year-round. Especially the people who, when I think back on something they’ve said or done, make me want to be a better version of myself.

Many of my best friends spend long hours volunteering. This work involves waking up before the sun and braving the blistering cold. I’m sure they could use a gift that takes this lifestyle into consideration. Something that reflects their glamour and honors their goodwill.

On a mission to create that gift, I headed to Target where so many girlie goodies are on sale right now. I picked up two mascara kits, lip gloss sets, and other miscellaneous items, took apart the contents of each box and created these personalized kits.

Remember having to show your work when turning in math homework? That’s what DIY gifting is like. It says, “Hey. I could’ve just took the easy way out, but instead I spent time putting together this little something just for you!” Hopefully, these gifts will get more than an E for effort from my friends.

Personalized Beauty Kits

Hand sanitizer, writing utensils, sticky notes, facial tissue, and ibuprofen. I tried to collect a few pragmatic essentials.

Lip Gloss, mascara, and hand lotion. Necessary, but a little fun too.

Instead of boxes, I used cosmetic bags (check out these cute little personalized green striped bags) to hold each kit, making it all purse and glove compartment friendly.

Will you be giving DIY gifts all year-round? How will you create presents for the special folks in your life?

Find your style @TargetStyle!