Photo via Just Imagine
It's no secret that the summertime is pretty much prime time for weddings. The beautiful weather and relaxed feel of the season truly do lend an enhanced sense of romanticism to summer weddings. That being said, finding the perfect wedding gift can be tricky, and as we are all a part of a community of creative thinkers and makers, we all know that the gifts we create ourselves are so much more meaningful and beautiful than anything that could be bought in a store. That being said, sometimes we all just need a little boost to be inspired and to jog our creativity. On that note, here are some truly stunning (and practical) wedding gift ideas that can be whipped up in no time.
P.S. Retailers, when you have customers that are shopping for wedding preparation materials, you could always give them some extra inspiration and share these ideas.
Photo via Brit + Co
Things You'll Need
- Cotton Throw/Toss Pillows (or make your own pillows with this "Make Pillows: 12 Stylish Projects To Sew" pattern book!)
- Cotton Swabs
- Fabric Paint (Iridescent Paintstiks are a beautiful option)
- Rubbing Alcohol
This may just be the easiest handmade present anyone could possibly make - and it's as beautiful as it is simple. With a couple of fabric markers, plain pillows and rubbing alcohol, it is easy to create a personalized, high-end looking piece that will enhance any newly married couple's home.
A Memory-Filled Photo Block Quilt 
Photo via Susan Custom Quilts
Things You'll Need
- Fabric
- Photographs
- Bubble Jet and Freezer Paper (to print the photographs on the fabric)
- Rotary Cutter
- Binding
- Batting
- Square Up Ruler
- Thread
- Quilting Needles
Ask any passionate quilter, and it's unlikely they can think of a special occasion that doesn't warrant a new quilt. While there are a ton of beautiful quilt patterns that would work well as a wedding gift, this photo block quilt is especially personal. What could possibly make a better wedding gift than weaving together one's most cherished memories? This pattern may take time, but the effort is worth it as it will result in an heirloom-worthy gift that will be cherished for years and years.
Photo via Flamingo Toes
Things You'll Need
- Binder or a notebook
- Fabric (twice as much fabric is required to cover the binder)
- A spoon (or you could swap it for a fork. An antique style would be very cute.)
- Hot glue gun and glue
- Posterboard or light cardboard
- Scissors
- Fabric marking pen
- Embroidery floss
- Embroidery needle
While online recipes have kind of taken the place of traditional cookbooks in a lot of people's homes, it is unlikely that one will ever be able to find the recipe for their great grandmother's "Strawberry Rhubarb Pie" or their father's "Seafood Paella" on the internet. There is something that is so comforting about leafing through a tactile cookbook, looking at traditional family recipes that have been passed through the generations. This beautiful embroidered DIY would make the ideal gift for a new couple who are just starting to collect and create family recipes together.
Photo via Eyes Of India
Things You'll Need
- Old bed sheets (3 king size flat sheets, more if you have fitted sheets)
- Sturdy corrugated cardboard
- Tapestry needle or masking tape
- Scissors
An eye-catching rug can completely transform the look and feel of a space in an instant. This relatively simple (and eco-friendly) project will result in a beautiful, utterly unique gift for one's favorite couple. It also would make a great housewarming gift!
Custom Tote Bag (for bridesmaids/wedding guests)
Photo via Tip Junkie
Things You'll Need
- 3/4 yard duck fabric
- 3/4 yard duck fabric in a coordinating color
- 3/4 yard heavy interfacing
- All-purpose thread
- Rotary cutter and mat
- 3″ wide ruler
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Ironing board and iron
- Optional - embroidery floss and needle
A custom-made tote bag would make a great gift for wedding guests or bridesmaids. This is a relatively simple project and the best part is that it can be completely customized for each individual bridesmaid, depending on their tastes and personal style. For an even more personalized, monogrammed gift, the recipient's initial could be embroidered onto each bag.
Photo via Poppytalk
Things You'll Need
- 2-3 yards 1/4" foam
- Fabric
- Fabric paints
- Scotch tape
- Markers
- T-pins or sewing pins
- Plastic folders or tray
- Scissors
- X-ACTO knife
- Contact paper (transparent)
- Containers
- Spatulas
- Iron
- Rubber bands
- Stamps (optional)
Handmade tea towels are a very traditional wedding gift and are as practical as they are pretty. This particular DIY results in a set of towels that are contemporary and vibrant, with an artisanal vibe that feels very high-end. All one needs to create these stunning tea towels is essentially some fabric, fabric paint, and an imagination.
Romantic Gift Basket (with a handmade basket!)
Photo via Easton Events
Photo via Alice and Lois
Things You'll Need
- Piping
– 3/8", 25 yards
- Leather strips
- Rivets
- Leather punch
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Bucket
– 3/8", 25 yards
Options To Fill The Basket With
- Champagne/sparkling apple juice
- Wine
- Gourmet chocolates
- Luxury or handmade candles
- Luxury soaps
- Couple-themed towels/pottery/slippers/robes
- Gift cards for a couples retreat/spa experience
- Gourmet popcorn
- Homemade liqueurs
- Coffee/Tea
- An appliance like an espresso maker/ice-cream maker/blender
Gift baskets are a classic choice when it comes to wedding gifts. One way to elevate them further is for one to make the basket by hand using cotton or satin piping and leather straps. This particular DIY requires zero sewing and results in a basket that is very luxurious looking. When it comes to basket fillers, the sky is the limit (see our list above for a few options). Plus, once the contents of the basket are gone, it could just as easily be used to store magazines, books, wine, and/or rolls of yarn (of course).
Are there any DIY wedding gift ideas that we should have mentioned? Let us know in the comments!
