So, my mother came up with a plan this year. 

Our family is going to change how Christmas gift-giving is done. No longer will we be allowed to rush hurriedly through malls and click on things on Amazon. 

No. She has called an end to all of that. Instead, she has declared that this year will be a handmade or upcycled Christmas. Nothing can be brand-new. Everything has to involve some element of creativity. You have to think, “What will he or she like, that I can make?”

And so, in response to this challenge, I’ve rallied the troops. A bunch of us bloggers have gathered up some of the best handmade gifts out there. From simple to advanced – from more involved to only $5 a project – there is a gift in our Ultimate Library of Handmade Gifts for everyone. 

The one recipient I’ve always had trouble brainstorming handmade gifts for is a whole half of the human population: men. For some reason, I get stumped when it comes to my hubby, dad, brother-in-law, or other guy friend. Unless he’s a huge fan of things-that-are-spray-painted, I find myself searching for ideas.

And I’ve found them. I’ve gathered 30 ideas for the fella in your life. And I think these ideas are pretty awesome. 

If you’re dealing with a Foodie:

Make this delicious Bacon Salt by Not Quite Nigella. 

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Is he a grilling machine? Make him this great BBQ shirt by The Cards We Drew. 

Perhaps package the t-shirt up with this Magic BBQ Rub by Stone Gable Blog? 

Sidenote: if he’s often outside with the grill, why not package up a few homemade citronella candles up for him? Keep the bugs away with this project by All Things G&D. 

Personalize his toothpick holder with this great tutorial by Lauren of The Thinking Closet! 

I REALLY want this amazing cheese and meat platter made from a wood slice. Get the tutorial from Man Made DIY.

Or maybe drinks on the patio are more his speed? Head to Garden Therapy and learn how to make these great wood slice coasters.

If he’s less woodsy, and more Comic Book Store, make these great Comic Book coasters. Amy from Mod Podge Rocks has the how-to!

And if he’s a connoisseur of things that are boozy: 

This Jack Daniels soap dispenser is great for the man who likes a bit of whiskey in his glass. Get the tutorial on Curly Birds!

Or maybe wine is his drink of choice? Make this great wine and glasses holder created by Down Home Inspiration. Picnics or tromps to the beach have never been easier! 

Or if it’s just having a beer in the backyard, create this $2 beer holder from a Man Made DIY tutorial! 

Present a few of his favourite ales in a personalized crate. Alex shows how she made this one for her own hubby on Northstory! 

If his drink of choice is coffee: 

Don’t let him burn his hands! Make a simple and easy cup cozy. Head to One Dog Woof to get the deets! 

Or break out the paints and design him a hand-painted mug! See how Amanda did it on Wit and Whistle.

Why not smell like your favourite drink? This is a soap to wake up with! Living Well Spending Less has the how-to. 

He wants to feel pretty too:

Hard-working hands take a beating. Help him scrub ’em up with the Manly Scrub created by Paper Turtle.

Winter brings cracked and chapped hands. Give him some MANhand salve in his stocking. Head to Crunchy Betty to get the recipe!

Or what about a nice Rosemary Mint shaving cream? Food for My Family has the tutorial. 

He likes to play games:

Kenzie’s Jumbo Jenga project is perfect for the outside BBQ or party! Paint it or leave it natural! 

Or take Build Basic’s pattern for a Baggo set and give him a great game to take camping!

Does he have a man cave? Or even just a basement? This wall-friendly cork board and dart set will be a hit! 

And in that man cave, add some amazing sports memorabilia to the wall. Emily from The Benson Street has this easy tutorial!

Maybe chess is more his speed? Make a customized set from nuts and bolts! Tutorial on WonderHowTo.

Or maybe puzzles are his thing? This easy-to-make puzzle is actually very tricky to solve! Get the pattern at American Woodworker.

He’s practical:

Make him this charging station to keep everything together (and fully charged). Tutorial on Driven By Decor.

If he’s working with odds and ends (screws, nails, pins or paperclips), why not follow Pauline’s instructions on My Altered State to make a magnetic wrist band? 

Or create a bedside table organizer for his watch and rings? House of Hepworths has the How-To for this piece.

Does he write? Or carry a planner? Personalize it with this tutorial by Mufn Inc.

How are you going to wrap it? ChiWei from On Dog Woof knows. 

If he’s a bit lovey-dovey:

Tell him that you are too. This 52 Things That I Love About You is just plain nice. Why not tell him how you feel? Get some ideas for this project from Visual Heart.

And there’s more!

The girls and I have created an amazing collection of handmade gift tutorials and inspiration.The Ultimate Library of Handmade Gifts is an invaluable resource. Make it personal and make it handmade this year. Get your ideas below.

Sewing Gifts for Kids by Li’l Miss Tori
30 Minute Gifts by It Happens In A Blink
Mason Jar Gifts by Sweet Tea and Saving Grace
Jewelry and Wearable Gifts by One Artsy Mama
Gifts for the Loveable Nerd by 4 You With Love
Handmade Beauty Gifts by Pitter and Glink 
Wooden Handmade Gift Ideas by One Dog Woof
Gifts for Avid Readers by The Benson Street
$5 Handmade Gifts by Happy Go Lucky 
DIY Coaster Gifts by The Thinking Closet

Looking for more gift ideas? 

Make Your Own Beeswax Candles!

Make Wood Slice Magnets! 

Spray Paint Something (seriously – it’s amazing!)

Don’t Forget to Follow my Gifts for Men Pinterest board:

 
Follow Tara @ Suburble’s board Handmade Gifts for Men on Pinterest.