Even if you’ve never tried your hand at DIY, you’ve heard about it. It’s impossible not to these days. There are TV shows, websites, blogs, and social media pages all dedicated to the art of DIY.
In case you didn’t know, DIY stands for “do it yourself.” It’s a movement that’s become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for cheaper and easier ways to decorate and organize their homes.
Some of those “professional” DIY people are pretty ambitious. They’re willing to whip out a drill and start doing carpentry. Not all of us are quite at that level and that’s okay. In fact, DIY doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many options for people at every level of handiness.
Here’s the good news: most DIY projects require just a little bit of time, elbow grease, and maybe a glue gun. And in the end, you have a product that’ll hopefully make your life easier — and it’s customized for you.
Of course, it also helps that you spend less money…making things than buying them from a store.
So, grab a few tools and dive into these 75 DIY products that are super easy.
1. Make a cute Sharpie mug
Did you know you can make mugs in just a few simple steps? All you need is a mug, a Sharpie, and a standard oven. Get the full tutorial here.
2. Sew pillowcases together to make a body pillow
Body pillows are great for anyone who has a hard time getting comfortable at night — or just enjoys laying on the floor. These DIY pillows come together in barely any time at all.
3. Grab some paint and make a citrus serving tray
If you enjoy hosting get-togethers, you need something cute to put on your lunch table. These citrus-inspired serving trays are a perfect conversation piece for a party.
4. Turn a regular T-shirt into a tank top
If you don’t wear your old T-shirt anymore, don’t throw it away. Just upcycle it into a cute tank top. This simple tutorial will tell you how to do it.
5. Make a whiteboard in five minutes
Whiteboards are a great way to keep yourself organized instead of using lots of notes and calendars. But there’s no need to go buy one, make it yourself.
6. Hang pictures on a photo tree
It can be tricky to figure out the best way to hang your pictures. This easy DIY photo tree is a great way to put your family favorites where everyone can see them.
7. Make fake granite coasters
Did you know you can make granite coasters at home? Well, maybe not real ones. But these coasters are just as nice and easy to make in a short amount of time.
8. Make floating bookshelves
Floating bookshelves are an excellent way to keep your books organized, but store-bought ones can be pricey. Luckily, you can make them for a fraction of the price.
9. Turn old jeans into an organizer
It might sound crazy, but when your old jeans get worn, don’t throw them away. Just upcycle them into a handy organizer.
10. Make map magnets
Need some magnets for your fridge? You could go buy some. Or you could make these as a super easy and eye-catching alternative.
11. Make a no-sew pillow cover
If you want to change the look of your pillows — or make them easier to clean — it’s pretty easy. All you need is this no-sew pillow cover tutorial.
12. This fancy notebook is homemade
This notebook looks like a great gift for pretty much anyone — but it’s homemade. It’s not hard to make it with just a few special materials.
13. Turn a pot holder into a flatiron pocket
The next time you travel, you don’t have to worry about storing your flatiron, even while it’s hot. Just turn a pot holder into a flatiron storage pocket.
14. Make cute sandals
I bet you never knew you could make shoes. These macrame sandals are simple and easy, and they look great.
15. Make an adorable diaper cover in 10 minutes
If you have kids in cloth diapers, you know storage covers for them can be expensive. Thankfully, you can make one with a simple pattern.
16. Forget buying lamps at the store
Making a lamp seems insane, but you can do it in just 10 minutes. Even better, you can completely customize it.
17. Hang things on the wall with leather straps
Buying shelves can get pricey fast, but you can make them yourself. These hang on the wall with some simple but eye-catching leather straps.
18. Make a bike rack out of wooden pallets
If you have a bike, you need somewhere to park it so it’ll stay safe. You can make this DIY bike rack out of a simple wooden pallet.
19. Make a gorgeous ombre vase
This vase looks as though it came straight from a store, and the ombre effect makes it look like the vase is filling with smoke. But it’s super easy to make in just 10 minutes.
20. Turn corks into, well, a corkboard
If you have a bunch of leftover wine corks, don’t throw them in the garbage. Instead, upcycle them into a handy DIY corkboard.
21. Make a bathing suit cover
If you want a way to keep covered up at the beach or pool, you can make a bathing suit cover. Customize it any way you like — no sewing required.
22. Vintage knobs and a block of wood become a necklace holder
Make storing necklaces is super easy…you don’t need much. Simply grab a block of wood and a couple of assorted knobs to make it.
23. Upcycle a scarf into a skirt
Don’t wear that scarf much anymore? Turn it into a trendy draped skirt in just a few minutes. It shouldn’t be surprising to hear this version doesn’t require sewing, either.
24. Make an easy headscarf
If you want a cute new accessory for your hair, grab some wire and throw together this simple headband. It comes together in no time at all and it looks amazing.
25. Turn a plastic bottle into a tomato planter
We’re all for living green, and that means reducing plastic waste. If you want to be extra green, you can turn a plastic bottle into an upside-down tomato planter.
26. Turn popsicle sticks into coasters
Who knew that something as simple as popsicle sticks could be upcycled into coasters? These “mini pallet” coasters are a great way to protect your tables.
27. Make these cool candles out of crayons
It might sound strange, but it makes sense when you think about it. After all, candles and crayons are both made of wax, so making these is a cinch.
28. Turn a mason jar into a soap dispenser
There’s no need to throw a mason jar away when it’s empty. Instead, turn it into a liquid soap dispenser with a little personalization.
29. Make a chalkboard cheese plate
If you appreciate having nice things on the table during a party (and who doesn’t?) you’ll love this easy DIY chalkboard cheese plate. It’s a step up from just serving snacks on a regular platter.
30. Make a gorgeous basket
Most people never think about making baskets themselves but it’s easier than you think. All you need are a few simple materials and a knack for weaving an easy pattern.
31. Turn a pillowcase into a set of cloth napkins
If you have a pillowcase that’s past its prime, don’t throw it away. Salvage it by turning it into some chic cloth napkins.
32. Upgrade a regular laundry basket
All you need to make this chic laundry basket is a couple of items from the dollar store. Grab some rope, glue, and a cheap plastic basket and get to work.
33. Make a super easy plant box
Did you know a wooden pallet can become almost anything if you set your mind to it? A great beginner’s DIY project is this gorgeous three-tiered planter.
34. Turn a tin can into utensil storage
Even tin cans can be upcycled into something amazing. Wash them out, grab some paint, and turn them into gorgeous utensil storage.
35. Upcycle a book into a planter
If you have an old book you no longer read, turn it into a planter. It’s easier than you think, and this vintage book planter looks amazing.
36. Upgrade your lampshade
You don’t have to go to the store to get a new lampshade. Just break out the washi tape (or the paint if you prefer) and make one yourself.
37. Turn old T-shirts into a rug
T-shirts don’t have an infinite lifespan, and before long, you might find yourself with more than you can handle. But here’s the good news: it’s easy to turn them into a recycled rug.
38. Use old windows as picture frames
Who said you had to buy expensive frames for your pictures? If you have an old window frame lying around — or you see one at a thrift store — grab it to frame your family photos.
39. Transform baby food jars into planters
Saving containers can reduce a huge amount of waste AND save you money. If you have a little one at home, you’ve probably collected more baby food jars than you can count. Luckily, they’re perfect for upcycled planters.
40. Use a plastic soda bottle to store your jewelry
You might think it sounds tacky, but it’s easy to make a plastic soda bottle look great as a jewelry stand. You can even choose a specific color and customize it.
41. Make an easy wine rack
It’s easier to make a wine rack than you might think. With the rise of the shabby chic style, you don’t have to worry about any rough spots — just call them fashionable.
42. Create a nightstand from a suitcase
If you don’t have any use for your old suitcase, don’t donate it quite yet. Instead, turn it into a unique nightstand that’s bound to be a conversation piece.
43. Turn coffee containers into outside lights
If you’re like most people, you probably go through a lot of coffee cans throughout the year. But instead of tossing them, turn them into some awesome lights for your yard.
44. Use a cereal box to make a notebook
You’d never believe it unless you’ve seen it, but this stylish notebook is made out of an old cereal box. With a little ingenuity, you can turn trash into treasure.
45. Make a coffee cozy
If you carry a coffee around every day, you need a handy cozy to keep it warm. Don’t bother buying one, though. Instead, just make it yourself.
46. Make a phone case out of hot glue
If you don’t want to shell out a lot of money for an expensive phone case, don’t worry about it. Instead, grab your hot glue gun and make one yourself in minutes.
47. Turn an old hose into a rug
If you’re looking for a weatherproof rug for your deck, don’t run to the store. Instead, grab some zip ties and an old hose to make one.
48. Turn a book into a jewelry box
If you’re wondering what to do with an old book, don’t toss it in the donate pile. Rather, turn it into a jewelry box with personality.
49. Make a hanging garden from a closet organizer
You can find closet organizers at any dollar store, but they’re not only good for inside the house. They’re also a perfect choice for making a vertical garden.
50. Turn baby food jars into a magnetic spice rack
Spices accumulate in the cabinet only to fall out whenever you open the door. Turn some baby food jars into a spice rack that sticks to the front of your fridge.
51. Turn old clothes into…coasters
It might sound strange, but you can turn old clothes into coasters. Well, to be more exact, you can turn wool clothes into coasters with this simple tutorial.
52. Use spoons to create a cool lampshade
If throwing plastic spoons away makes you feel guilty, don’t contribute to the landfills. Instead, use them to make this amazing lampshade.
53. Organize your mail with wire baskets
Sorting mail can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. All you need are a couple of cheap wire baskets and you have a DIY mail sorting system.
54. Make a pet gate
If you have pets — or kids — who constantly follow you from room to room, it’s easy to make a gate. Even construction can be easy to DIY.
55. Make a hanging charging station for your phone
Do you get annoyed when you try to find a spot to charge your phone? Grab an empty lotion or shampoo bottle and turn it into a hanging charging station.
56. Hang baskets for wall storage
If you have a small bathroom, you probably struggle to figure out storage. You could hang floating shelves — or you could use a couple of baskets for some quick DIY work.
57. Hang your books
Figuring out how to store your books can be challenging. But you’re not stuck with just bookshelves. You can make a creative hanging book holder.
58. Organize your laundry baskets
If you have a big family, you probably get a little overwhelmed by all the laundry baskets cluttering your house. Luckily, it’s easy to DIY a handy laundry basket organizer.
59. Turn popsicle sticks into wall art
Believe it or not, you can turn popsicle sticks into wall art. These handy little creations can even hold up small art pieces or plants.
60. Transform jars into gorgeous lights
If you want to light up your home, don’t go to the store to buy fixtures. Instead, use mason jars to make some in a few simple steps.
61. Make a canopy bed
If you want to make your bedroom pop, think about getting a canopy bed. Well, when we say “get,” we actually mean “make” with this simple tutorial.
62. Make a fancy basket out of dollar store items
If you want to make an eye-catching basket, you can find everything you need at the dollar store. Who knew it was so cheap and easy to make your home look great?
63. Give your bed a fabric headboard
Don’t have a headboard? Don’t worry. All you need is a length of fabric, a board, and a glue gun to make an eye-catching fabric headboard.
64. Or make one out of a curtain
Who said a headboard has to be, well, a board? You can make a “headboard” out of a curtain to get the look without the expense.
65. Turn bits of yarn into a rug
If you have a lot of yarn accumulating in a craft box, put it to good use by making a rug. This shag rug is super easy to assemble and fun to make — and it looks great.
66. Turn a cardboard box into a chic toilet paper holder
Are you looking for a place to store your extra toilet paper? You don’t need anything fancy. Just grab a cardboard box and a couple of dollar store items to make one that looks chic.
67. Turn old sweaters into pillows
If your home needs more pillows, don’t bother shelling out a bunch of money for them. Make them yourself from comfy old sweaters found at a thrift store.
68. Upcycle your wine corks into a bath mat
Wine corks accumulate in junk drawers, but there’s no reason to let them sit unused. Instead, turn them into a DIY bath mat that’s comfortable and waterproof.
69. Turn old cans into a utensil organizer
If you thought there was no point in keeping old cans, think again. Wash them out, paint them, and turn them into a handy utensil organizer.
70. Use old CDs and make coasters
CDs were great back in the day, but now that we have streaming services, they’ve fallen by the wayside. The good news is, they’re easy to upcycle — like these fun coasters.
71. Make a handy picnic basket
If you love going outdoors for a picnic, you need a good basket. You’ll be happy to learn picnic baskets are incredibly easy to make with a few simple supplies.
72. Make a draft stopper out of socks
Losing air under your door can drive your heating bill up by as much as 30 percent. Save the heat — and your money — by making a draft stopper out of some old socks.
73. Turn cereal boxes into desktop organizers
Keeping your desk organized can be challenging but desktop organizers make all the difference. No need to run to the store, though. You can make one from cereal boxes.
74. Use a sweater to create a pet bed
Every pet needs a comfortable bed, but let’s be honest: they can be expensive. Why not make your pet a custom bed that smells just like you?
75. Turn a T-shirt into a tote
When you next hit the beach, you’ll need a tote bag for your things. If you don’t have one, you can easily make one from nothing but an old T-shirt.
75 easy DIY products that require very little effort but give all the benefits
Cedric Jackson
03.02.20
Even if you’ve never tried your hand at DIY, you’ve heard about it. It’s impossible not to these days. There are TV shows, websites, blogs, and social media pages all dedicated to the art of DIY.
In case you didn’t know, DIY stands for “do it yourself.” It’s a movement that’s become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for cheaper and easier ways to decorate and organize their homes.
Some of those “professional” DIY people are pretty ambitious. They’re willing to whip out a drill and start doing carpentry. Not all of us are quite at that level and that’s okay. In fact, DIY doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many options for people at every level of handiness.
Here’s the good news: most DIY projects require just a little bit of time, elbow grease, and maybe a glue gun. And in the end, you have a product that’ll hopefully make your life easier — and it’s customized for you.
Of course, it also helps that you spend less money…making things than buying them from a store.
So, grab a few tools and dive into these 75 DIY products that are super easy.