Sometimes, the best way to show your friends love is with a birthday present that shows thoughtfulness and care. DIY gifts, like a scrapbook of fun mems you’ve made together, can pull at their heartstrings much more than a new hoodie or tumbler. From mini museums to handwritten letters, follow along to see which presents we’re making at home for our BFFs.
Handwritten Letters Book
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You’ve probably seen the trend “18 Letters For Your 18th Birthday,” but did you know you can do it for a BFF of any age? Whether they’re 13, 15 or 19, collecting letters is the most personal, thoughtful and genuine gift anyone could ask for. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to plan the process perfectly.
Step 1: Ask their close friends and fam to write BFF a handwritten letter. Think cousins, grandparents and yep, siblings! Don’t forget to include yourself…maybe even on the first page! Pro tip: Reach out to everyone *in advance* (we recommend 1-2 weeks before). That way, if a friend responds with a “sorry, I’m on a tight schedule!” you’ll have enough time to ask someone else.
Step 2: Grab an empty scrapbook, photos of your BFF and each person and lastly, decorations! Think stickers, ribbon, glitter and paint markers. Most importantly, you’ll need envelopes for this craft.
Step 3: Once you’ve collected all the handwritten letters, start designing the pages! Attach the back of an envelope to each page and make sure to leave it open. Dedicate one page per person and decorate away.
Jar Of Memories
Let’s be real: We’re always competing against our friends to have the best gift for BFF. What determines a first-place win? A laugh or happy cry from the birthday girl. But instead of getting just one reaction, here’s how you can get close to one hundred.
Step 1: Snag a jar from the back of your pantry and label it with a short message. Think: “Katie and Ashley’s Best Moments,” or “Read These For A Good Laugh (And Maybe A Nostalgic Cry, Too).”
Step 2: Find Post-its, construction paper or even plain printer paper and begin cutting them into small pieces. Give each note enough space for your message, but small enough to fold into the size of your thumb.
Step 3: This *important* decision depends on what type of friendship you have with BFF. Are you childhood friends or high school besties? If you’ve known them for several years, don’t be afraid to bring back a memory from when you first met. Think: Remember when we went to watch The Greatest Showman in theaters and then sang “Rewrite the Stars” all night? If you just met BFF, opt for something more recent. (Remember when we had to sing our “YMCA” parody in front of the entire science class?)
Step 4: Write all of your mems down on the small slips of paper, fold them up so the writing isn’t visible from the outside (your BFF will love the element of surprise with each note they open) and close the jar once full! First place medal = secured.
A Museum Of Us
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We just turned our fave date idea into a 10×10 keepsake. We’ve all admired creative and whimsical framed photos…but your pics with BFF? Those deserve a museum of their own.
Step 1: Snag your supplies. First, a shadow box frame. These extra-deep picture frames are a *must* for your museum’s floor. Next, collect small figurines. These mini people will be admiring your pictures, but make sure they’re small enough so you and BFF can admire the photos, too. Last but not least, you’ll need mini picture frames for those cute pics. If you want to make the room *extra* realistic, add in mini furniture (think benches or chandeliers)!
Step 2: For your museum’s wallpaper, either paint a fun pattern or use solid-colored construction paper. Or if your BFF is a minimalist gal, leave the wall plain.
Step 3: Find your fave pics of you and BFF and print them out. Pro tip: Sizing the pics to the picture frames can take a few tries, so we recommend printing one at a time to make sure you save time *and* ink.
Step 4: Last step… put everything together! Hot glue your photos and frames to the wall, and secure your mini people to the floor of the shadow box (facing the gorg pics, ofc). Optional: add mini lights to the top for that spotlight-on-your-friendship effect! Now the hardest part–wait for your bestie’s reaction…
Felt Name Flag
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Whether your BFF’s room looks like a Pinterest board or it’s in desperate need of new room decor, a felt name banner is the perf present.
Step 1: This project is *so* much easier with inspo. Look for design ideas on Pinterest, TikTok or Insta. Even if no designs catch your eye, it’s always helpful to see examples for reference.
Step 2: Grab felt from your nearby craft store. We recommend you stick to similar color schemes. Think yellow and pink, teal and blue or their college colors if they’re graduating.
Step 3: It’s time to sketch! Outline the letters of their name and small decorations (think hearts and stars). You can also cut out the banner in smaller sizes for that layered effect.
Step 4: Cut the shapes out and piece together a mock layout. Once you’re happy with the banner design, start hot gluing each decoration to the banner. Add ribbons, buttons or beads for the final touches!
Scrapbook Picture Frame
As much as we looove scrapbooks, a picture frame version ensures your fave page is always on display for people to admire. Here’s how you can craft the perfect friendship frame.
Step 1: Collect pics of you and BFF. Think photo booth strips, polaroids or even digital photos you can print out.
Step 2: Find small decorations that define your friendship. Maybe it’s a fair wristband or a book quote you both adore. Inside jokes and unique mementos make the gift especially personal, so try to collect items that are specific to your shared mems.
Step 3: Grab crafty decor, like fabric, felt or ribbon.
Step 4: Put it all together! Our fave part about scrapbooking? It’s *supposed* to look messy. You don’t need to overthink the layout because the photos, mementos and decor do all the talking for you.
Tag Us In Your DIY Gift Pics On IG @Girlslifemag!
Keep reading here for more craft inspo:
🎨Our Fave Summer Craft? Bedazzling *Everything*
🎨Your Old Clothes Need A Tie-Dye Makeover
🎨5 Easy Thrift Store Upcycles To Try
Image: @bookishwbomberry
