9 Unique DIY Gift Ideas During Quarantine to Connect with Family and Friends

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Don’t miss out on these unique DIY gift ideas during quarantine that might be the best way to connect with your loved ones this December.

For many of us, this holiday season lacks the excitement that usually comes in December. Things that typically bring us joy – like visiting family, going to shows, and exchanging gifts – feels more challenging than ever. Not to mention the financial stress some of us are experiencing.

It’s difficult not to feel disconnected and disheartened when thinking about this holiday season – especially around gifts. 

For the past fifteen years, my cousins and I have come together and exchanged thoughtful gifts. This year, we can’t even see each other, let alone create experiences or DIY gift ideas for one another. How can we gift fun experiences to each other? Does sending an Amazon package feel as meaningful? 

As I contemplated calling off the exchange, my cousin came up with a unique DIY gift idea. And my other cousin came up with another.

All of a sudden, my disenchantment began to fade away. A newfound inspiration took its place. I began to brainstorm gift-giving ideas that can connect us from afar—unforgettable, unique DIY gift ideas during quarantine that will mean far more than any physical purchase.

I’m so excited by the possibility of these unique DIY gift ideas during quarantine and their ability to connect people from afar. Hopefully they can help us all find more meaning and connection this holiday season.

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You can read the post or watch the vlog I made about it below:

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9 Unforgettable and Unique DIY Gift Ideas During Quarantine to Connect with Family and Friends

1. Donate to a charity of their choice

This pandemic has rocked everyone around the world. For those still doing okay financially, it might feel weird to spend our money freely while others are hurting. After all, can I really accept this new candle when I know some people are facing eviction, food shortages, and job loss?

Giving to others is proven to increase our happiness, yet we don’t always think of donating – especially around the holidays. That’s why donating for someone else can be such a unique DIY gift idea during quarantine. And it doesn’t matter how much it’s for; you don’t even need to make the amount public.

Send your gift recipient a message asking them to choose a charity or cause important to them. Then, donate in their name. While this unique DIY gift idea during quarantine removes the “surprise” element, I guarantee it will be appreciated for longer than just the holiday.

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2. Plan a pizza hangout night from afar

If you’re like me, virtual “Happy Hours” feel a bit tired. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add a fun new twist with a virtual event. Especially for those who aren’t traveling home for the holidays, you can replicate a good pizza hangout – from afar.

Find a date and time that works for you and your gift receivers to hang out virtually. Then, ask them for their favorite local pizza order. When the date arrives, call in their pizza order and pay for it with your credit card. 

It’s your choice to zoom, use Netflix party, or another video call site. The point is that you can all “hang out” and enjoy warm, fresh pizza together. (The only downside? No sharing slices this time!) Your friends are sure to enjoy the meal and experience.

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3. Give the gift of memories

Just because you can’t make a new memory this holiday season doesn’t mean that you can’t appreciate old ones. Many of us are feeling disconnected and depressed during these social distancing times. A great way to brighten spirits is to take a walk down memory lane.

Spend some time thinking of your best memories together. Maybe they’re funny moments, embarrassing stories, or previous holiday shenanigans. Then, put these memories together in a list to give to your gift recipient.

Use your strengths and get creative with this DIY gift idea list. Maybe you can send it in a letter, create a photo book, or edit a video montage. Whatever creative outlet you land on, your gift recipient will undoubtedly appreciate the thought you put into creating the list.

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4. Write a letter

In the age of texting, our lives are composed of quick communications and short replies. How nice would it be to receive a thoughtful, well-written letter? An unforgettable and unique DIY gift idea can be writing a letter to someone you care about.

You can compose the letter in any way that you like. However, some ideas include sharing memories, expressing love, and sharing gratitude for all that someone has done for you. Too often, we’re afraid to be vulnerable or say how much we care. A letter can be the perfect means for sharing our feelings.

Don’t fret too much about the wording of your letter. It’s the message that will shine through. Feel free to handwrite it or type it. You can send it via mail or email (although don’t discount the joy of receiving a surprise letter in the mail).

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5. Create a personalized playlist of media and books

The best gifts say, “I know you well and thought this would be perfect for you.” But does this sentiment need to be shown through a physical purchase? A beautifully unique DIY gift idea is to create a personalized “playlist” of things you’d recommend for someone.

This unique DIY gift idea can take into account both your strengths and interests, as well as the gift recipients. If you’re an expert on music, consider making a playlist of songs you think the person would enjoy. Perhaps you’re an avid movie watcher, and you can curate a list of movies specific to the person’s interests.

While you don’t want to pick a media that your gift recipient isn’t into (for example, I probably wouldn’t recommend movies to someone who doesn’t own a television), you can still expose someone to a wide range of ideas. Maybe you create a list of podcasts, Netflix shows, Youtube vlogs, or books. Or perhaps you create a collection of all sorts of mediums. How fun it will be for the person to go through your recommendations and let you know what they think!

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6. Customize a cookbook or list of recipes

With most restaurants off-line, some of us might be missing the experience of a fun, new meal. And, even though we’ve spent a lot of time in our kitchens, meal prep might be getting a bit old. A unique DIY gift during quarantine can be spicing up one’s cooking experience. 

Create a customized menu or list of recipes that you think your gift recipient would enjoy. You can put them together through organized links, printed directions, or a custom-designed “cookbook.” (If you haven’t used Canva before, I highly recommend it.)

However you decide to add flavor to your gifted cookbook, this unique DIY gift idea shows that you’re thinking of the person and their tastes. To add to your unique DIY gift, you can send them the ingredients via Amazon groceries or local grocery online orders. To make it more fun, you can plan to cook the same recipes and talk about your experience!

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7. Film a personalized video

Warning: this unique DIY gift idea might not be for those that are camera shy. In the times of COVID and social distancing, many of us cannot see each other as we usually would. While Facetime and Zoom are great, sometimes it can feel tiring to talk on camera.

That’s why a fun gift idea is to film a video and send it to your gift recipient. This requires a bit of creativity and editing; that being said, you don’t have to be a filmmaker to send a thoughtful video. Consider saying something sweet, collecting a montage of funny videos, or making a photo and video clip slideshow. Maybe it’s just an “I’ve been thinking of you” video letter.

Whatever idea you land on, your gift recipient will relish the opportunity to see you – even if it’s recorded. (Not to mention the fact that they can replay it as many times as they want!)

8. Tap into your artistic talents

Buying things is okay, but we all know that making things is more memorable. And you don’t have to be a professional artist to make a unique and meaningful gift. Consider your artistic talents. Are you a good cartoonist, singer, or writer?

Whatever your particular craft is, create something personalized for your gift recipient. Maybe you can draw a cartoon of your fun times together or write a short story with the setting or plot resembling the person’s life. The amount of thought and attention that goes into this gift will be far more meaningful than opening a physical gift.

Imagine how meaningful it will be for them to know that you designed this creative piece specifically for them. The best part? Your creative piece doesn’t need to be hung up or framed; it can live in their digital folders and be brought out anytime they want to smile.

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9. Plan an adventure

Trying to plan anything for ourselves during quarantine can feel exhausting. However, planning something for others might just be the perfect thing to spark our inspiration. And we all could use some novel ideas and “events” to look forward to, no matter how simple.

Consider where your gift recipient lives. Put together an itinerary for them to explore new places or drive scenic routes. If you want to get really creative, you can create a scavenger hunt for them. (And if you want to get technical, check out these scavenger hunt apps.) 

You can also plan a night in for them. Make a schedule for them to watch a movie, play a game, or get takeout. Your adventure can be big or tiny, sentimental or funny. If you want, you can pay for the night from afar or join in on a video call. 

Not only will they appreciate the break from monotony, but they’ll appreciate the individualized attention you gave to their plan.

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Conclusion: Unforgettable and Unique DIY Gift Ideas During Quarantine to Connect with Loved ones

I’ve struggled in the past with gift-giving. In particular, I’m not too fond of the pressure to buy something for the sake of a physical gift. Especially when I know that, more often than not, the discarded gift will end up in the back of a closet or thrown away by spring. 

Not only did this buying-and-discarding cycle feel wasteful, but it lacked meaning for me.

To combat this begrudging stress, I began to buy experiences in recent years; concert tickets, theater shows, and DIY gift cards. Things that my friends and family would enjoy. I loved the fact that I could give them a memory, not a wasted appliance. (Here’s looking at you, 2016 milk frothers.)

This year, however, the times of COVID and social distancing threatened my newfound gift-giving joy. 

Fortunately, my cousins helped me realize there is still potential for unique experience-based gifts during COVID times. What’s more, your friends and family will appreciate these unique DIY gift ideas now more than ever.

If you’re feeling disconnected this holiday season, I encourage you to try one of these ideas.

The creation, giving, and using of these unique DIY gift ideas will unite you much longer than any purchased item would.

1. Donate to a charity of their choice
2. Plan a pizza hangout night from afar
3. Give the gift of memories
4. Write them a letter
5. Create a personalized playlist of media
6. Customize a cookbook or list of recipes
7. Film a personalized video
8. Tap into your artistic talents
9. Plan an adventure for them

Do you have another great idea? Drop it in the comments below!

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FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS

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Comment below with answers, ideas, and more questions, or contact me to collaborate on a future post!

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EXPLORING YOURSELF

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What has been the best gift you’ve received?

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How can you connect with loved ones without seeing them?

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What unique skills or talents do you have that could be made into a gift?

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EXPANDING YOUR WORLD

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How do we overcome feeling vulnerable around gifts?

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How can we encourage vulnerability during the holidyas?

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Why does giving gifts make us happier?

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