DIY Handmade Gifts: Friendship Bracelets & Custom Photo Albums Your Squad Will Obsess Over

Because nothing says “I love you” like a gift made with your own two hands.

1. Boho Beaded Friendship Bracelets

Why It’s Perfect: Affordable, customizable, and Instagram-worthy.

• Materials:
  • Elastic cord ($5 for 50 yards on Amazon)
  • Mixed beads: wooden, glass, or alphabet beads ($8/set at Michaels)
  • Charms (optional: hearts, stars, or initials)
• Steps:
  1. Cut a 12-inch elastic cord.
  2. String beads in a pattern (e.g., “BFF” beads + alternating colors).
  3. Tie a double knot and seal with clear nail polish.
• Pro Tip: Make matching sets for your squad—“Sunsets & Rosé Crew” vibes!

2. Custom Photo Album with Pressed Flowers

Why It’s Perfect: Combines nostalgia with Pinterest-worthy aesthetics.

• Materials:
  • Blank scrapbook ($12 on Amazon)
  • Acid-free glue, pressed flowers ($6 on Etsy), and metallic pens
  • Printable photo templates (free on Canva)
• Steps:
  1. Print 4×6 photos with white borders.
  2. Arrange photos chronologically or by theme (“Beach Trips & Bad Decisions”).
  3. Add pressed flowers as accents and jot captions like “That time we stole the hotel waffle maker.”
• Pro Tip: Use washi tape for removable decorations.

3. Minimalist Macramé Bracelets

Why It’s Perfect: Trendy, gender-neutral, and great for beginners.

• Materials:
  • Cotton cord ($3/spool)
  • Gold or silver beads ($5/pack)
• Steps:
  1. Cut two 24-inch cords. Fold in half and knot to create a loop.
  2. Braid or use a square knot pattern, adding beads every 2 inches.
  3. Finish with an adjustable sliding knot.
• Pro Tip: Pair with a “Plant Mom” or “Chaotic Good” charm for humor.

4. Travel-Themed Mini Photo Albums

Why It’s Perfect: Perfect for road trips or girls’ getaway mementos.

• Materials:
  • Mini leather album ($9 on Amazon)
  • Polaroid prints, vintage map scraps, and a fine-tip pen
• Steps:
  1. Slot Polaroids into the album pockets.
  2. Glue map fragments as backgrounds (“Nashville to Napa”).
  3. Add witty labels like “Proof We Survived the Airbnb Hot Tub”.
• Pro Tip: Tuck a Starbucks gift card in the last page as a surprise.

5. Personalized Charm Bracelets

Why It’s Perfect: Sentimental and endlessly customizable.

• Materials:
  • Stainless steel chain ($6)
  • Charms: birthstones, initials, or inside-joke symbols ($10/set)
  • Lobster clasp and jump rings
• Steps:
  1. Attach charms to the chain using jump rings.
  2. Add a clasp for adjustable sizing.
• Pro Tip: Use “Mood: 90% Caffeine” or “Chaos Coordinator” tags for laughs.