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Many of us spend money on things we could easily make ourselves. Creating our own everyday items allows us to be more creative and self-sufficient.
It’s also a great way to save money and live more sustainably. This guide will show you 50 everyday items you can make your own at home.
I hope my list inspires you to try your hand at some of these projects and experience the joy of creating for yourself.
Food & Kitchen Creations
1. Bread:
I bake artisan bread that tastes better than store-bought loaves. Homemade bread connects us to traditional cooking methods.
2. Spice Blends:
You can craft your own taco, curry, and Italian seasonings. These are also inexpensive compared to supermarket seasonings. By mixing your own spices, you can get fresh spices without the unnecessary preservatives.
3. Granola Bars:
Store-bought granola bars usually contain hidden sugars and preservatives. You can create home nutrition-rich bars filled with nuts, seeds, and pure ingredients. You can also experiment with adding honey, seasonal nuts, and some dried fruits.
4. Salad Dressings:
Avoid using bottled dressings laden with stabilizers and excess sodium. Homemade vinaigrettes take just two minutes to prepare. You only need simple ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and quality vinegar.
5. Pickles:
Here in my place, during summer I usually make cucumber preserves. Pickling is the best way to capture seasonal produce and create probiotic-rich snacks. You can experiment with different spices and vinegar to have your own pickle recipe.
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6. Kombucha:
This has become my weekly ritual. It helps with gut health and saves money. You also gain complete control over ingredients, sugar levels, and flavor profiles.
7. Pasta Sauce:
When summer tomatoes are at their peak, bulk cooking and freezing homemade marinara becomes an eco-friendly meal prep strategy. If we use local organic tomatoes, it reduces packaging waste and also supports local farmers.
8. Herb-Infused Oils:
The homemade garlic, rosemary, and chili oils are simple to create and can make your dish yummy. You can also gift them to fellow food lovers.
9. Vanilla Extract:
A bottle of vodka and a few quality vanilla beans can produce a yummy extract. You can customize the intensity and watch your extract develop depth over time.
10. Bone Broth:
Don’t discard those chicken bones! Creating nutrient-rich stock is a sustainable way to maximize every ingredient. It is inexpensive too. Homemade bone broth can be used in soups, risottos, and as a healing daily tonic.
Personal Care & Beauty
11. Laundry Detergent:
You can create a homemade laundry detergent using washing soda and grated soap. These are chemical-free and inexpensive too. The store-bought laundry detergents are mostly loaded with harsh chemicals.
12. Face Masks:
You can create a homemade face mask using honey, oatmeal, yogurt, and avocado. These are chemical-free, inexpensive, and nothing less than the store-bought ones. These natural alternatives are especially soothing for sensitive skin
13. Lip Balm:
You can create a homemade, chemical-free chapstick using beeswax and coconut oil. This homemade lip balm will be free from harmful additives. Customize with a drop of essential oil for a personalized touch.
14. Scrunchies:
Upcycle fabric scraps into colorful, trendy hair accessories. This also reduces textile waste and you can create unique accessories that perfectly match your style.
15. Deodorant:
We all know that most of the store-bought deodorants contain aluminum and other harmful stuff. To avoid this you can create your own homemade natural deodorant using coconut oil, arrowroot powder, and essential oils.
16. Body Scrub:
You can create good quality body scrubs using simple kitchen ingredients like sugar, coconut oil, and essential oils. You can experiment with different sugar types—brown for a richer texture, white for a gentler exfoliation—and customize scents to match your mood.
17. Hair Masks:
Using natural ingredients like avocado, egg, and honey you can create homemade hair masks. These natural hair masks help me maintain hair moisture and vitality.
18. Makeup Remover:
You can use coconut oil as a makeup remover. Coconut oil is not expensive and works well with sensitive skin. This also reduces plastic waste.
19. Dry Shampoo:
You can create your own homemade dry shampoo using cornstarch, arrowroot powder, and a few drops of essential oils. Customize the formula for your hair type
20. Hand Cream:
You can craft a deeply moisturizing cream using shea butter, almond oil, and a touch of vitamin E.
Home & Cleaning
21. All-Purpose Cleaner:
Mix white vinegar, water, and essential oils to create an eco-friendly cleaning solution. It’s safer for your home, cheaper, and eliminates the need for specialized cleaners.
22. Window Cleaner:
Forget expensive glass cleaners. A combination of white vinegar, water, and a touch of rubbing alcohol creates an effective window cleaner. Use old newspapers for a truly zero-waste cleaning experience.
23. Candles:
Use old jars as custom-scented mood lighting. I love creating seasonal candles that reflect the local landscape—think pine and cedar for winter, and lavender and fresh linen for summer.
24. Fabric Softener:
White vinegar infused with essential oils is a natural alternative to store-bought fabric softeners. It’s gentler on clothes and leaves a subtle, natural fragrance.
25. Dish Soap:
You can create dish soap using castile soap and essential oils. Customize the scent to make dishwashing a more enjoyable experience.
26. Air Freshener:
Ditch chemical sprays for a natural simmer pot. Combine citrus peels, herbs, and spices to create a welcoming home fragrance. It’s especially comforting during winter months.
27. Carpet Powder:
Baking soda and essential oils create a natural deodorizer. This natural one is safe for pets, children, and the environment. It’s particularly useful in homes with carpets that trap odors.
28. Furniture Polish:
A mixture of olive oil and lemon juice can restore wood’s natural shine. It’s chemical-free and smells amazing.
29. Drain Cleaner:
Forget harsh chemical alternatives. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can clear minor clogs and maintain your pipes naturally.
30. Shower Cleaner:
Vinegar and dish soap create a powerful, natural cleaning solution that cuts through soap scum and prevents mildew buildup.
Garden & Plant Care
31. DIY Planters:
Upcycle containers into unique garden homes. You can use old boots, tin cans,etc. It’s a cool way to add personality to your garden or balcony.
32. Seed Starter Mix:
Create the perfect germination environment at home. Understanding soil composition can make a significant difference in your gardening success.
33. Compost:
Transform kitchen scraps into garden gold. Composting is a crucial step towards sustainable living, reducing waste, and creating nutrient-rich soil for your plants.
34. Plant Propagation Station:
Learn to multiply plants for free. It’s a cost-effective way to expand your garden and share plants with friends and neighbors.
35. Herb Drying Rack:
Preserve summer’s harvest with a simple DIY setup. It’s an easy way to enjoy your garden’s bounty all year round.
36. Seed Packets:
Save and organize seeds from your own garden. It’s a practical skill that connects you to the natural cycle of plant growth.
37. Fertilizer:
Compost tea and banana peel mixtures nourish plants naturally. These homemade solutions are environmentally friendly too.
38. Garden Markers:
Create unique plant identifiers using upcycled materials. It’s a creative way to add personality to your garden.
39. Potting Soil Mix:
Develop custom blends for different plants. Understanding soil composition can significantly improve your gardening success.
40. Rooting Hormone:
Natural alternatives like honey can work wonders for plant propagation. It’s a cost-effective and chemical-free approach to growing new plants.
Clothing & Accessories
41. Scrunchies:
Transform fabric scraps into trendy hair accessories. It’s a great way to reduce textile waste and create unique, personalized items.
42. Mending Kit:
Develop basic sewing skills to extend the life of your clothing. It’s both economical and environmentally responsible.
43. No-Sew Fleece Blanket:
Create cozy throws with minimal skill. Perfect for those chilly evenings.
44. Jewelry Cleaner:
Develop a gentle solution to keep your precious pieces sparkling. It’s both cost-effective and satisfying.
45. Clothing Alterations:
Learn to resize and refresh your wardrobe. It’s a sustainable approach to fashion that saves money and reduces waste.
Miscellaneous Crafts
46. Gift Wrap:
Reuse paper and create custom packaging. It adds a personal touch to gifts and reduces waste.
47. Greeting Cards:
Personalized messages beat store-bought options. It’s a meaningful way to connect with loved ones.
48. Phone Case:
Customize protection with DIY techniques. Show off your creativity and save money.
49. Holiday Decorations:
Craft unique, meaningful decor that tells your personal story.
50. Meal Prep Containers:
Upcycle jars into sustainable storage. It’s a practical way to reduce plastic use and organize your kitchen.
Tips for DIY Success
- Invest in basic tools gradually; you don’t need everything at once
- YouTube tutorials are your best learning resource
- Celebrate every successful project, no matter how small
- Connect with local DIY and eco-friendly communities for support and inspiration
We’ve looked at the many benefits of making things our own. It’s good for the environment, saves money, and boosts health. Choosing eco-friendly choices and sustainable living leads to a better life.
