8 Easy Family History Gifts You Can Make Yourself
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I’m not particularly “crafty” or a talented DIYer, but I’ve always been fascinated by the creative ways in which people display and share their family history.
For several years now, I’ve kept a Pinterest board of “Family History Displayed” craft ideas to (try to) make whenever I have the time or inspiration. I went through the board a few days ago looking for ideas and picked out a few favorites, which are shared with you here.
Family History Gifts You Can Make
DIY Memory Pillow Made From Old Shirts
Wondering what to do with Dad’s old, favorite shirt? Turn it into a pillow! Make your own with these DIY instructions.
These adorable pillows also make a great gift idea for children of deployed military parents so they have something special of mom's or dad's to cuddle while they're away from home.
Custom Art from Your Own Fingerprints
An “oldie,” but still a super cute idea. Turn your family members' fingerprints into art using your computer.
Check out the tutorial here.
DIY Photo Lamp
Let your family photos shine – literally! – with this fun lamp idea.
Gather your favorite photos and put them on a lampshade for all to see.
This would be a great gift for people who want to display their family photos but are short on wall space.
Vintage Map Coasters
Coasters that are so fun your family will actually use them!
Do it yourself using this guide, 4″ tumbled Travertine tiles, Mod Podge, and a few vintage maps.
Use maps of ancestral homelands to make them even more special.
Picture Frame Memory Wreath
Not just for Christmas, this photo wreath can be used all year round!
For another example, we love the way family surnames were incorporated into this family tree wreath variation.
Christmas Photo Ornaments
Make these simple and inexpensive Christmas ornaments using glitter, floor polish, and clear plastic bulbs.
The photo is contained inside the ornament, so it is likely to last for more than one or two holiday seasons.
Click through for a quick video tutorial.
Pennies Through the Years
Those old pennies don’t have to sit in a jar. Pull them out and create something fabulous!
This example uses pennies from different years to illustrate important dates in the family’s history.
It also makes a unique 7th-anniversary (copper) gift!
DIY Picture Charm Bracelet Anyone Can Make
Turn your old photos into wearable art that your family will love with this detailed tutorial.
There are so many possibilities for this one: pictures of kids, grandkids, ancestors... basically anyone can be turned into a charm bracelet!
So, these are a few of our favorite DIY family history gift ideas. Whether or not any of them actually get made by us remains to be seen, but we want to give them a try!
What is YOUR favorite family history DIY gift idea?
Wrap Up
Do you “pin?” If you do, I would love it if you’d follow me on Pinterest!
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These are fun ideas.
They sure are! I wish I had time to make them all! 🙂
That memory pillow idea is lovely. Thanks for sharing! I usually just obsessively design antique style family trees for everybody. It’s nice to have more options!
After my mother passed away, I quilted a lap blanket for my father using my mother’s blue jeans. The back of it was made from red, white and blue flannel since my mom was very Patriotic. The most meaningful part was that I left a few pockets attached to the denim, pockets my mom had put her hands in, so my dad could feel the closeness of putting his hand where hers had been. It is a family artifact now?
I especially like the penny/dates idea. Of course I have to sift through my penny jar but I might have everything I need already in the house! TY for some fun creative ideas.