Life Hack: 33 Things To Make Instead Of Buying

We get so used to the convenience of shopping in stores that we don’t even think about what we can do ourselves. The following list of 33 things to make instead of buy goes over beauty, home supplies, home decor, food, and kids items that you can make yourself to save money while often times getting a better product.

Face Wash

Everyone looks for natural ingredients in their beauty products, so why not just make it yourself? This homemade honey face wash may just be a game-changer. 

Face Masks

Stop paying $4 or more for a face mask at the store. Make your own with easy, natural ingredients that you probably already have.

Bath Salts

Create your own at-home spa by making your own bath salts. You can make your favorite kinds (like lavender, eucalyptus, etc.) depending on what oils you use.

Mineral Face Powder

Did you know that the main ingredient of mineral veil powder makeup is corn starch? Yeah, the beauty brands charging $20 and up for a tiny container didn’t want you to. Here’s how to make a great one yourself.

Face Toner

High-quality face toner may have a hefty price tag at the store, but here’s a way to make the same amount for a cost of around $3.

Body Wash

You may as well try out this easy three-ingredient recipe for homemade body wash to see if you like it.

Face Cream

Turns out the secret to anti-aging is not spending tons of money on face cream. This recipe for homemade anti-aging cream helps.

Laundry Detergent

Check out these recipes for your own powder or liquid laundry detergent and free yourself from ever running out or having to buy it frequently again.

Air-Freshener

There’s nothing more maddening than paying high prices for highly disposable air fresheners with short use periods. Stop the madness by making your own.

Related: How to Start and Maintain a Stockpile

Hand Soap

Why does it feel like every time you go to buy hand soap it’s like you’re buying it for the first time? Cause it’s pricey and difficult to find a non-toxic, environmentally friendly kind. It’s not when you make it at home.

Window Cleaner

You probably already have the ingredients to make your own homemade window cleaner, so why not do it?

Dish Soap

Free your dishes from brand name dish soap and dishwasher detergent by easily making your own all-natural product.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Everyone needs an all-purpose cleaner to use on various surfaces. Make your own natural one.

Fabric Softener

Want your clothes to feel soft and snuggly? Make it happen with these DIY fabric softeners.

Wall Art

Be your own Picasso by making your own colorful, attractive abstract wall art.

Hanging Shelf

Suspended and hanging shelves have come into style, but tend to be overpriced in stores. Make your own easily at a much lower cost while adding charm to your home.

Area Rug

Rugs are expensive but really add a lot to a room. Here’s a great looking one you can make for around $30.

Furry Stool

Add a sophisticated look to your home with this DIY furry stool with gold legs.

Drink Coasters

Really nice looking drink coasters cost a lot. You can make your own and personalize the look for much less.

Tortilla Chips

Brand tortilla chips are pricey, over-salted, and less healthy than ones you can make at home. Here’s how to make your own. 

Granola Bars

Granola and snack bars are packaged to look healthy, but most include tons of sugar. Take control of cost and health by making your own at home.

Tomato Sauce

It’s almost as easy opening a jar of sauce to just make your own at home. And it’s cheaper, more delicious, and healthier.

Salad Dressing

The cost savings of making your own salad dressing are huge. Just do it.

Pancake Mix

Boxed pancake mixes are confusing because it’s so, so easy to do at home. Stop paying for the packaging and brand name and make your own from scratch.

Ketchup

It’s incredible that brand ketchup has lasted so long considering that it’s basically thickened, colored sugar water. Avoid the sugar and cost by making it yourself.

Guacamole

Pre-packaged guacamole tastes significantly worse than homemade guac and is expensive. It’s so easy to make your own.

Costumes

Kids dress up all the time, but you’re not really going to keep buying costumes for them. Instead, use this list of 15 DIY kids' costumes.

Playdough

This easy, inexpensive recipe for playdough can last months and give kids the facade that you’re letting them get messy.

Soft Baby Blocks

If you’re into sewing, you can make custom soft baby blocks that are fabulous toys for your baby or as a gift.

Diapers

Tired of buying wasteful disposable diapers? Make your own cloth ones that are super cute, environmentally friendly, and will save you bundles.

Dollhouse

Dollhouses are a staple of growing up but can be pricey. Get creative with the kids and make your own from cardboard.

Chalk

Kids love drawing and playing with chalk. They also go through it quickly and break it a lot, so you better make your own (it’s more fun, too).

Gummy Fruit Snacks

This may be food, but it’s especially for kids. Stop buying that stuff at the store and make a healthier version at home.