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.
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.
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.
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.
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.