I’m all about finding little ways to save money, especially when it means getting to be a little crafty along the way.
There’s just something so satisfying about making something with your own hands—and knowing you didn’t spend a fortune to get it!
I’ve found that some of the best money-saving tricks start right at home with a few supplies and a bit of creativity.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as repurposing what you already have or learning a new skill that can save (or even make) you money in the long run.
I know it can feel a little intimidating to start making and selling stuff.
But trust me, once you make your first handmade thing and see the difference it makes (for your wallet and your home), you’ll be hooked!
It might just be the perfect way to save money and bring in a little extra on the side.
Things to Make to Save Money
Making everyday things by hand might seem like a small change, but it can save you a surprising amount of money—and it’s kind of fun.
You might even pick up a new hobby along the way!
1. Homemade Cleaning Products
Making your own cleaning products is way easier than it sounds, and the savings can be huge.
I started with a simple all-purpose spray—just vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oil.
That’s it!
Costs pennies compared to the $5 bottles at the store, and no weird chemicals.
You can also whip up scrubbing pastes with baking soda or a glass cleaner with rubbing alcohol.
Once I stopped buying those name-brand cleaners, I noticed the difference in my grocery bill fast.
2. Reusable Cloth Napkins and Paper Towels
Switching from paper to cloth felt like such a small thing, but wow—it adds up.
I cut up an old flannel sheet and turned it into “paper towels,” and let me tell you, I don’t miss the disposable ones at all.
They’re soft, they work better, and I just toss them in with the regular laundry.
No more buying those giant packs every month.
Same with cloth napkins—they feel kind of fancy, but I made mine with scrap fabric, so they were practically free.
Once you get in the habit, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
3. DIY Candles
Are candles one of your guilty pleasures?
So expensive – but you can make your own!
Just some soy wax, wicks, and a few thrifted jars.
Melt the wax, stir in a little essential oil for scent, pour it into the jar, and pop in a wick.
It’s way cheaper per candle, and you can customize the scent however you want.
Now you’ll always have candles around, and not spend $20 every time you want your living room to smell like vanilla and happiness.
4. Handmade Soap
Ever grabbed one of those fancy soaps and thought, Wait, why is this $12?
Good news—you can make your own for way less.
Start with a melt-and-pour soap base, toss in some lavender, oatmeal, or even coffee grounds if you’re feeling fancy.
Pour it into molds (ice cube trays work!), let it set, and boom—soap that smells amazing and lasts longer than those store-bought bars.
Your skin’s happy, your wallet’s happy—it’s a win all around.
5. Knitted or Crocheted Dishcloths
Okay, I know not everyone knits or crochets, but dishcloths are the perfect beginner project.
I made mine with cotton yarn—cheap and durable.
They work better than those thin store ones, and I haven’t bought a dish sponge in ages.
Plus, they last forever.
Even if you don’t know how to knit, there are tons of simple tutorials online.
Once you get the hang of it, you can whip one up while watching TV!
6. Sewn Reusable Shopping Bags
Reusable shopping bags are one of those things that pay off fast.
With some sturdy fabric (even old curtains work), a few stitches, and strong handles, you’ll have a bag that won’t break mid-walk to your car.
No more paying bag fees at the store or dealing with a drawer overflowing with plastic bags.
Plus, they’re tough enough to handle those awkward grocery hauls—because watermelons and canned goods wait for no one.
7. Homemade Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent is one of those things that disappears fast and somehow costs more every time you buy it.
Mixing your own at home is way cheaper and lasts longer than you’d expect.
Just washing soda, borax, and grated bar soap—that’s it.
Clothes come out fresh, and you’ll save enough to treat yourself to a coffee (or three).
8. DIY Beauty Products
Face scrubs, lip balms, body butter—you name it.
Once I started making my own, I couldn’t believe how much I’d been overpaying.
Coconut oil, sugar, and a bit of honey?
That’s a $2 scrub instead of a $15 one.
Shea butter mixed with almond oil?
Hello, luxury lotion for half the price!
Plus, no sketchy ingredients, and I get to customize everything.
9. Hand-Sewn Fabric Gift Bags
Fabric gift bags look fancy, but they’re actually super simple to make.
Grab some leftover fabric, sew up a quick drawstring or fold-over pouch, and suddenly, you’ve got gift wrap that’s reusable year after year.
No more panic-buying wrapping paper every holiday season—or cringing at the cost.
10. Upcycled Home Decor
This one’s all about looking around and seeing potential.
Old mason jars? Paint them and use them as vases.
An ugly picture frame? Sand it down and give it a fresh coat of paint.
I even turned a chipped teacup into a little succulent planter.
These projects barely cost anything, but they give your home – like your bathroom – a personal touch.
And instead of spending money on decor that everyone else has, you end up with one-of-a-kind pieces that feel so much more “you.”
11. Handmade Spice Blends
Store-bought seasoning packets seem cheap, but those little pouches add up fast.
Mixing your own spice blends at home is cheaper, fresher, and lets you skip all those extra preservatives.
Think taco seasoning, Italian herbs, or a smoky BBQ rub—all with spices you probably already have.
The best part? You’ll never run out mid-recipe again.
12. DIY Beeswax Wraps
Plastic wrap always seems to run out right when you need it most!
Beeswax wraps are the reusable solution—good for your wallet and the planet.
Just melt grated beeswax onto cotton fabric in the oven, let it cool, and you’ve got wraps for sandwiches, bowls, or anything you’d usually cover in plastic.
They last for months, and once you get the hang of them, you’ll never go back.
13. Handmade Greeting Cards
A greeting card rack can feel like a personal attack—$7 for a piece of paper?!
Making your own is easier (and cheaper) than you’d think.
A little cardstock, markers, maybe a cute stamp, and you’re set for birthdays, thank-yous, or just-because notes.
People love the personal touch, and you’ll skip the awkward moment at checkout when you realize the card costs more than the gift.
14. Sewn or Crocheted Potholders
Cheap potholders fall apart fast, but homemade ones? They’re built to last!
Stitch together some thick fabric with batting in the middle, or crochet one with cotton yarn.
They’re sturdy, heat-resistant, and way cuter than those boring store options.
Plus, you can finally retire that sad potholder with the mystery burn hole.
15. Homemade Jams or Sauces
Turning extra fruit or tomatoes into jam or sauce is a money-saver and a fridge upgrade.
All you need is some sugar, lemon, and whatever produce is starting to look a little sad.
Simmer it down, jar it up, and suddenly, your morning toast is next-level!
16. DIY Cloth Coffee Filters
Store-bought coffee filters may seem cheap, but buying them over and over? It adds up.
Reusable cloth filters are easy to make and last for months.
Cut natural cotton fabric into circles, hem the edges, and they’re ready to brew.
Rinse after each use, let them dry, and enjoy your coffee without tossing paper filters every day.
17. Reusable Snack Bags
Plastic sandwich bags used to be one of those things I bought without thinking.
But once I started making reusable snack bags, I realized how much money I was wasting.
I used waterproof fabric (or you can line cotton with food-safe PUL), sewed up little pouches with Velcro, and boom—goodbye plastic bags.
I use them for snacks, sandwiches, and even makeup sometimes.
They’re washable, cute, and I haven’t bought a box of plastic bags in ages.
18. Homemade Pet Treats
Store-bought pet treats can be expensive, and who even knows what’s in some of them?
Making your own is cheaper, healthier, and way easier than you’d think.
Simple ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and pumpkin can turn into tasty homemade biscuits.
Your pet gets a treat made with love, and you get to skip the overpriced mystery-ingredient snacks.
19. Handmade Scrunchies or Hair Accessories
I used to buy those multi-packs of scrunchies all the time, and somehow, they always disappeared.
Making my own was a total lightbulb moment!
I used leftover fabric and elastic, and suddenly, I had scrunchies in every color.
They’re quick to sew, even by hand, and they make the cutest gifts.
Now I can match my hair ties to my outfit, and I’m not dropping $8 every time I need a new pack.
20. Homemade Snacks
Pre-packaged snacks are convenient, but those little bags add up fast.
Making your own is cheaper, healthier, and you can batch them ahead of time.
Things like trail mix, popcorn, or even simple energy bites with oats and peanut butter—easy, tasty, and budget-friendly.
Keeps the snack drawer stocked without those overpriced single-serve packs.
Saving Money, One Handmade Thing at a Time
Making things by hand started out as a way for me to save a little money, but honestly?
It’s turned into so much more!
I’m spending less at the store, sure—but I’m also creating things I actually love, that work better, and that feel like me.
And the savings? They add up fast.
Once you get going, you’ll see how those small swaps can make a big difference!
