DIY Summer Gift Ideas
Summer is here, and so are months of beach fun! As you pack your bag to head to the coast, did it ever occur to you that the beach has a bounty of gift-able goodness? DIY Summer gift ideas from the sea have potential to be completely eco-friendly, based on what you make them with. They’re super easy to make, and are very easy on the pocket! There is always something soothing about the azure waters and the gorgeous, mellow shades of shells. Bring back a part of the ocean to your dear ones, or brighten up your day with memories of your day at the beach with our top ten DIY gift ideas!
1. Picture Frames
This idea needs very little effort and oodles of creativity! It makes a perfect gift for your parents, friends or SO. Brighten up any dull day with this gorgeous sea-inspired frame!
What you need:
- Cardboard/wooden plank
- Glue gun
- Shells of different shapes
- Paints (optional)
- Frame stand/hook
How to make it:
- Cut the cardboard or wooden plank into the desired design of the frame.
- If you’re using wood, be especially safe as saws might hurt you if used improperly.
- We recommend starting out with rectangles or squares, then moving on to complicated shapes like circles or other polygons.
- If you find it difficult to cut the hollow out of one single board, cut out each side and glue them together.
- Once the hollow shape is cut out, glue it to a wooden base with the glue gun.
- Paint the base and frame in the desired color, or let it stay au naturel!
- Clean the shells you collect; we don’t want unnecessary guests living in our frame!
- Glue the shells in desired patterns.
- You can opt for ascending/descending patterns of shells or stick to the corners.
- You could also heap shells on the frame, and add some glitter for added oomph!
- If you are not satisfied with the natural color of the shells, you can paint over them with popping neon or classy matte.
- Glue the frame stand or hook on to the back of the base, and there you have it! The perfect memory bearer is set to go!
2. Slice of the Sea
Revisit fond memories of a glorious day by the ocean with a slice of the sea ready for you on your desk! Gift your babe this beautiful bottle for a trip down memory lane. Carry a part of the sea wherever you go to remind yourself that happiness is never too far away!
What you need:
- Glass/plastic bottle/Mason jar
- Assorted shells
- Plastic plants (optional)
- Glass rocks (optional)
- Blue/green food coloring (optional)
- Glue gun
- Sand
How to make it:
- The sand collected from the beach has to be thoroughly washed and dried. Immerse the sand in fresh water, filter and dry it out in the sun for at least a day.
- This is to ensure that no small organisms are stuck in the sand.
- Wash and dry the bottle and the shells.
- Put in a layer of dry sand into the bottle.
- Next, put some glass rocks and shells in the sand. Lay the paraphernalia in any order that you find likable.
- You can also drop in some plastic plants for some deep sea aesthetics.
- Fill the bottle with fresh water.
- Never use seawater for this purpose.
- If you want, you can also tint the water blue or a shade of blue-green with food coloring.
- Glue the cap on securely.
- Use ribbons or rope to decorate the bottle.
- Your slice of the sea is ready!
3. Shell Earrings
Take your Boho appeal to the next level with earrings made with sea shells! Sport identical shells or go off the chain with asymmetrical accessories! These chic studs make for brilliant gifts.
What you need:
- Small/medium shells
- Glue gun
- Butterfly backs
- Small stud earrings
- Paint (optional)
How to make it:
- Start off with a pair of shells that would complement each other perfectly.
- If you want, you can also use more than one shell for each earring!
- If you aren’t satisfied with the natural tinge, paint the shells in your favorite shades.
- Glue together the ensemble and let dry completely.
- Attach the shells to the stud earrings with a glue gun.
- Your earrings are ready to grace your ears and turn heads!
4. Shell Hair Pin
Nothing says hip and laid back like fresh beach hair and shells in your locks! Look effortlessly elegant in that sundress with graceful shells adorning your hair. These pins go perfectly with braids as well, giving off mermaid vibes. This is also one of the easiest accessories to make, with only three must-have items! These pins make marvelous gifts for moms, sisters, girlfriends and daughters alike!
What you need:
- Shells
- Hairpin
- Glue gun
- Paint (optional)
- Sequins (optional)
How to make it:
- Choose shells of your liking, wash and dry.
- Glue them on the hairpin with a glue gun.
- If you want, you can paint the shells, or even attach sequins for added appeal.
- In three simple steps, these hairpins are ready to wow the crowd!
5. Message in a Bottle
Rev up some old school romance with a long-lost sailor ambiance. Be it for a loved one, children or parents, this gift is sure to be close to their heart as you write something heartfelt and send it to them in a beautiful bottle! Don’t bottle up those feelings, let them pour! And hey. If you’re looking for a way to propose to your SO at the beach, we highly recommend this method!
What you need:
- Glass bottle
- Cork
- Message
- Plastic flowers (optional)
- Glitter (optional)
- Thin rope (optional)
How to make it:
- Make sure the cork fits through the bottle perfectly.
- Write a heartfelt letter or a beautiful quote to your loved one.
- You can use handmade paper and fancy fonts to make your letter aesthetic and elegant.
- Roll up the parchment and secure with thin rope.
- Drop the paper into the bottle.
- Additionally, you can also drop in some flowers or glitter.
- Secure the cork to seal the bottle.
- Give your loved ones a message from the sea!
6. Seashell Nail Art
All set for that beach party? You know your outfit is going to be incomplete without proper nails! Don’t worry, we have you covered! Do your own nails or help a sister out with this super easy nail art tutorial!
What you need:
- Shells
- Base coat
- Top coat
- Other nail colors
- Nail glue
How to make it:
- Choose small shells in gradient shades, wash and dry.
- Apply a base coat to secure your nails.
- You can choose nail art of your choice before you stick the shells on – you can opt for French tips, an ombre look or matte.
- Glue the shells on your nails.
- You can also paint on the shells with colors of your choice. We recommend classy gold!
- Secure with a top coat.
7. Starfish Baby Mobile
This is a great gifting idea for children and adults alike. Move over, wind chimes! Mobiles are the new best things to sport at home! Engage the child and the adult in you with this gorgeous starfish mobile. Make sure you’re allowed to take home starfish that wash up the shore before you attempt this pleasing piece of décor.
What you need:
- Twine/fishing line
- Rope
- Starfish
- Needle
- Assorted shells
- Glue gun
How to make it:
- Secure the ‘handle’ of your mobile by wrapping the rope around all the limbs of the starfish and making a knot in the center.
- Use a sharp needle to make a hole in the shells. Be careful; if you’re too hard, you might crack the shell!
- If you’re not able to make holes in the shell, you can just wrap twine around it and secure the knot with a glue gun.
- Use a fishing line or some sturdy twine to make chains of sea shells. You can make one chain for each limb of the starfish.
- Secure the chain to the limb by winding the twine/fishing line around the limb and gluing it.
- Hang your mobile in an airy area of your house and let the décor do the speaking for itself!
8. Shell Candles
Bring back the soothing waves and calming breeze of the evening sea to your home with this gorgeous shell candles. Pop a couple of them in a mason jar to make an ideal gift for a dear friend. Pamper your SO with these cute shells for a romantic date. Super easy to make and super beautiful to look at – we love!
What you need:
- Wide shells
- Wax
- Scented oil (optional)
- Wax crayons (optional)
- Glitter (optional)
- Candle Wick
How to make it:
- Wash and dry the shells.
- We recommend using wide, open shells with beautiful patterns on the base.
- Melt the wax in an oven-safe bowl, stirring with a wooden spoon.
- Melt a few pieces of wax crayons with the wax if you want different colors.
- Add in some glitter for some sparkling glam!
- Add a few drops of scented essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender to soothe your nerves.
- Place the candle wick in the center of the shell, and pour in the wax.
- Sprinkle some glitter on the top of the wax, Salt-bae style!
- Hold the wick in place till the wax hardens.
- Cut the extra length of the wick. Your palm-sized goodness is ready!
9. Driftwood Craft
If you thought all those pieces of driftwood at the beach are a waste of effort to collect, you couldn’t be more wrong! Grab a bucket and go a-gatherin’ for driftwood to make fun crafts! Family outing to the beach? Fun date? Whatever the occasion, wading into the cool water searching for craft materials seems like a great idea to us!
What you need:
- 10-12 pieces of drift wood
- Wooden/cardboard base
- Glue gun
- Knife/saw
- Hook (optional)
- Stand (optional)
- Paint (optional)
How to make it:
- First, decide on what you want to make with the driftwood.
- You can choose from a wide selection of fish, star fish, sea horses, or even initials!
- Go for easily identifiable silhouettes.
- Once the shape has been sketched on to the base, lay the pieces of wood out one below the other, and mark the outline.
- Cut the pieces to the desired shape.
- Glue the pieces to each other and the board.
- If the natural burgundy of the driftwood doesn’t appeal to you, you can paint with monotones or neon! This can be a great activity to involve children.
- Stick a hook or a stand to the finished piece to hang or place on a table.
- Your craft is good to go!
10. Seashell Name Souvenirs
Be it a special day celebrated by the ocean like a birthday or an anniversary, a first date or just initials or a positive quote, sass up your room with these super cute name souvenirs! Bring back a personalized souvenir for your loved ones at home, or grab eyeballs with gorgeous gifts for your friends!
What you need:
- A relatively large shell/conch with a smooth surface
- A permanent marker
- Top coat nail polish
- Lighter
- Varnish
How to make it:
- Clean and polish the shell with varnish. If you’re unable to do it yourself, approach your nearest hardware store.
- Identify the area where you want to write, and test your pattern on paper to make sure it looks good.
- Gently heat the identified area with the lighter. Too much force might crack the shell, so be careful!
- Write the message/initials/date on the heated area. Go creative!
- Try different colored markers for hued action!
- Once the color has dried, apply two generous layers of top coat so that the design stays put.
- Be careful to not be too rough with your shell, as constant friction might damage the design.
- And your personalized, one-of-a-kind souvenir is dressed to impress!
Caution!
- All shells must be cleaned thoroughly before using in the craft. Wash under running water, soak them in soap, clean with a brush and lay out in the sun to dry. Repeat the process.
- Be careful while wading out in the ocean to search for collectibles. Look out for jellyfish or other dangerous animals. Do not enter the water without a lifeguard present.
- Be careful while using items like saws, glue guns, and other sharp or hot objects.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and the author alone. Please use your discretion before taking any decision based on the information in this blog. The author will not be responsible for any damage caused. This article may be subject to change without notice.