Making things at home can be a game-changer when it comes to saving money and reducing waste. Not only will you avoid the markup on store-bought products, but you’ll also often end up with healthier, more customizable alternatives. Whether you’re looking to reduce household expenses or enjoy a fun DIY project, here are 14 ridiculously easy things to make instead of buying.
1. Homemade Granola
Making granola at home is incredibly easy and customizable. You can control the sweetness, the flavor, and even the ingredients you include. Simply combine oats, honey or maple syrup, a few nuts, and seeds, and bake the mixture in the oven until golden brown. The result? A healthier, more affordable option than store-bought granola.
According to Healthline, homemade granola not only cuts down on sugar but can be tailored to suit your dietary preferences, such as gluten-free, vegan, or low-sugar options. It’s also free from preservatives and additives commonly found in pre-packaged versions, making it a cleaner choice for breakfast or snacks.
2. Natural Cleaning Products
Store-bought cleaning products are often filled with harsh chemicals that may harm your health and the environment. Instead of spending money on multiple cleaning supplies, you can make your own with common household items like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. These natural ingredients can handle almost any cleaning task, from scrubbing countertops to freshening up your laundry.
Good Housekeeping points out that DIY cleaning products are not only cost-effective but also much safer, particularly for homes with young children or pets. You can even create custom scents using essential oils, making your cleaning routine both eco-friendly and pleasant.
3. Homemade Deodorant
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to commercial deodorants, making your own is an easy and effective solution. Homemade deodorants typically include ingredients like coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot powder, which absorb moisture and neutralize odor without the need for harsh chemicals. You can even customize your deodorant with your favorite essential oils for a fresh scent.
Heathline notes that homemade deodorants are better for your skin and free of synthetic fragrances, parabens, and aluminum, which are often found in store-bought versions. It’s an easy swap for those looking for a healthier and more affordable way to stay fresh throughout the day.
4. Energy Bars
Energy bars can be an expensive and often unhealthy snack option if you’re buying them from the store. But making your own energy bars at home is incredibly simple and allows you to control the ingredients. A mix of oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a bit of honey or nut butter is all you need to create a delicious and nutritious snack.
According to Taste of Home, homemade energy bars are a great way to ensure you’re getting all-natural ingredients without the added sugars and preservatives that come with commercial bars. Plus, you can tailor the flavor and texture to your preferences, making them a more satisfying and healthier choice.
5. Salad Dressings
Why spend money on bottled salad dressings when you can easily make your own at home? Basic ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and mustard are all you need to whip up a fresh, flavorful dressing. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find the perfect flavor combination for your salads.
Making your own salad dressing not only saves you money, but it also helps you avoid the artificial additives and preservatives found in many store-bought versions. You can adjust the acidity and sweetness to suit your taste, creating a perfectly balanced dressing every time.
6. Fruit Preserves
Instead of buying expensive fruit preserves, jams, or jellies, try making your own with fresh fruit, sugar, and pectin. You don’t need fancy equipment or complex recipes to get started—just cook the fruit down and jar it once it has thickened to the right consistency. Homemade jams are perfect for spreading on toast, topping off desserts, or as a gift for others.
Making fruit preserves at home allows you to control the sweetness and type of fruit used. You can also reduce the sugar content and experiment with unique flavor combinations like strawberry-basil or raspberry-lime. Plus, homemade jams typically don’t contain preservatives or artificial colors.
7. Candles
Candles can be pricey, especially when you’re drawn to beautiful, scented options. However, making your own candles at home is not only easy, but it also lets you customize the scent, color, and design. You’ll need wax, wicks, essential oils, and a container to mold your candles in.
Homemade candles are great for creating a cozy atmosphere in your home or as personalized gifts for friends and family. You can experiment with different fragrances like lavender, eucalyptus, or cinnamon, and even create unique shapes or colors to match your home décor.
8. Homemade Ice Cream
Making ice cream at home can be surprisingly simple and requires just a few basic ingredients—milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings like vanilla or chocolate. With or without an ice cream maker, you can easily create a creamy, delicious treat in just a few hours. For added variety, mix in toppings like fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts.
Homemade ice cream gives you full control over the ingredients, meaning you can make it dairy-free, low-sugar, or rich and indulgent. It’s a fun way to enjoy a personalized dessert while saving money on store-bought pints.
9. Hummus
Hummus is an easy-to-make snack that’s much more affordable than store-bought varieties. Simply blend chickpeas with tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices, and you have a fresh, creamy dip ready to go. You can customize the flavor by adding ingredients like roasted red pepper, cumin, or even beets for a unique twist.
Homemade hummus not only saves money, but it also avoids the preservatives and excess sodium often found in store-bought options. It’s perfect for dipping veggies, crackers, or spreading on sandwiches, offering a healthy snack alternative that you can enjoy guilt-free.
10. DIY Body Scrubs
Skip the store-bought body scrubs filled with synthetic ingredients and make your own using natural items like sugar, coconut oil, and essential oils. Mix them together to create a scrub that exfoliates your skin and leaves you feeling silky smooth. The best part is, you can customize the fragrance and adjust the texture for your preference.
Homemade body scrubs are a fantastic way to pamper yourself without breaking the bank. Plus, you can avoid harmful chemicals and parabens, giving your skin a natural glow while moisturizing at the same time.
11. Homemade Popsicles
Making popsicles at home is easy and a great way to enjoy a refreshing treat during the summer. Simply blend your favorite fruits with some juice or yogurt, then freeze the mixture in molds. For added variety, you can layer different flavors or mix in chunks of fruit for texture.
Homemade popsicles are not only more affordable than store-bought versions, but they’re also customizable. You can control the sweetness and experiment with healthier options like coconut milk or fruit purees, ensuring the whole family can enjoy a tasty, wholesome treat.
12. Potpourri
Instead of spending money on pre-made potpourri, make your own with dried flowers, herbs, and essential oils. Combine your favorite scents—like lavender, rose petals, or cinnamon sticks—then place them in decorative bowls throughout your home. You can also add dried citrus peels or spices for extra fragrance.
Homemade potpourri is not only budget-friendly, but it’s also a great way to recycle and repurpose things you already have at home. The added bonus? You get to create custom scents that perfectly match your home’s atmosphere.
13. Homemade Soap
Making soap at home is a fun and rewarding project. With just a few ingredients, like glycerin, coconut oil, and essential oils, you can create customized soaps that smell amazing and nourish your skin. You can even experiment with different colors, textures, and additives like oatmeal or coffee grounds for an extra exfoliating effect.
Homemade soap is an affordable alternative to store-bought options, and it allows you to avoid the artificial fragrances and dyes found in many commercial soaps. Plus, it makes a thoughtful and personalized gift idea.
14. DIY Face Masks
Instead of buying expensive face masks, make your own with natural ingredients like honey, avocado, yogurt, or oatmeal. These DIY masks can hydrate, exfoliate, or brighten your skin based on your needs. Simply mix the ingredients and apply to your face for a relaxing, spa-like experience at home.
Homemade face masks are an excellent way to save money while treating your skin to nourishing ingredients. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your skin type, making it a more personalized skincare solution.
