Why this dollar store DIY gift idea works for any beginner
If you have never crafted anything in your life, I promise this dollar store DIY gift idea is the place to start. I have been making gifts on a tight budget for years, and this one always gets the most compliments for the least effort. It looks like something you would buy at a boutique, but the whole thing costs under five bucks. Plus you can finish it in an afternoon without any special tools or messy glue guns. That is the kind of project I actually look forward to making.
This particular project is a small tiered tray made from two dollar store plates and a couple of candlesticks. You glue them together, spray paint the whole thing, and fill it with little treats or a candle. It works perfectly as a housewarming gift, a hostess thank you, or even a birthday present for someone who likes cozy decor. The best part is that every single supply comes from the dollar store, so you can make a batch of them for under twenty dollars.
Supplies you need for this budget home decor project
Before you run to the store, here is exactly what to grab. You do not need any fancy craft brands. Stick with the basics and it will still turn out beautiful.
- Two ceramic or glass plates (same size or slightly different) – look for plain white or a subtle pattern
- Two glass candlesticks or small vases – these will become the legs of the tray
- One can of spray paint in a color you like (chalk paint works great for a matte finish)
- Strong craft glue that works on glass and ceramic (I use E6000, but a two-part epoxy also works)
- A small piece of felt or cork to protect the bottom of the tray
- Optional: a candle, faux flowers, or small ornaments to put on the finished tray
You can also use a thin wooden cutting board as the base instead of a plate, but plates are easier to find at the dollar store. I like using two different sizes because it gives the tray a staggered look, but matching sizes work too.
Step-by-step instructions for this easy craft
Take your time with the glue step. Rushing is the only thing that can go wrong here. Otherwise it is hard to mess up.
First, wash and dry all the glass and ceramic pieces. Any grease or dust will prevent the paint from sticking later. Lay out your plates and candlesticks so you can see how you want them arranged. For a standard tiered tray, glue one candlestick upside down onto the center of the bottom plate. Then glue the second candlestick right side up onto the center of that same plate. Finally, glue the top plate onto the second candlestick. You are basically stacking two levels with candlesticks as spacers.
Wait at least 24 hours for the glue to cure completely. I know that feels like forever, but if you try to move it too soon the pieces will slide apart. Once the glue is rock solid, take the whole thing outside and give it two light coats of spray paint. Let each coat dry for an hour. You can paint it white, black, sage green, or even a metallic gold. After the paint dries, stick a felt pad on the bottom so it does not scratch tables.
How to customize your homemade gift for different recipients
The beauty of this project is you can tweak it without changing the basic steps. For a friend who loves boho style, use a warm terra cotta spray paint and fill the tray with dried lavender and a small candle. For a new neighbor, go with a clean white paint and add a tiny succulent plant on each tier. If you are making it for a holiday gift, use red or green paint and put miniature ornaments on the trays.
You can also switch up the plates. Dollar stores often sell square plates, scalloped plates, or even little bread boards. Mixing shapes makes the gift feel more personal. I once made one using a small salad plate on top and a large dinner plate on the bottom, and it looked like something from a farmhouse catalog. Just make sure the candlesticks are tall enough to leave space between the tiers for whatever you want to display.
Tips to make your DIY gift look expensive
Nobody needs to know you spent three dollars on this. A few simple tricks will give it that high end vibe. First, sand the edges of the plates lightly with fine grit sandpaper before you paint. That takes off any sharp glaze and makes the paint grip better. Second, use a matte paint instead of glossy. Matte finishes hide imperfections and look more like ceramic or stone.
Third, fill the tray with something that matches the color scheme. A plain white tray with a single white candle and a sprig of eucalyptus looks way more expensive than a tray crammed with random trinkets. Less is more. Also, tie a small ribbon or piece
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