If your family is like mine, there are certain people in your life who are always hard to buy for. (Or maybe you have no idea what to put on your own wish list!) That’s why I created this list of the Best Gift Ideas for Creative DIYers – it includes products and ideas to help anyone be a little more creative.
This post contains some affiliate links so you can easily find the products I use and recommend. Discover all my favorite brands and tools for doing DIY projects here.
First and foremost, I couldn’t create a gift guide for creative DIYers and leave off my book…
Amazing Furniture Makeovers: Easy DIY Projects to Transform Thrifted Finds into Beautiful Custom Pieces was released exactly 6 months ago today!!! 🎉 Thousands of creative DIYers like you have already read through the exclusive tutorials inside and been inspired to create their own works of art on furniture. Learn more and find out where to buy here or read through all the 5-star reviews on Amazon here.
Next, a few of my favorite paint brands and brushes…
1. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint has been my favorite for several years now, and I’ve even written a complete Beginner’s Guide for How to Chalk Paint Furniture. Try a new-to-you color in a sample pot or a liter can. Find Annie Sloan Chalk Paint retailers here – or even buy a gift card and support your local small business.
2. Another paint brand that I’ve been liking a lot lately is Country Chic Paint. It’s VOC-free and all-in-one (although I always recommend doing proper prep work before any furniture makeover). Find Country Chic Paint store retailers here or learn more on Amazon here.
3. For years I’ve preferred Purdy paint brushes over any others. I have an assortment of sizes and they hold up extremely well with no bristles falling out.
4. For touching up small areas, a set of artist brushes is the best. They’re perfect for detailed areas – but I do recommend replacing them every so often since the bristles wear out.
Here are some of my favorite ways to make furniture and decor beautifully unique:
5. Stencils are one of the easiest ways to update furniture and decor, and there are so many amazing designs to choose from! Here are a few favorites that I’ve used: Indian Inlay by Cutting Edge Stencils – Studio R12 French Bee Stencil – Americana Decor stencils (I own quite a few!)
6. When stenciling, you really need to use these foam pouncers by Martha Stewart. They are awesome! The foam part is removable so you can clean it easier or just switch to the other end when one side wears down. I love the variety of sizes too. I bought this set years ago and still don’t need to replace it.
7. Take your furniture makeovers up a notch with image transfers. They’re easier to apply than you might think – read this: How to Easily Apply Rub-on Image Transfers. Redesign by Prima makes some gorgeous designs (this one is called Rose Celebration).
8. Another creative way to upcycle furniture and decor is with decoupage. You’ll need matte Mod Podge, a foam brush, and something to glue – I love using colorful napkins. Find lots of beautiful napkin styles for cheap here.
Finally, here are some tools that can be really helpful with your DIY projects:
9. For big or really rough areas, I can’t recommend an electric sander enough. This Skil one that I own works wonderfully and it’s less than $40!
10. I’m always pulling out my Black + Decker drill/driver for projects. It helps with screwing and unscrewing, and for all the new hardware holes that need to be drilled. Use this for numerous DIY projects around the home.
11. This one I don’t use quite as often, but it’s a lifesaver when you need it. Use a Kreg Jig system to make pocket holes when you need to attach two wood pieces at an angle. It’s good for woodworking projects like benches, tables, etc.
These are just some of the products and tools I recommend for doing furniture makeovers and DIY projects. Discover all my favorite brands and products here.
Finally – it’s giveaway time! It’s so exciting to celebrate Amazing Furniture Makeover’s 6-month birthday with you. It’s been a fantastic ride so far and I can’t thank you enough for supporting my little blog and book. Best of luck to you!
Bloggers have a special knack for sharing their ideas with the world and connecting with readers in a personal way. The DIY and decorating books listed below were all written by creative bloggers who are passionate about teaching and inspiring others. Here’s your chance to win your own copies – just in time to spruce up your home for holiday gatherings!
Visit the links below to learn more about the books (also perfect for gift giving) or visit the bloggers’ websites.
One lucky winner will receive all 6 of these popular DIY and decorating books:
1. But Where Do I Put the Couch? & Answers to 100 Other Home Decorating Questions, by KariAnne Wood of Thistlewood Farms and Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room
2. French Vintage Decor: Easy & Elegant DIY Projects for Any Home, by Jamie Lundstrom of So Much Better With Age
3. The Home Design Doodle Book: Unleash Your Inner Designer, by Marian Parsons of Miss Mustard Seed
4. The Gift of Gathering: Beautiful Tablescapes to Welcome and Celebrate Your Friends and Family, by Bre Doucette of Rooms for Rent blog
5. Creatively Christmas: Inspired Yuletide Decor, by Jennifer Rizzo of JenniferRizzo.com
6. Amazing Furniture Makeovers: Easy DIY Projects to Transform Thrifted Finds into Beautiful Custom Pieces, by Jen Crider of Girl in the Garage
Follow the directions to enter below. Giveaway open to US and Canada through Dec. 7, 2019.
Lori Sawyer says
What an awesome giveaway! Thank you!!
Kathy says
Always, Always, Always LOVE your make-overs. This list is a great list for me! I think I may just forward to my fam – LOL.
Carol says
What a great giveaway. But the list of ideas for gifts is fantastic just to keep for when you need to buy something for yourself. Thanks a bunch!
Maureen C says
Awesome! I’d love to win.
Eileen says
This is an amazing giveaway!! Than you for your generosity. The books and tools, everything are fabulous items.
andrea says
I would love to win the books and I love your furniture makeovers.
Kerin Brown says
It’s been too many years since I refinished/refurbished furniture and faux painted/decorated my home and those of my friends. I am excited to get back in groove and with the help of these books I know it will be the most rewarding way to revive my creativity!! You are very generous in the advice you freely give and for that I thank you most sincerely!!
Edie Smoak says
I’m slowly re-doing my entire house on a very tight budget – post 5 active children growing up in it, EVERYTHING is a mess. All these books would help me with the myriad decisions I have to make.
Fiona says
Thanks for all the great ideas!
Adriane Russell says
What a great giveaway! I am always trying to learn something new. Thank you!
Leah Frish says
Thanks for all your suggestions and recommendations for all things DIY -always so helpful. Thanks for offering such a wonderful and generous giveaway!!
Gail Craven says
This is amazing! Not just the giveaway but all the inspiration.
Cate says
Pretty awesome giveaway! All the best to you and yours!
Cynthia Kay Roberts says
I love painting and I am really good with colour but need help with inspiration for staging and placement of furniture in the home
Vanessa says
Thank you for this wonderful giveaway and terrific post! Your creativity and positivity is so inspiring!
Jane Greene says
What a talented group you belong too! The give-away is awesome too 🙂 I always enjoy reading the blogs with a nice cup of tea. So inspiring and gets me motivated. Happy Holidays!!
Jane Ferguson says
I look forward to your email posts. Great information, thank you.
Renee Zemanski says
Thank you for the opportunity!! Love your blog.
Trisha G says
3 Purdy brushes for $20?? My local paint supplier has 1 for $25. 😱 I’ve never tried them but when I do, now I’ll know where to go. 😉 And thanks for all the other great gift ideas! I could add them all to my list. 😆
Tyneisha says
These books definitely could have helped me when trying to decorate my living room during the Thanksgiving holiday!
lyn says
Wow, awesome giveaway! So many items, there is enough to share!
Carol Hennessey says
Jen, thanks for all the great product info! I’ve used Purdy brushes for decades doing interior painting, and have now started using them on furniture. I just finished two night stands for my son who just moved into his first house. Paid $10 for both at a yard sale, and kept them for just the right purpose. He loves them! I tripped over your blog in my mission to learn about painting and repurposing furniture and absolutely LOVE how you inspire me to be creative (which I’m not really) as well as how you give great how-to’s for the “me’s” of the world with fabulous images. So I signed up a few months ago, and love getting your emails! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you give to the world!
Kim says
I always read every bit of your blog posts and just wish we could go junking together! You definitely find better deals than we have here in Washington. Long live treasure hunting!
Vicki says
I am just getting into DIY projects, so just about anything would be helpful, but I would love to be more confident using transfers.
Kim says
I think the biggest thing these beautiful books will give me is the motivation to let go of “what if it doesn’t turn out” fears that consistently keep me from completing projects! You are also an inspiration and because of you I have taken on some smaller projects and it felt SO good! Thank you!
Jess Staten says
I believe these books would help me become more confident with stenciling and decoupage. I have never ventured into that area before and would love to try 🙂
Debbi Spencer says
I look forward to your posts every week. Thanks for the giveaway chance! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
DEBBIE HOSKINS says
Have a table and 6 chairs I plan on painting and recovering. Never painted furniture before. This would be an excellent resource|
Laura says
Wow! What a great treasure trove of books! They would keep me busy for months! With lots of great ideas and instructions to make over furniture and also home decor. I would love to win this prize!
Mother Deer says
Thank you for the opportunity to win the books. My DIY dilemma is knowing what kind of brush to use with each kind of paint. I would like my projects to look professional when completed like yours do 🙂
Carrie says
I often need inspiration and having these books would encourage me to try different techniques.
Thank you for the opportunity to win these great items,
Mary Alice Noone says
What a great collection of books! I have a basement full of furniture waiting for me to have the confidence to jump in and create! If I can’t have you, Jen, as my personal instructor, these books would certainly help!
Lori Babcock says
All the books sound great! I am especially interested in bringing life to old pieces of furniture so it would be handy to have step by step instructions to help me get started!
Lori says
I love all of your products and use most of the same ones. Thanks for sharing.
Jeannie Wallace says
I’ve been following several of these blogs for some time now, because I had to move and the rental home we are in now has emerald green carpet in the bedrooms and emerald tile in all the other rooms. It’s been a huge challenge to create a warm and cozy look and feel, when you have to coordinate every room with emerald green
Mary Loveland says
What a unique post, I love it! So many good ideas and the books could really start a cool spark! Thank You
M Miles says
Love all your post, great ideas.
Kristy says
Hope I have a chance to win!
Lynn Trevarthen says
These books would help me pull all the various project in my home into one cohesive whole. Thank you for this give away! It’s awesome!
Iris from Three Coats of Charm says
Great gift guide – some of my favourites are in there! Beautiful book!
Becky says
Beautiful books. I have only read the book by Bre and it is stunning and full of inspiration. I struggle with what to put on my coffee table so I am sure I could find something in one of these beautiful books.
Naomi S says
I want to start painting and selling furniture as a way to earn some extra money and I know I need all the instruction and advice I can get! I’m sure these books can help me. Also my home is always a work in progress so I know there will be information in the books that can guide me in any decorating project I might attempt. Thanks you so much for offering this giveaway. I hope I win!
Lois says
Have a mirror that needs to be painted an antiqued or glazed. But what color or finishes would look the best? You have great ideas and tutorials for products and how-to’s. Thank you! The books would be a great resource.
Lola Fields says
Your book has helped me with so many issues. I’m sure if I won them I might be a expert! LOL
Jeanine Gannon says
I’ve recently been flipping thrift store finds for others but now I’m looking for inspiration inside my own home. I have a large living room that i want to redecorate and I just dont know where to begin. Your blog is full of great ideas. I’ll keep browsing it for inspiration! Im sure I would also find great ideas and advice in the fabulous books as well!
Sally Smith says
Your blog always inspires me!!! Thanks so much!
Cindy Brooks says
We have timbers in our home. There is one in the middle of our open space that sort of delineates the kitchen from the family room. We also have windows on almost every wall (We live in a scenic area!) Both of these make furniture placement tricky! I may find some ideas in these books.
Natalie Tennant says
I have just started re-decorating my own furniture, I love your newsletters, ideas and your way you give instructions of how to DIY! Your insider tips and tricks are so helpful, because sometimes the better result is only about slight changes with the tools one uses. Many thanks for your advice, I really appreciate you sharing it with us all! All the best!
Cindy Porter says
Are you kidding me! ? All my furniture is hand me down, early American yard sale or it was left behind by previous owners! If I could DIY it all to make it MINE and fit my personality and my space THAT would be a major WIN WIN WIN!
Michelle D says
Excellent DIY gift list, keeping this for sure for all my DIY friends! I think the Tablescape book could solve some of my dilemma, I collect vintage glassware but I’m not the best at setting a great table.
Carol S. says
I want to learn the art of pairing down while still keeping my home warm and inviting during each season.
Kim says
I always need inspiration from creative people. I’m no good at coming up with designs myself. I would love to win the books!
Ashleigh Hall says
First, thank you so much for the chance to win such awesome books. My decorating dilemnas include knowing which brush to use for which surfaces, which paint to use on different pieces and the lack of knowledge to use most power tools!
Dianna Soderholm says
I ordered your book and love it! So much inspiration. I am an avid creator and especially love turning unwanted pieces of furniture into treasures! I love your blog for all the inspiration!
Dianna Soderholm says
I love your blog for all the inspiration! I have your book and love it!
Sally Haskett says
I’m an older woman and love to read about and see the makeovers. Hubby and I are looking to make some extra income and the books would be so helpful. Thanks for always sharing all your makeovers and not being selfish” with your knowledge.
Cindy says
Enjoy your work and have your book on my Xmas list!
LaVonda Popp says
I have your book, Jen, and I love it! I would like to see the other ones and I can give my daughter the extra copy of your’s, because she keeps stealing mine! Great giveaway – thank you!
Stacey Vass says
What a fantastic giveaway! I a just starting to get into painting furniture and need all the help I can get.
Jessica says
I’m just getting started with furniture and home goods crafts so these would help me a lot! My best advice so far is have a clean workspace before you get started.
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Jen! What an awesome giveaway! I have your book but i would love to have them all. I owe everything to the wonderful bloggers out there that share their creativity and knowledge. I wish i had found you when i was younger but then, you weren’t born yet. We didn’t have the privilege of bloggers when i was young. But hey, i am still alive an kicking and as long as i can i will learn to create! Thank you Jen and i hope you have a Merry Christmas!
Christie says
As a DIY’er myself, I love reading about and seeing makeovers. These books would be wonderful to have in my collection and I could learn new things from them. Any extra knowledge is helpful.
Donna Yarish says
I just plain need HELP with my various DIY projects!! lol They are SO-O good, in my head!! But, getting them done in the manner I WANT is another story. lol So, I hope to win the boos to help me accomplish my goals!! Thanks for this contest!
Rhonda says
Would love to have the books to update and to get new ideas. I love your makeovers.
Nancy Bond says
I have a lot of projects lined up for when the weather warms up. These book will help me prepare for the projects. Thank you for the giveaway.
Connie says
Thank you for the gift guide. I love the book suggestions and my husband will appreciate the list , too. Happy Holidays!
Nancy J Robinson says
What a great give away! I hope I win!
Annette says
Thank you for the opportunity to win these DIY books and for the awesome gift list!!
PJ says
I found your blog today via Miss Mustard Seed. I will spending a lot of time exploring here.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much PJ! I’m a huge admirer of Marian’s. Welcome! 🙂
Tracey A says
We have such a large family (22 grandkids) and sometimes it is hard to come up with a tablescape that looks pretty, with two large tables put together. I would love to get some fresh and creative ideas, with these books, but especially The Gift of Gathering. What a super giveaway!
Wendy McMillan says
Always such good, practical ideas…thank you, and also for doing the giveaway-what riches!
Mary says
Tried to enter to win the 6 books, but when I tried to comment, it would not let me , didn’t bring up the typing letters. Gave up after 6 times trying. Btw, I have your book, it’s wonderful, but wanted to win another to share and would love to have the other 5.
Roberta says
What a great giveaway! Thank you! Love learning about up-cycling and DIY makeovers.
Sandra D' Camp says
WOW!
For some reason I feel lucky today, maybe because it’s the final game today of Georgia Bulldogs vs LSU!! LOL… Woof, Woof! Love your blog!
Lisa says
Hi Jen,
Great give away! After all, knowledge is power 🙂
I’m planning on refinishing my kitchen table and chairs. The chairs have a straw bottom and I need to change that to a padded cushion (I’ve never done that) I plan on painting the chairs, table apron, and legs (I have done that and feel good about those changes) however, I want the table top to be a nice light brown and feel like I’ll have to experiment to get that nice light brown thin finish that will allow the wood grain to show through but won’t be orangish or white 🙂
Thanks!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Carol – you are so sweet! Thank you so much for following along, and best of luck with your projects!!