These DIY Scrapbook Ideas Make for a Thoughtful Last-Minute Gift (2024)

These DIY Scrapbook Ideas Make for a Thoughtful Last-Minute Gift (1)

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Your smartphone is great for a lot of things, but creating warm and fuzzy feels isn't high on that list. After a day of fun, what do you do with those photos? Maybe one or two make it onto Instagram with a witty caption. But let's be real, most of those images will wind up gathering cobwebs in your camera roll or — oh no! — getting wiped in a smartphone mishap before you have time to back up to the cloud.

The solution for anyone who wants to preserve memories forever: Curate your favorite shots and use them to create a fabulous keepsake with our list of the best scrapbook ideas. Not only are well-designed scrapbooks perfect for dressing up a coffee table, but they also make great DIY gifts for your nearest and dearest.

Ready to get started? First things first: Buy yourself a scrapbook. Once you have it, you'll want to personalize it and make it your own. From pre-made elements you can use in all kinds of ways, to learning how to create your own custom features, this list of 20 simple scrapbook ideas will inspire you to create meaningful masterpieces you'll revisit for years to come.

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1

Use Scrapbook Stickers

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One of the easiest things to do when scrapbooking is buying a big scrapbook sticker pack. No pasting required, these are pre-glued and ready to go! Many sticker books come in different styles, interests, and more.

Get the Sticker Idea at Lia Griffith.

SHOP SCRAPBOOK STICKERS

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2

Frame Your Photos

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We like a scrapbooking frame (which you can buy pre-sticky), but we love a unique photo frame that you make from scratch.

Get the Papercut Photo Frame tutorial at Lia Griffith.

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3

Add a Vision Board Page

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Want to include a lot of typography? Pick a section in your scrapbook to create a vision board right in it. Don't forget to pick words from magazines (or scrapbooking kits) that help you manifest.

Get the Vision Board tutorial at Made With Happy.

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4

Make a Paper Heart

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It's almost too simple to do, but this paper heart craft can add some dimension to your scrapbook. Pick a pattern of your choosing, or even a solid color.

Get the Paper Heart tutorial at Pattern and Paste.

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5

Feature a 3D Flower Cutout

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It wouldn't be a scrapbook without a floral cutout. This one —originally developed for a greeting card — can be created for your scrapbook.

Get the Paper Flower tutorial at Crea Bea Cards.

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6

Include the 'Friends' Motif

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Love the show Friends and want to showcase your own friends on the pages of your scrapbook? We love this tutorial to recreate the Friends motif on paper. Could this BE any cuter?

Get the 'Friends' Frame tutorial at Pattern and Paste.

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7

Label Pages with Tags

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One great way to recycle gift tags you're not using (or even reuse ones given to you with a gift), is by incorporating them into the pages of your scrapbook to indicate special people or occasions featured.

Get the Gift Tag tutorial at Lia Griffith.

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8

Create Paper Luggage

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If your scrapbook is one that focuses on travel, this suitcase card can be a really cool inclusion. You can include passport- and travel-inspired stickers, and make the luggage open to reveal one of your travel photos inside.

Get the Suitcase Card tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully.

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9

Make a 'Vintage' Scrapbook Page

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Want your paper to look old for an antique-style visual effect? Take plain paper and stain it with tea to create some faux aging. Once complete, you can glue or paste anywhere within your pages.

Get the Tea-Stained Paper tutorial at Pattern and Paste.

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10

Include Real Buttons and Fabrics

If you're making a memory book for your child, cut scraps from their too-small baby clothes or glue on old buttons to truly personalize their special scrapbook.

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11

Showcase a House Cutout

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Have house memories you want to immortalize in a scrapbook? Include this home cutout to make the page truly your own.

Get the House Cutout tutorial at Crea Bea Cards.

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12

Display Your Photo Strips

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Who doesn't love a photo booth? From weddings to malls, they're everywhere. And there's nothing like a nostalgic strip of shots to commemorate a special day. Display them by layering some colorful and patterned paper, and stick on with Washi tape.

Get the DIY Photostrip Strip Scrapbook tutorial at Lovely Indeed.

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13

Steal This Card Cutout Idea

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We love how you can see the wildflowers and leaves behind the word in this card. Transform the same craft and incorporate it into your scrapbook.

Get the Pretty Paper Cutout tutorial at Lea Griffith.

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14

Incorporate Real Items From Nature

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You may fill your scrapbook with stickers galore, but if you want to go a more natural route, pressed leaves and flowers will add a beautiful touch. If you've never made pressed flowers or leaves before, there are pre-made ones you can buy as well as kits to help you get started.

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15

Feature Retro 'Polaroids'

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You may be taking all of your photos on a phone these days, but some photo services allow you to order pictures in different sizes. We particularly love the idea of printing your new photos like old-fashioned Polaroids. Narrow strips of Washi tape can hold the photos down for a cute contrasting look.

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16

Add an Award Ribbon

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Perfect for celebrating milestones like birthdays, soccer seasons, or graduations, adding an award ribbon to your scrapbook is a lovely touch. And the best part is, they're easy to make yourself with a printable kit.

Get the Award Ribbon tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully.

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17

Repurpose Journal Stickers

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Just like you may buy a scrapbooking kit that comes with stickers, many planners and journals include super cute sticker sheets, too. We love the thought of repurposing these, whether to mark an important month or holiday, or just to record the simple joys of your everyday life.

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18

Print Your Paper

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If you're not a super crafter with a Cricut machine, no worries. You can print your own scrapbook paper with all of the accoutrements right on it. Then, all that's left to do is add photos. Easy!

Get the Printable Scrapbook Paper tutorial at Design Eat Repeat.

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19

Upcycle Old Paintings

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If you want a really unique scrapbook, you can make one from scratch by upcycling old paintings.

Get the DIY Scrapbooking Journals tutorial at Thriving With Less.

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20

Stay Organized

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Scrapbooking is more fun when you can easily find all of your materials. We love this DIY that displays beautiful scrapbook paper right by your desk or crafting table where you do the work. There are also plenty of organizers on the market to hold your various scrapbooking tools, stickers, and more.

Get the Paper Organizer tutorial at Lovely Indeed.

SHOP SCRAPBOOKING ORGANIZERS

RELATED: 25 Unique Gifts for Crafters That Are Sure to Spark Creativity

These DIY Scrapbook Ideas Make for a Thoughtful Last-Minute Gift (2024)

FAQs

How to make handmade gifts? ›

Start creating your perfect DIY project now:
  1. Photo Book. A photo book is the ultimate DIY gift. ...
  2. Custom Cheese Board. Have a friend who loves to host dinner parties? ...
  3. Photo Puzzles. ...
  4. DIY Tote Bags. ...
  5. Playing Cards. ...
  6. DIY Birthstone Bracelet. ...
  7. Photo Blanket. ...
  8. Reusable Shopping Bag.
Oct 4, 2023

How do you make a special scrapbook? ›

How to Scrapbook at a Glance
  1. Sort your photos and choose a focal point photo.
  2. Choose paper, embellishments, and a background.
  3. Double-mat the main photo; group mat the supporting photos.
  4. Write journaling entries.
  5. Add embellishments.
  6. Add the page to your album.
Sep 18, 2022

How do you make a book a gift? ›

Choose a wrapping paper or material that resonates with your book's theme or simply one that the recipient would love. It could be elegant, quirky, or minimalist. The key is thoughtfulness. Add related gifts: To elevate the gifting experience further, consider accompanying the book with related items.

How to make a gift in 5 minutes? ›

50 Last Minute Handmade Gift Ideas in 5 Minutes or Less-
  1. Flower Push Pins (5 minute project)
  2. Homemade French Onion Dip Mix (5 minute project)
  3. DIY Gold Wine Glasses (5 minutes project + 30 minutes for baking to set design)
  4. Essential Oil Beard Blend (5 minute project)
  5. Dip Mix Ornaments (5 minute project)

What is a mini scrapbook? ›

A miniature scrapbook is a quick and easy way to showcase a few special photos and life mementos in a creative way, rather than just the standard brag book.

How to make a family scrapbook? ›

Family mementos such as birth and marriage certificates, report cards, old letters, family recipes, clothing items, and a lock of hair can also add interest to a family history scrapbook. Smaller items can be incorporated into a heritage scrapbook by placing them in clear, self-adhesive, acid-free memorabilia pockets.

How to make a scrapbook as a gift? ›

How to make a scrapbook: a step-by-step guide
  1. Choose a theme. ...
  2. Figure out what memories you want to include. ...
  3. Find photos or other ways to represent your memories. ...
  4. Start arranging your scrapbook pages. ...
  5. Calligraphy. ...
  6. Little paper envelopes. ...
  7. Pressed flowers. ...
  8. Washi tape, stickers, and stamps.
Sep 22, 2022

What makes a good scrapbook? ›

A scrapbook should always tell a story, whether it's through photos or actually writing a story and featuring it on a page. Write out your memory, then place accompanying photos around it.

What is the materials needed to make a scrapbook? ›

The most basic scrapbooking supplies that you'll need are paper, cardstock, scissors or trimmers, pens, adhesives (glue, foam tape, or washi tape), embellishments such as stickers and ephemera, and photos. It's also good to invest in a scrapbook kit - it has everything you need to get started.

How can I start my scrapbook? ›

How to make a scrapbook: the ultimate beginner's guide to scrapbooking
  1. Gather your scrapbooking supplies. ...
  2. Choose scrapbook paper or albums. ...
  3. Pick a topic or theme. ...
  4. Round up your photographs. ...
  5. Choose your layout. ...
  6. Get creative and add embellishments. ...
  7. Add journalling to your pages.
Mar 12, 2020

What can I use instead of a scrapbook? ›

How To Preserve Memories Without A Scrapbook
  • PICTURES. Take pictures! ...
  • PHOTO BOOKS. Companies like Chatbooks and Shutterfly provide affordable photo books that are so easy, you can't pass them up! ...
  • VIDEOS. ...
  • FUNNY JOURNAL. ...
  • TIME CAPSULE. ...
  • REMINISCE. ...
  • TRADITIONS. ...
  • USE YOUR SENSES.

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