Know someone who likes to fix things? Yeah… so do we… our Editor. Not that there are that many issues to fix around the office, right! *polite smile* Well, your regular Mr. or Ms. D-I-Y tend to be really crafty and creative, great at anything practical and hands-on, while they also enjoy the challenge of figuring things out and putting things together their own. IKEA furniture? No problem! Nothing beats the satisfaction of total self-reliance. From LEGO to craft projects, these D-I-Y kits will keep that person busy and out of your hair.
1. TOPMOUNTAIN SILENCE QUARTZ WALL CLOCK DIY, $6.28
Available at amazon.sg.
We all have that friend who’s always running late, so here’s a cheeky reminder for them to keep an eye on the clock in the new year. A great gift for anyone, regardless of their style, the pieces in this easy-to-assemble quartz clock can be assembled to make a simple wall clock, or customised to create something in whatever style they prefer. We think a frameless clock would look pretty cool.
2. LEGO REMOTE-CONTROLLED STUNT RACER, $139.90 [GIVEAWAY]
Available at thebrickshop.com.sg.
There are 324 pieces in this LEGO set, which means a whole afternoon of fun building it. But the fun really starts once it’s made! It’s a remote-controlled stunt vehicle with huge tracks for gripping the ground, and large rear sprockets for quick acceleration! It can make 360° turns, drive over obstacles, and can go in reverse as well. And just when you think you’ve had enough, you can take it apart and build it into a speedy racer that is remote-controlled as well! Oh what fun!
3. LOMOGRAPHY LOMOMOD NO.1, $79 [GIVEAWAY]
Available at shop.lomography.com.
This flat-packed cardboard camera offers hours of fun assembling a camera that doesn’t require screws, glue or tape! Just punch out and fit the pieces together according to the instructions. And the fun doesn’t stop once you’ve built this gadget… the lens can be filled with coloured liquids to create crazy effects and filters for your photographs, making this a well-priced gift to fulfill your photographer friend’s dreams for coffee-stained pictures.
4. KIKKERLAND PORTABLE BBQ SUITCASE, USD84
Available at kikkerland.com.
You’d catch Mr (or Ms!) D-I-Y over at the grill, flipping their homemade beef patties, and damn they’re proud of their cooked meats. Never have to fight for a spot at your condo / ECP / anywhere in the world with this portable charcoal grill option, which they get to pack up and go any time!
5. ODD DOT MAKE YOUR OWN BEAUTY MASKS BOOK, $30
Available at urbanoutfitters.com.
Masking is an imperative part of any skincare routine, but store-bought masks can get a little repetitive, so why not make your own? This book comes armed with 38 all-natural mask recipes that you can make with ingredients already found in your own kitchen. The best part? You’ll know exactly what you’re putting on your skin, and you’ll be able to customise the mask that suits you best.
6. MEINL PERCUSSION MAKE YOUR OWN CAJON KIT, OVANGKOL FRONTPLATE, $72.90
Available at sweelee.com.sg.
The cajon has been rising in popularity in the past few years — easy to learn, easy to play and maybe even easy to make? This D-I-Y kit has everything you need to make your own, with step-by-step instructions to make sure you’re ready to play as soon as you’re done! I mean, most of us should be able to hold a beat, right?
7. GOOGLE NEST MINI, $79
Available at Courts.
It might be a little strange why this self-sufficient type needs a digital assistant at all, but we believe it’ll change the game for him/her. Whenever things needs a little fixing, a squeaky door for instance, or even a glitchy computer programme, they’ll just need to call out to Google and figure it out for themselves after — no need for a repairman or the IT guy. Of course, the other great things about the Google Nest Mini (music playback, timers, and schedule reminders) still count!
8. BLUE STONE CRAFT CARD CASE DIY KIT, USD67.50
Available at https://bluestonecraft.com/product/bifold-wallet-diy-kit-copy/.
It’s true — sometimes the best gifts come from the heart (and not from your paycheck). If you’re looking for a gift for that one friend of yours who seems to have (almost) everything, consider getting this DIY Kit that’s practical and meaningful. Sure, they can go out and buy themselves a card case, but it won’t nearly be as fun as personalising their own for a change!
9. CHASING THREADS RAINBOW THREADS, $10
Available at naiise.com.
Whether they’re already part of that wanderlust life or just wish they were, these colourful embroidery threads can be stitched onto a passport cover or travel notebook from the Chasing Threads collection.
10. RESINPLAY PRESERVED FLOWERS RESIN PENDANT WORKSHOP, $95
Available at playretreat.sg.
Elevate your diy game with a flower resin workshop and learn how to create your own series of small wearable jewellery with real dried pressed flowers.
11. MOSS TERRARIUM DIY KIT, $42
Available at MakeYourOwn.
For some of us, we enjoy the simplicity and the idea of growing our own plants. So what’s holding you back from growing your own garden? Maintenance, of course. Admit it, having plants make great additions to any environment be it at home or even at the office, but we find ourselves guilty at times for not watering them as often as we’d normally do on a daily basis — oh our poor withered plants… Fortunately enough, you won’t have to worry as much when it comes to terrariums because they’re space-saving, requires low maintenance and in this case, very customisable too!
12. THE BOTANIST SELF WATER HERB PLANTER PACK, $100 [GIVEAWAY]
Available at thebotanist.com.
For fans of this delicious botanical gin from a distillery on the Isle of Islay, Scotland, a fine bottle would do. For gin lovers who’d like to get their hands dirty though — gardening, we mean — then get them this gift pack that includes a self-watering herb planter made from the iconic bottle, which can be used to grow garnishes and herbs for… a splendid cocktail! Full circle never tasted so good.
13. FOSSA CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP FOR 2, $495
Available at Giftano.
A romantic date and an opportunity to learn a new skill, all in one workshop? Score! Digital gifting platform Giftano has a nice array of curated gifting options, with even a personalised greeting card you can slip under the Christmas tree, which is how we found this artisanal Fossa Chocolate workshop in the first place. The hands-on experience lets you learn basic techniques, such as tempering, which go into creating your own bonbons and truffles to take home.
For items with the ‘GIVEAWAY’ labels, we’re giving them away in our massive holiday gift guide contests — head over to our Facebook and Instagram pages daily to take part.
More of NYLON’s Holiday Gift Guides, coming soon — stay tuned! Click here to see our full list of gift guides.
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