Looking for ideas on things to stop buying and start making to save more money? You’re in the right place!
Every day, we use countless items that could easily be made at home for much less. From household essentials to favorite treats, making your own can save you money while giving you full control over what goes into the products you use.
I personally love DIY projects—it’s one of my favorite ways to spend time. Whether I’m whipping up homemade laundry detergent, yogurt, bread, or crafting DIY décor and cleaning products, I enjoy the process as much as the savings. Plus, when I’m not blogging about earning money and budgeting, DIYing is a fun and fulfilling creative outlet for me.
What I love most is the balance it offers: by making things myself, I save money without sacrificing quality. Instead of splurging on pricey brands, I create my own versions using simple, budget-friendly ingredients that work just as well—if not better—all while spending significantly less.
Sound like something you’d love to try? To help you kickstart your savings and adopt a more mindful approach to consumption, I’ve rounded up 35 things you can stop buying and start making in 2025. This list includes cleaning products and food and condiments.
These ideas are easy, affordable, and don’t require a huge time commitment. Best of all, they’ll help you stretch your budget without sacrificing the things you love.
Beauty and Personal Care
Table of Contents
Everyone deserves a little pampering now and then, but who says you have to spend thousands of dollars on expensive beauty and personal care products? It’s time to ditch those pricey and chemical-laden concoctions and start making your own at home.
- Bath Bomb
If you’re a fan of self-care Sundays, why not try making some bath bombs? These fizzy little treats are perfect for relaxing after a long, busy week. You can customize them with soothing essential oils and pretty colors, making bath time feel like a luxurious spa experience.
Check out this bath bomb by Desert Naturals.
- Hair Mask
Treat your hair to a nourishing and hydrating hair mask made from all-natural ingredients. This homemade hair mask can help revitalize your hair and restore moisture and shine.
For an easy and effective recipe, check out this all-natural hair mask by Trabeauli—your hair will thank you!
- Body Scrub
This is my favorite body scrub and it’s only made of two ingredients! It’s cheap, smells divine and works just as well as store-bought body scrubs!
- Facial Cleanser
You can start your skincare routine off right with this gentle facial cleanser from the Little House on the Mountain. Washing your face with this cleanser helps to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean.
- Lip Balm
Complete your beauty routine with hydrating lip balm. Glide on this nourishing lip balm from Eco Living Mama to keep your pout soft and supple throughout the day.
- Hand Sanitizer
With germs everywhere, keeping your hands clean is more important than ever. But why spend a fortune on those tiny bottles of hand sanitizer when you can make your own at home? It’s simple, budget-friendly, and lets you customize the scent to suit your preferences. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s in it—no mystery ingredients, just effective, affordable hygiene. Check out this easy hand sanitizer recipe by All Natural and Good!
- Body Lotion
With a little bit of creativity and a few key ingredients, you can craft your own rich and creamy body lotion that will leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated. I love this body lotion by Premeditated Leftovers!
- Shampoo
What could be better than a natural, homemade concoction to cleanse and nourish your hair? With this all-natural shampoo recipe from Thank Your Body, you can skip the harsh chemicals and enjoy soft, shiny hair with a light, refreshing scent. It’s a simple and gentle way to care for your hair naturally.
- Facial Mist
Perfect for those days when your skin needs a little pick-me-up, this DIY mist is a must-have for any skincare lover.
- Mouthwash
Who needs those fancy, expensive bottles from the store when you can create your own fresh and zesty mouthwash right in your kitchen? This DIY version is simple and effective, not to mention free of any harsh chemicals.
Household Cleaners
Household cleaners are essential for keeping our homes clean and tidy. However, some store bought cleaners contain harmful chemicals that are not only bad for the environment but also for our health. That’s why making your own natural cleaners is a smart choice – keeping your home clean and safe in a natural, eco-friendly way!
- Dish Soap
That cute little bottle of dish soap may look harmless, but it’s actually packed with synthetic fragrances and dyes. Make your own dish soap using natural ingredients that are tough on grease but gentle on your hands. Here’s an easy dish soap recipe from Sparkling Penny.
- Floor Cleaner
This is my go-to floor cleaner, and it’s incredibly affordable and easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients—distilled vinegar, essential oil, and rubbing alcohol—you can whip up an effective, natural cleaner in no time. For the full recipe, check out this DIY floor cleaner from Simply Today Life!
- All-Purpose Cleaner
Tired of spending a small fortune on separate cleaners for every surface in your home? I was too—until I started making my own all-purpose cleaner. Not only has it saved me a ton of money, but it’s also incredibly effective!
This versatile cleaner handles everything from kitchen counters to bathroom sinks with ease. And the best part? It leaves your home smelling fresh and clean, making the chore of cleaning surprisingly enjoyable. Check out this recipe to learn how to make a simple, all-purpose cleaner.
- Glass Cleaner
Want streak-free windows without the hefty price tag? Skip the store-bought glass cleaners that leave streaks behind and make your own using just a few natural ingredients. Here’s how to make an easy, and cheap glass cleaner!
- Oven Cleaner
Got a crusty mess in your oven that just won’t budge? This homemade cleaner works wonders on caked-on food residues, leaving your oven sparkling clean and ready for your next culinary masterpiece.
- Disinfectant Spray
Crafted with natural ingredients and a dash of creativity, this homemade solution by Unsophisticook effectively eliminates germs and bacteria from your home, all while leaving behind a refreshing, clean scent you’ll love.
- Laundry Detergent
I’ve been making my own laundry detergent for a while now, and I haven’t looked back! It’s incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and works wonders—all without relying on harsh chemicals. It’s a simple, effective way to keep your clothes clean and fresh while being kinder to your wallet and the environment.
Pets
Why splurge on those commercial pet goodies when you can whip up some homemade ones? Not only will they be safer for your precious pals, but they’ll also be way healthier.
- Dog Treats
Who doesn’t love spoiling their pooch with some yummy treats? Well, these tasty snacks are perfect for rewarding your dog for good behavior or just giving them a little something to munch on.
- Cat Food
Cats are wonderful companions, but they can be picky eaters. By making your own cat food, you can experiment with different flavors and textures to find out what your cat loves the most. Check out this cat food recipe by Caster.
Garden and Outdoor
Ever wanted to turn your backyard into a perfect lounging spot? With some DIY garden and outdoor creations and a few simple touches, you can easily transform your outdoor space into a relaxing oasis.
- Bird Feeders
Nothing brings life to a garden quite like the sight and sound of chirping birds. With a DIY bird feeder, you can attract all sorts of feathered friends to your outdoor oasis. Not only is it fun to make, but it’s also a great way to show off your creativity. Check out this bird feeder by Birdy Birdy Birdy.
- Hanging Plant Shelf
This simple yet stylish hanging plant shelf will not only add a touch of greenery to your outdoor space, but it will also serve as a conversation starter for your guests.
- Fertilizer
No more lugging around heavy bags of expensive fertilizer or worrying about harmful chemicals seeping into your precious plants. With just a few simple steps, you can give your garden the love and nourishment it deserves.
I’ve ditched store-bought fertilizers entirely and now make my own from scratch using table scraps and other natural ingredients. It’s an eco-friendly, cost-effective way to nourish your garden and help it thrive!
- Wind Chime
I absolutely love wind chimes! My favorites are made from bamboo, and their gentle, soothing tones create the perfect relaxing atmosphere in my garden—ideal for unwinding or meditating. If you’re as enchanted by wind chimes as I am, here are some creative wind chime ideas you can easily make yourself!
Home and Play
Looking to add a little spark of creativity to your living space while also giving your kids something fun to do? These items are not only a breeze to make but will also liven up your home.
- Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are a great way to add a pop of color to your living room. And the best part? They’re super easy to make! All you need is some fabric and stuffing. Go bold with patterns or keep it simple with textured fabrics. Check out these throw pillows by Eighty MPH Mom.
- House Rags
Instead of buying expensive paper towels, you can make your own house rags from old shirts or towels. They work just as well and can be washed and reused over and over again. Plus, they add a touch of color to your cleaning routine.
- Coffee Table
Give your living room a touch of rustic charm by creating a beautiful wooden coffee table from scratch. With just a few simple tools, you can transform a plain old piece of wood into a stunning living room centerpiece. Love Grows Wild has a simple yet elegant coffee table DIY project here for inspiration.
- Candles
I love making and using candles! Candles are a great way to add a cozy atmosphere to your home, especially during the winter months. You can customize the color, scent, and shape of the candles to fit your personal style. For the holidays, consider making festive scented candles in colors like red and green. To make candles, The Honeycomb Home has a simple tutorial here.
- Curtains
Whether you opt for sheer panels for a light and airy look, bold drapes for a dramatic statement, or simple blinds for a minimalist vibe, DIY curtains are a fantastic way to personalize your space. Check out how Lantern Lane Designs make these curtains.
- Play Dough
This squishy, colorful dough is not just for kids. It’s also a fantastic stress reliever for adults. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and unleash your inner child as you mold, shape, and create to your heart’s content. Check out Play Dough from The Purposeful Nest
- Lava Lamp
Remember those mesmerizing lamps from the 70s? Well, now you can recreate the magic right at home. It’s an awesome science experiment that is sure to entertain both kids and adults alike. Just watch those colorful bubbles dance and swirl around in a mesmerizing display. Check out Lava Lamp by One Little Project.
Food and Condiments
Making your own food items is actually really easy and a lot of fun. You can get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create something truly unique that will suit your taste.
- Loaf Bread
This fluffy and soft bread is perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you like it plain, toasted, or with a spread of butter, it pairs well with just about anything. Here’s a simple, and easy loaf bread recipe from The Spruce Eats.
- Ketchup
Do you still buy ketchup? Here’s a simple ketchup recipe so you can make it from scratch and save money! It’s healthy and made with all natural ingredients.
- Mayonnaise
Whether you’re a fan of traditional mayo or prefer a flavored version like garlic aioli or chipotle mayo, this versatile condiment is a kitchen essential. Use it as a base for sandwiches, mix it in with coleslaw, or drizzle it over grilled vegetables for a burst of flavor. Check out Downshiftology’s mayonnaise recipe.
- Hot Sauce
The fiery condiment that packs a punch. From classic Tabasco to trendy Sriracha, this condiment can elevate a dull dish with just a few drops. Drizzle it over pizza for an extra kick of flavor or add it to soups and stews for a spicy twist. Check out this hot sauce recipe from The Curious Chickpea.
- Peanut Butter
It’s creamy, nutty, and indulgent. Spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or just eat it straight from the jar. You’ll love this homemade peanut butter from Love and Lemons!
Final Thoughts
As prices continue to rise, it’s the perfect time to think creatively about your purchases. Instead of spending on store-bought items, why not try making them yourself?
Creating things from scratch is not only a great way to save money and embrace a more budget-friendly lifestyle, but it’s also an opportunity to tap into your creativity and enjoy the satisfaction of making something with your own hands. Whether it’s a practical project or a fun DIY adventure, the benefits go far beyond just cutting costs—it’s a fulfilling way to live smarter and more intentionally.
