• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
An Off Grid Life
  • Off The Grid
  • Self-Reliance
  • Homesteading
  • Food
  • SHOP
    • Facebook
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Off The Grid
  • Self-Reliance
  • Homesteading
  • Food
  • SHOP
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Off The Grid
    • Self-Reliance
    • Homesteading
    • Food
    • SHOP
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Best Of

    28 Frugal DIY Projects That Prove Creativity Beats A Big Budget

    Modified: Mar 5, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · Published: Mar 5, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links and Amazon links

    Share!
    XFacebookEmailFlipboardPinterest

    Having a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for boring or low-quality projects. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can turn simple materials into something useful, stylish, or even impressive. These frugal DIY projects prove that big results don’t require big spending—just the right ideas and a willingness to get hands-on. Repurposing what you already have and working with affordable supplies can make all the difference. If you’re looking for smart ways to create, upgrade, or organize without overspending, this is the perfect place to start.

    Goat Milk Soaps

    A plate with rectangular bars of white and speckled soap, surrounded by small brown bottles, set on a wooden surface.Pin
    Goat Milk Soaps. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Goat milk soap is a simple way to keep your skin soft without spending a fortune. Using just a few natural ingredients, you can create a nourishing bar at home. This is one of those frugal DIY projects that’s both easy and rewarding.
    Read the Article: Goat Milk Soaps

    15 Fun DIY Garden Projects

    A child arranging a miniature garden with a blue pond, red bridge, and green plant on a wooden table.Pin
    15 Fun DIY Garden Projects. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Want to upgrade your garden without breaking the bank? These 15 ideas range from practical raised beds to creative decor that makes your space stand out. If you love frugal DIY projects, these ideas are worth trying.
    Read the Article: 15 Fun DIY Garden Projects

    Easy Homemade DIY Eucalyptus Bath Salts Recipe

    A small glass jar filled with a mixture of coarse salt and herbs sits on a white surface, surrounded by scattered herb flakes. A green cloth is partially visible in the background.Pin
    Easy Homemade DIY Eucalyptus Bath Salts Recipe. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    A warm bath with eucalyptus salts can turn an ordinary evening into a spa-like experience. With just a few household ingredients, you can make a relaxing soak for a fraction of the cost. Another great example of frugal DIY projects that make self-care affordable.
    Read the Article: Easy Homemade DIY Eucalyptus Bath Salts Recipe

    How to Make Your Own Homemade DIY Magic Eraser Liquid

    A spray bottle with a label "Liquid Magic Eraser" is placed next to a wooden bowl containing lemons and greenery, and a folded beige towel.Pin
    How to Make Your Own Homemade DIY Magic Eraser Liquid. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    This homemade cleaner tackles tough stains just like store-bought magic erasers—but costs far less. Using simple ingredients, you can mix up a powerful solution at home. A perfect pick for those who appreciate frugal DIY projects that actually save money.
    Read the Article: How to Make Your Own Homemade DIY Magic Eraser Liquid

    How to Make Beeswax Wraps

    Colorful patterned wax wraps with images of chickens and foliage, placed in a black metal basket.Pin
    How to Make Beeswax Wraps. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Ditch plastic wrap and make your own reusable beeswax wraps. These wraps keep food fresh, reduce waste, and are easy to make. A great addition to your list of frugal DIY projects that cut household costs.
    Read the Article: How to Make Beeswax Wraps

    Easy Homemade Coffee Brown Sugar Scrub Recipe

    A glass jar filled with dark coffee grounds sits on a blue and white patterned plate.Pin
    Easy Homemade Coffee Brown Sugar Scrub Recipe. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Exfoliating doesn’t have to be expensive. This homemade coffee scrub smooths and softens skin using ingredients you likely already have. Another reason why frugal DIY projects are worth exploring.
    Read the Article: Easy Homemade Coffee Brown Sugar Scrub Recipe

    How to Make Homemade DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils

    A green spray bottle and two small brown bottles on a tree stump outdoors.Pin
    How to Make Homemade DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Skip the chemical-heavy bug sprays and make your own with essential oils. It’s effective, smells great, and is much cheaper than store-bought options. One of the most useful frugal DIY projects for outdoor lovers.
    Read the Article: How to Make Homemade DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils

    Hot and Reusable: How to Make Eco-Friendly Hand Warmers

    A hand holds a small handmade pouch made of black and beige plaid fabric, with uneven edges and visible white stitching, over a wooden surface with scattered grains.Pin
    Hot and Reusable: How to Make Eco-Friendly Hand Warmers. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Keep your hands toasty all winter with these reusable hand warmers. Made with simple materials, they’re budget-friendly and practical. A smart pick for anyone who enjoys frugal DIY projects that bring daily comfort.
    Read the Article: Hot and Reusable: How to Make Eco-Friendly Hand Warmers

    Sugar Scrub Soap Recipe

    Five geometric, faceted white heart shapes arranged on a red surface.Pin
    Sugar Scrub Soap Recipe. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    This sugar scrub soap exfoliates and cleans at the same time, leaving your skin feeling refreshed. It’s a fun and affordable way to make homemade skincare. One of those frugal DIY projects that’s both practical and enjoyable.
    Read the Article: Sugar Scrub Soap Recipe

    Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

    A large glass jar filled with white powder is placed on a dark surface. Several beige wooden clothespins are scattered nearby, against a wooden backdrop.Pin
    Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Store-bought detergent can be pricey, but making your own is easy and much cheaper. With a few ingredients, you’ll have an effective cleaner that lasts. A must-try for anyone into frugal DIY projects that lower household expenses.
    Read the Article: Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

    Beeswax Lip Balm Recipe: Orange Spiced Cider

    Four small plastic containers filled with a white creamy substance placed on a wooden table.Pin
    Beeswax Lip Balm Recipe: Orange Spiced Cider. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Say goodbye to expensive lip balms and make your own with beeswax and natural oils. This orange spiced cider version smells amazing and keeps lips soft. A fun way to get started with frugal DIY projects.
    Read the Article: Beeswax Lip Balm Recipe: Orange Spiced Cider

    30 DIY Chicken Coops

    A small red chicken coop with an open wire-mesh door, an attached nesting box, and a water feeder inside. It is situated on a grassy area with trees in the background.Pin
    30 DIY Chicken Coops. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Raising chickens doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These 30 creative coop designs offer budget-friendly solutions for a sturdy and functional setup. A great resource for those who enjoy frugal DIY projects that support self-sufficiency.
    Read the Article: 30 DIY Chicken Coops

    Scrub With Sugar: Handmade Lavender Grapefruit Soap

    Purple flower-shaped soaps on a lace surface with a logo in the bottom right corner.Pin
    Scrub With Sugar: Handmade Lavender Grapefruit Soap. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    This handmade soap blends lavender and grapefruit for a fresh, soothing cleanse. It’s an easy and budget-friendly way to create luxurious skincare. Another win for frugal DIY projects.
    Read the Article: Scrub With Sugar: Handmade Lavender Grapefruit Soap

    DIY Herbal Healing Salve Recipe

    A round tin of green balm is placed on a black surface in front of a yellow and white striped cloth with dried flowers around it.Pin
    DIY Herbal Healing Salve Recipe. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    This homemade healing salve is perfect for cuts, scrapes, and dry skin. Made with natural ingredients, it works well and costs very little. A practical addition to your frugal DIY projects collection.
    Read the Article: DIY Herbal Healing Salve Recipe

    Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs

    An open glass jar on a wooden table, containing several white, hexagonal sugar cubes with a few scattered outside.Pin
    Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    These fizzing toilet bombs make cleaning easier while keeping your bathroom fresh. They work just as well as store brands but are far cheaper to make. A great option for anyone interested in frugal DIY projects that simplify cleaning.
    Read the Article: Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs

    Easy Natural DIY Gardeners Soap Recipe

    Two rectangular bars of soap, one wrapped with twine and paper, placed on a wooden surface with coffee beans scattered around.Pin
    Easy Natural DIY Gardeners Soap Recipe. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    After a day in the garden, this homemade soap helps scrub away dirt while keeping hands soft. It’s a simple and affordable way to care for your skin. A useful project for gardeners who appreciate frugal DIY projects.
    Read the Article: Easy Natural DIY Gardeners Soap Recipe

    Pine Vinegar DIY Kitchen Cleaner

    A jar filled with pine needles and liquid, sealed with a metal lid, placed on a wooden surface.Pin
    Pine Vinegar DIY Kitchen Cleaner. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Pine-infused vinegar makes an effective kitchen cleaner that’s tough on grease. It smells fresh, works well, and costs almost nothing to make. A prime example of why frugal DIY projects are worth trying.
    Read the Article: Pine Vinegar DIY Kitchen Cleaner

    DIY Aromatherapy Shower Steamers: Eucalyptus and Peppermint

    Three pastel green, intricately shaped soap bars on a wooden surface.Pin
    DIY Aromatherapy Shower Steamers: Eucalyptus and Peppermint. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Bring a spa-like touch to your shower with these homemade steamers. They’re easy to make, cost very little, and provide a refreshing boost. A fantastic way to enjoy frugal DIY projects that add luxury to everyday life.
    Read the Article: DIY Aromatherapy Shower Steamers: Eucalyptus and Peppermint

    DIY Flock Block for Chickens

    A close-up of three nut-seed clusters on a wooden surface, showcasing a mixture of various nuts and seeds bound together.Pin
    DIY Flock Block for Chickens. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Keep your flock happy with a homemade flock block that provides nutrients and entertainment. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to support backyard chickens. A great choice for those who love frugal DIY projects that benefit homesteading.
    Read the Article: DIY Flock Block for Chickens

    How to Make Lip Balm with Beeswax and Coconut Oil

    A tin filled with golden honey beside a honey dipper on a wooden surface.Pin
    How to Make Lip Balm with Beeswax and Coconut Oil. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Skip store-bought lip balms and make your own with beeswax and coconut oil. It’s all-natural, effective, and incredibly affordable. A great project for those who enjoy frugal DIY projects focused on natural skincare.
    Read the Article: How to Make Lip Balm with Beeswax and Coconut Oil

    DIY Sprouting Lids for Mason Jars

    A close-up of a glass jar with a grated plastic lid, containing sprouting seeds or greens inside.Pin
    DIY Sprouting Lids for Mason Jars. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Growing fresh sprouts at home is easy with these DIY mason jar lids. They make sprouting simple, cost very little, and work perfectly for small-scale gardening. Another reason to love frugal DIY projects.
    Read the Article: DIY Sprouting Lids for Mason Jars

    DIY Tic Tac Toe Board

    A wooden tic-tac-toe board with a grid made of wooden strips. Red and black blocks with Xs and Os are placed in the grid; red O wins diagonally. Extra blocks are on the side.Pin
    DIY Tic Tac Toe Board. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    This handmade tic-tac-toe board is a fun and inexpensive way to upgrade game night. Use scrap materials to create something unique. A creative addition to your list of frugal DIY projects.
    Read the Article: DIY Tic Tac Toe Board

    Homemade Calamine Lotion

    An open jar of thick, creamy chocolate spread sits on a wooden surface, with a spoon in the background.Pin
    Homemade Calamine Lotion. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Soothe irritated skin with this homemade calamine lotion that skips unnecessary additives. It’s easy to make and costs much less than store versions. A practical example of frugal DIY projects with real benefits.
    Read the Article: Homemade Calamine Lotion

    Natural Recipe: How to Make Easy Homemade Sunscreen

    A glass jar filled with yellow cream on a wooden table, accompanied by a small bottle, sunglasses, and a honey dipper.Pin
    Natural Recipe: How to Make Easy Homemade Sunscreen. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Protect your skin naturally with this DIY sunscreen made from simple ingredients. It’s safe, effective, and far cheaper than store-bought alternatives. A great way to incorporate frugal DIY projects into your skincare routine.
    Read the Article: Natural Recipe: How to Make Easy Homemade Sunscreen

    How to Make the Best DIY Emergency Candles

    Five white candles in glass jars arranged on a textured gray surface.Pin
    How to Make the Best DIY Emergency Candles. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    These homemade candles are a practical solution for power outages or cozy evenings. They burn cleanly and last a long time. One of those frugal DIY projects that’s always useful to have on hand.
    Read the Article: How to Make the Best DIY Emergency Candles

    DIY Recipe: How to Make Your Own Homemade Toothpaste

    A jar of grayish-green paste with an open metal lid sits on a wooden surface. Nearby are a wooden spoon with paste and some green basil leaves.Pin
    DIY Recipe: How to Make Your Own Homemade Toothpaste. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Avoid unnecessary additives in commercial toothpaste by making your own. This simple recipe is effective, affordable, and easy to customize. A perfect addition to your frugal DIY projects list.
    Read the Article: DIY Recipe: How to Make Your Own Homemade Toothpaste

    Peppermint Foot Scrub Recipe

    A glass jar of pink sugar scrub with a wooden spoon on a wooden surface, next to a peppermint candy and a red and white ribbon.Pin
    Peppermint Foot Scrub Recipe. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Refresh your feet with this easy peppermint scrub that exfoliates and cools. It’s much cheaper than spa treatments and works just as well. A fantastic way to enjoy frugal DIY projects that feel luxurious.
    Read the Article: Peppermint Foot Scrub Recipe

    How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote

    A tote bag made from a repurposed feed bag, featuring an image of chicks and the text "Country Road Chick Starter Grower.Pin
    How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote. Read the Article: An Off Grid Life.

    Turn empty feed bags into durable tote bags instead of tossing them out. They’re sturdy, reusable, and great for carrying groceries or supplies. A creative and sustainable example of frugal DIY projects.
    Read the Article: How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote

    Share!
    XFacebookEmailFlipboardPinterest

    Primary Sidebar

    Sarita Harbour.

    I'm Sarita. My family and I lived off the grid for 11 years in Canada's far north. If I did it, you can too.

    Learn more here →

    Popular

    • a man wearing blaze orange walking in the woods
      10+ Gifts for People Who Love The Outdoors 2025
    • A close-up of a round baked cake with a golden crust and visible clusters of blueberries throughout.
      Old-Fashioned Artisan Dutch Oven Blueberry Bread Recipe
    • Cover of "The Encyclopedia of Country Living" by Carla Emery, featuring text about homesteading, off-grid survival, and living off the land on a rustic background.
      Why The Encyclopedia of Country Living Belongs on Your Bookshelf
    • two young girls outdoors next to a wooden plank with one large fish and fishing gifts
      Fishing Gifts Guide: 9 Options for Every Style & Budget

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    Privacy Policy

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Terms & Conditions

      Newsletter

    • Sign Up Here
    • Sponsorship

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Media Kit
    • FAQs

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Harbour Content Development Inc.

    We improve our products and advertising by using Microsoft Clarity to see how you use our website. By using our site, you agree that we and Microsoft can collect and use this data. Our privacy policy has more details.