Salt Dough: 5 DIY Gift Ideas

Want to give a unique, handmade gift? Looking for a creative activity to do with your children? Salt dough offers an economical and fun way to create personalized gifts. Discover 5 original ideas for transforming this magical dough into unforgettable gifts.

1. A personalized embossed photo frame

Start by forming a rectangle of salt dough the size you want for your frame. On the edges, create relief by modeling small balls and various geometric shapes. Gently glue them all around the frame. Personalize the decoration by engraving patterns with a toothpick: spirals, flowers, stars, or hearts, according to your desires. Children can let their creativity run wild during this step. Once the decoration is finished, let it dry completely. Then apply acrylic paint, mixing the shades for a professional finish. Attach a hanging system to the back before offering your creation.

The necessary equipment:

• Salt dough;
• Toothpick for engravings;
• Acrylic paint;
• Brushes;
• Hanging system (ribbon or hook);
• Flat support for drying;
• Rolling pin (to flatten the dough).

With these items, you're now ready to get started. For even more inspiration, check out these many salt dough ideas .

2. Unique jewelry with floral motifs

Creating salt dough jewelry allows you to create unique and personalized accessories. To begin, roll out the dough thinly with a rolling pin. Then cut out the desired shapes: flowers, hearts, or geometric shapes using cookie cutters or a knife. For beads, roll small balls between your fingers and gently pierce them with a needle. Work on the details with a toothpick to create patterns and textures. Don't forget to pierce holes for the clasps before drying. Once your creations are dry, paint them with bright or pastel colors, then protect them with a clear varnish for added shine and durability.

The necessary equipment:

• Salt dough;
• Rolling pin;
• Cookie cutters or knife;
• Toothpick for details;
• Needle or pick for beads;
• Acrylic paint;
• Fine brushes;
• Clear varnish;
• Jewelry fasteners (ear studs, clasps, chains).

3. A personalized key ring with a fingerprint

Making a handprint keychain makes a touching keepsake. Start by forming a small ball of salt dough and flatten it to about 1 cm thick using a rolling pin. The surface should be smooth and even. Then invite your child to gently press their finger or hand into the dough. Don't use too much force to ensure a clean, well-defined imprint. Before it dries completely, carefully poke a hole at the top of your creation using a straw or a pick. This step is crucial so you can slide the metal ring through it later. Once the piece is completely dry, it's time to decorate! Enhance your creation with acrylic paint, choosing bright shades that will highlight the reliefs. Little ones love to participate in this step by applying their favorite colors. To finish, slip a metal ring through the hole.

The necessary equipment:

• Salt dough;
• Rolling pin;
• Straw or pick for the hole;
• Acrylic paint;
• Brushes;
• Metal key ring;
• Protective varnish (optional).

4. Artistic wall decorations

To create these decorative paintings, start by rolling out a base of salt dough about 1 cm thick on a flat surface. Create your geometric patterns using cookie cutters or cut out freeform shapes with a knife. For textures, gently press natural elements (leaves, flowers) or lace onto the surface. Add depth by layering separately modeled raised elements. Before drying, don't forget to integrate a hanging system on the back of your creation. Once the piece is completely dry, apply your metallic or pearlescent paint in several thin layers for a professional finish. Finish with a protective varnish to give your work even more shine.

The necessary equipment:

• Salt dough;
• Rolling pin;
• Assorted cookie cutters;
• Thin knife;
• Natural elements or lace for textures;
• Metallic or pearlescent acrylic paint;
• Brushes of different sizes;
• Protective varnish;
• Wall hanging system;
• Flat support for drying.

5. A centerpiece for the holidays

To create a beautiful festive centerpiece, start by shaping a circular or rectangular base about 2 cm thick to serve as a support. Then model 3 to 4 small candlesticks by forming hollow cylinders 5 cm high, which you will decorate with raised patterns (leaves, spirals, stars). Around these candlesticks, harmoniously arrange thematic decorative elements: for Christmas, create small fir trees (4-5 cm cones), flat stars and mini-balls; for Easter, shape eggs, rabbits and spring flowers. Work the details with a toothpick and texture the surfaces with lace or plant prints. Once the elements are assembled on the base with a little water, let dry for 24 hours before painting the whole with gold or pearly shades. Finish by applying a protective varnish.

The necessary equipment:

• Salt dough (approximately 500g);
• Rolling pin;
• Toothpicks for details;
• Lace or natural leaves for textures;
• Gold and pearlescent acrylic paint;
• Brushes of different sizes;
• Glossy protective varnish;
• Tea lights;
• Flat support for drying;
• Small bowl of water for assembly;
• Ruler for measuring heights;
• Cookie cutters (stars, circles).

The magic of salt dough lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into unique and personal gifts. Each creation tells a story and bears the imprint of the person who lovingly crafted it. These creative moments shared with family become precious memories that last a lifetime. So don't hesitate to embark on this creative adventure that will delight young and old alike.