We spend a lot on everyday items, and while there is nothing wrong with that, it may help to know that some of these things cost more than their production price. For some of these items, the homemade alternatives may serve you even better. These items cost a lot because of the branding or the intangible work put into creating them.
Candles
Candles will only cost you a little to make. When you have the basic ingredients—wax, wick, fragrance oils, a mild or shaping container, etc—you’re good to go. Visit a store and see the prices of candles, especially the scented or luxury ones being expensive. The only difference is probably the fancy packaging.
Jewelry (Beaded or Simple Metal)
With your beads, wires, and clasp, you can make various kinds of beaded jewelry. It’s understandable that when buying from designer brands, many factors will push up the prices, including labor. However, if you don’t care about the brand’s name and exclusivity, you can save yourself a lot of money.
Cleaning Products
Another thing that won’t cost you a lot to make is cleaning solutions. You probably won’t need a store trip for them, as you may already have items for them at home, like water, vinegar, olive oil, baking soda, etc. While commercial versions may promise better results, that may not always be the case.
Personal Care Products (Lotions, Lip Balm)
As for personal care products, making yours on your own is not solely about saving money; it’s also about control. The items used to make these things—essential oils, shea butter, beeswax, etc— don’t cost much. Plus, you get to save yourself from ingredients you don’t want and add those you want.
Bread or Baked Goods
To make bread, you need simple things like sugar, water, flour, yeast, etc, and you likely already have them. When someone who eats bread a lot starts bulk-buying the ingredients and making them whenever they want, they will find that they save more than when they buy from the store.
Furniture or Shelving (Simple DIY Projects)
If you’re handy with basic tools—saws, hammers, sandpapers, etc—you’ll realize how much you can save on furniture. With your wood, nails, screws, and required tools, you can make your own. It’ll just require some of your time, which will be worth it compared to the price many furniture items go for.
Organic Produce (Grow Your Own)
When you grow your food, you’re sure of getting organic ones, and all it takes are the seeds (or stems), the right soil, and gardening tools. You can even use alternatives instead of buying all the tools. The best part is that you can sell your excess produce and boost your wallet as much as you want.
DIY Home Décor (Wall Art, Picture Frames)
Picture frames, wall art, and many other home decorations may sell for a lot, but the prices may not always match the cost of the items. Items marketed as handcrafted could even go for more. You can make beautiful and high-quality decor items when you put your skills and creativity to work.
Custom T-shirts or Clothing
When blank shirts are available, all that’s required to make a branded shirt is embroidery, fabric paint, or whatever tool/item fits the kind of branding you desire. These things aren’t expensive, but already-branded shirts may be far more expensive than they are.
Wedding Dresses
Designers have capitalized on the specialness of the occasion to drive up the prices of these dresses, which are made out of fabric with nothing special. Sometimes, we are too excited about the upcoming event to bother about the prices, but any clothmaker can cost it for you and show you’re likely overpaying.
Bath Bomb
Drop a bath bomb in the tub, and you’re in spa heaven. But those fizzy little spheres come with a hefty price tag at retail. You can make them at home with basic ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. They’re so easy to create, and you can experiment with colors.
Designer Handbags
Materials used to make many handbags can be bought cheaply in the market. That’s why local craftsmen could offer bags of similar quality for way cheaper than reputable brands. Many popular brands raise their prices, especially when their products are seen as status symbols.
Tote Bags
Tote bags are trendy, but they don’t come cheap. You can easily make one using scrap fabric or an old t-shirt. Personalizing them with patches or fabric paint makes them even more fun. Why shell out $40 for something you can sew up in an afternoon?
Baseball Cards
If you have ever wondered why rare baseball cards cost a lot, many people who aren’t fascinated with the sport wonder the same, too. After all, it’s just a piece of paper or plastic with a print on it. Collectors spend a lot to acquire them because of the value the sporting world has placed on them.
Face Masks
Face masks sold in stores, especially those with exotic ingredients, can burn a hole in your pocket. But did you know you can make your own luxurious mask at home with pantry staples like honey, oats, and yogurt? These DIY masks are cheap, effective, and way more fun to concoct in your kitchen!
