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DIY Gifts For Cheerleaders [TOP PICKS]

ByBen
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Gift-giving is one of those activities that can make you feel on top of the world when you get it right, and totally off-track when you don’t. Whether it’s for a birthday, a holiday, or a special recognition, the process of choosing the perfect gift is always a bit tricky-especially when you’re buying for someone as vibrant and unique as a cheerleader. You want your gift to reflect their hard work, enthusiasm, and spirit, but you also want it to feel personal and meaningful. After all, cheerleaders aren’t just athletes; they are dedicated performers, team players, and role models.

This guide is all about giving you the insights, strategies, and tips to find the perfect DIY gifts that will not only be well-received but truly appreciated. I’ll walk you through how to approach the process, how to figure out exactly what your cheerleader really wants, and how to avoid those common gift-giving mistakes that can make your present fall flat.

10 DIY Gifts For Cheerleaders

1. Customizable Tumblers and Water Bottles

If you’re looking to make a cheerleader feel super special, creating a custom tumbler or water bottle is an absolute win! Cheerleaders are always on the go-practice, games, competitions-so a personalized, sparkly, or even motivational water bottle not only keeps them hydrated but also adds a fun, personal touch. Imagine them seeing their name or favorite cheer quote every time they take a sip! It’s practical, thoughtful, and super fun to make yourself.

DIYing a tumbler lets you get creative with glitter, stickers, vinyl decals, or even resin finishes. You can match their team colors, add some cute pompoms-inspired motifs, or even inspirational phrases that keep their spirits high. Honestly, the possibilities are endless, and the recipient will love showing it off to friends, teammates, and coaches!

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2. Cheer Bow Accessories

Cheer bows are iconic-nothing screams cheerleader like a sparkly, over-the-top bow! Crafting DIY bows allows you to personalize them with team colors, glitter, or even initials. It’s like creating a tiny piece of wearable art that’s both stylish and meaningful. Plus, making it yourself shows an extra level of care; trust me, a hand-crafted bow will always stand out compared to store-bought options.

You can experiment with different ribbon textures, glue-on gems, or even layered designs to make them pop during routines. A cute, personalized bow is something any cheerleader will cherish and probably wear on every practice and competition day, making it both a fashionable and sentimental gift.

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3. DIY Jewelry Kits

Who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle? DIY jewelry kits are perfect for cheerleaders who want to show off team pride in a subtle and creative way. You can make bracelets, necklaces, or anklets with charms that scream ’cheer spirit’-think megaphones, pom-poms, or initials. It’s a fun, hands-on project and also a way for them to wear their passion wherever they go.

These kits are so versatile. You can include beads in team colors, charms representing favorite moves or accomplishments, or even create friendship jewelry for teammates. It’s super satisfying to make something by hand, and seeing a cheerleader light up when they receive a custom bracelet or necklace? Priceless.

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4. Custom T-Shirt and Apparel Kits

If you’re thinking about DIY gifts that scream personalization, custom t-shirts are the way to go. Cheerleaders love showcasing team spirit or personal slogans, and being able to make their own design adds a unique touch. Imagine them wearing a sparkly, glittery shirt that literally nobody else has-it’s all about standing out in style!

You can use fabric paints, iron-on transfers, or vinyl letters to bring your creative vision to life. You can even match team colors or add motivational quotes. The best part? Every time they wear it to practice or school events, they’ll remember your thoughtful, fun gift-making effort.

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5. Personalized Tote Bags

Cheerleaders have a lot of gear to carry: shoes, uniforms, water bottles, hair ties-the list goes on! A personalized tote bag is not only practical but also gives them a stylish way to carry their stuff. DIYing one allows you to add names, slogans, or designs that match their personality, making it both functional and super special.

You can use fabric markers, stencils, or iron-on designs to make it pop. A custom tote bag can even double as a team bag or competition bag, making it a thoughtful gift they’ll use every day. Plus, it’s an awesome way to show off cheer pride while being totally unique!

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6. Scrapbooking Kits

Cheerleading is full of memories-competitions, team bonding, awards-and a scrapbooking kit lets you help a cheerleader capture all those special moments. DIY scrapbooks allow them to preserve photos, ribbons, and little memorabilia in a way that tells their unique cheer journey. It’s creative, nostalgic, and super personal.

You can add stickers, decorative tape, or themed cutouts to really bring the scrapbook to life. It’s a perfect activity for downtime or post-season reflection. And when they flip through the pages, it’s not just a scrapbook-it’s a beautiful reminder of all the effort, fun, and triumphs they’ve experienced in cheer.

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7. DIY Keychains

Keychains may seem small, but they’re super impactful for personal gifts! Creating a DIY keychain for a cheerleader can be a cute reminder of their team spirit or a way to add a bit of flair to their backpacks, gym bags, or car keys. Plus, keychains are a fun, easy, and creative project that can include charms, beads, and even mini pom-poms!

You can design it with initials, team colors, or little cheer symbols. It’s portable, personal, and makes them smile every time they see it dangling from their keys. Honestly, it’s a small gift with a huge personal touch, and it’s one of those items they’ll carry everywhere.

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8. DIY Hair Accessories

Beyond bows, cheerleaders love hair accessories that are fun and expressive! Making DIY scrunchies, headbands, or clips is a perfect way to gift something cute, colorful, and practical. They can match them to team colors or special events, and the handmade aspect makes it extra thoughtful.

Using glitter fabrics, ribbons, and fun charms, you can create accessories that pop during routines or practice. It’s super easy to customize shapes, colors, and styles. A little DIY effort goes a long way in creating something that’s stylish, functional, and just plain fun to wear.

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9. Resin Craft Kits

Resin is all the rage, and for good reason! Cheerleaders can create custom, glittery, or themed resin items like coasters, jewelry, or decorative keepsakes. DIY resin projects allow for endless creativity-you can embed charms, team logos, or sparkly elements that reflect their cheer spirit.

These kits are surprisingly accessible, even for beginners. Mixing colors, adding glitter, or creating layers makes each piece unique. Plus, finished resin items make beautiful keepsakes or display pieces, giving a mix of practicality and creativity that any cheerleader will love.

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10. DIY Ornament Kits

Holiday season or not, cheerleaders love ornaments! DIY ornament kits allow you to craft something cute, sparkly, and personalized for their room, locker, or even the Christmas tree. You can make mini megaphones, pom-poms, or even resin-filled ornaments with their team colors.

The joy is in creating something that represents their cheer journey. It’s fun, easy, and allows you to get really creative with paints, glitter, and other materials. Every time they see it hanging somewhere, they’ll be reminded of your thoughtful, handmade effort.

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Buyer Guide For DIY Gifts For Cheerleaders

DIY gifts are some of the best choices for cheerleaders because they are personal, heartfelt, and often more meaningful than store-bought items. The thought and effort you put into a handmade gift speaks volumes, and for a cheerleader, it’s an especially great way to show your support for their dedication. So, what types of DIY gifts should you be thinking about?

Personalized Cheer Gear

  • Custom Pom Poms: A set of cheer pom poms in their school colors or personalized with their name or mascot can make a practical yet personal gift. You can even add a bit of sparkle or their favorite team’s logo to make it special.
  • Monogrammed Cheer Bag: A sturdy, practical cheer bag with their initials, name, or a favorite motivational quote stitched on it. You can even design one yourself if you’re handy with a sewing machine.
  • Custom Cheerleading T-Shirt or Tank Top: Create a shirt with a fun slogan, their cheer team’s name, or their number. This is an excellent way for them to wear a unique piece of apparel that is 100% theirs.

Creative Photo Frames Or Scrapbooks

  • Cheerleaders accumulate tons of photos of their routines, friends, and big moments. A personalized scrapbook or photo album filled with memories is a great way to help them preserve those moments. You could include some motivational quotes, team photos, and captions to make it extra special.
  • If you’re a fan of photography, you can even print out some high-quality action shots of their routines and place them in a unique, handmade frame.

Cheerleading Accessories

  • Hair Bows: Cheerleaders are known for their stylish, sparkly hair bows. A DIY hair bow kit can be fun to put together, using fabric, glitter, and beads in their team colors.
  • Bracelets or Keychains: Handmade jewelry or keychains are great gift ideas. You could create something with charms that represent their interests or a simple beaded design in their team colors.

Personalized Cheerleader Journal

  • Create a motivational journal where they can track their routines, jot down thoughts before big performances, or even list their personal goals. You can decorate it with their name, team colors, or even add some motivational quotes to inspire them.

Personalized Water Bottles

  • A durable water bottle is essential for any athlete, and you can make it stand out by customizing it with their name, a motivational phrase, or their team’s logo. There are plenty of DIY tutorials available for customizing water bottles with vinyl decals or painting.

Cheerleading-Themed Wall Art

  • Create some motivational posters or wall art that can inspire them during practice and before big events. Consider making a vision board with quotes, images, or even abstract designs in their team’s colors.

How To Learn What Someone Really Wants

It’s easy to assume you know what a cheerleader would want, especially if you know them well, but the key to a perfect gift is truly understanding their tastes, needs, and preferences. Here’s how you can get it just right:

Pay Attention To Their Everyday Items

  • Look at the things they use regularly: their backpack, water bottle, phone case, or even their locker décor. These items can give you a clue as to what they like or need. Is there a color or design they seem to gravitate toward? Do they have a favorite motivational quote they always refer to? These subtle hints will guide your gift selection.

Ask Around Without Giving It Away

  • Sometimes, the best way to find out what someone wants is to ask the people close to them-friends, family, teammates. Just don’t give away the fact that you’re planning a gift! You can ask casual questions like, “Have they been talking about any specific cheer gear lately”? or “Are they into certain accessories or brands”?

Observe Their Social Media

  • Social media is a goldmine for gift ideas. Many cheerleaders post about their routines, workouts, favorite accessories, or cheer-related activities. Pay attention to what they share and engage with. If they’re into a specific trend or product, you might just hit the nail on the head with your gift.

Know Their Personality

  • Not all cheerleaders are the same! Some may appreciate practical, functional gifts (like extra gear for their routine), while others might prefer more fun or sentimental items. A cheerleader who is more on the creative side may love a handmade scrapbook or photo album, while someone more performance-focused might appreciate new personalized gear for practice.

Top Gift-Giving Errors To Watch Out For

Even when you mean well, gift-giving can go awry. To ensure your cheerleader’s gift is a hit, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring Practicality

  • While something glittery or cute may look good on paper, make sure it’s something they can actually use. Cheerleaders need practical items for their routines and team events-think about how the gift will help them in their day-to-day training or performances.

Overlooking Their Team’s Style

  • If you’re buying something related to their team (like a jacket or accessories), always make sure you’re in line with the team’s colors, logo, and style. Missteps like buying the wrong colors or an off-brand item could make the gift feel impersonal or even awkward.

Choosing A One-Size-Fits-All Gift

  • While a general gift like a water bottle might seem like a safe choice, it’s better to make it more personal. If it’s too generic or doesn’t feel special, it might come off as though you didn’t put much thought into it.

Forgetting About Their Personal Preferences

  • Just because someone is a cheerleader doesn’t mean they like everything associated with it. Maybe they don’t wear much cheer-themed clothing or they’ve already got a bunch of gear. Make sure your gift reflects their personality, not just their role on the team.

Best Places To Shop For Gifts

When it comes to finding the best places to shop for cheerleader gifts, it helps to go beyond traditional sports stores. Here are a few options that’ll help you find the perfect DIY-friendly materials, personalized gifts, or ready-made cheerleading-themed items:

Etsy

  • Etsy is a goldmine for personalized gifts and unique, handcrafted items. You can find everything from custom cheer gear to one-of-a-kind wall art, jewelry, and other accessories. It’s the perfect place for something special and custom-made.

Amazon

  • While Amazon is known for quick delivery, it also offers a range of personalized gifts, including custom water bottles, cheer bags, and DIY supplies. They even have tons of reviews to help you choose the best products.

Michaels Or Joann Fabrics

  • These craft stores are perfect for gathering all the materials you’ll need to create your own DIY gifts. From fabric and beads for hair bows to scrapbooking supplies for a personalized album, you’ll find everything you need.

Sporting Goods Stores

  • Stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods or Academy Sports have tons of team and sports-related gear that can be customized for your gift. They also often carry cheer-specific items like poms, uniforms, and accessories.

Target Or Walmart

  • These stores might not scream “specialty gifts”, but they are packed with affordable, useful items for cheerleaders. From practical bags to water bottles and accessories, you can find some solid choices here, especially for DIY projects.

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