Design & DIY

7 DIY gifts you can make this holiday season

Published: September 16, 2020 Updated: October 7, 2022
man standing at a wooden covered raised planter box, project
Photo by Liam Mogan
Herb Planter

Imagine: walking outside and pulling some freshly grown herbs for dinner. This herb planter will house all your plants and protect them from deer. Get the plans here: Herb planter

wooden outdoor shower project with showerhead turned on
Photo by Stacey Brandford
Outdoor Shower

Do we really need tell you why you must have an outdoor shower at the cottage? It’s almost a necessity, so that you can bathe in the open air or rinse off after a swim. Get the plans here: Outdoor shower

three different sized white muskoka chairs sitting on a beach, project
Photo by Eugen Sakhnenko
S, M, L Muskoka Chairs

Everyone wants one of these, it’s the traditional cottage seat, and we have one for every size! Get the plans here: S, M, L Muskoka chairs

purpleheart patio lantern projects
Photo by Mark Burstyn
Purpleheart Patio Lanterns

As you watch the sunset, wouldn’t it be lovely if you had tea-light lanterns to add to the atmosphere? This one can easily be done over the weekend. Get the plans here: Purpleheart patio lanterns

wooden gazebo project sitting on a rock in the distance
Photo by Laura Arsiè
Gazebo

We love the idea of a beautiful and romantic outdoor gazebo. These uncomplicated, elegant structure lights up your backyard. Plus, now you have your own intimate outdoor space to eat, sleep, work, lounge, and relax. Get the plans here: Gazebo

wooden fishing rod rack project on a blue wall
Photo by Edward Pond
Fishing Rod Rack

If you don’t already have a fishing rod rack, what are you waiting for? It’s the safest spot for your gear. Get the plans here: Fishing rod rack

yellow rubber boots on a wooden boot washing grate, project
Photo by Mark Burstyn
Boot Washing Grate

This easy-to-build boot washing grate will come handy all year round as mud and snow get under your boots. It’s time to get down and dirty on this project. Get the plans here: Boot washing grate

As the fall weather creeps in, take advantage of the cooler climate and dedicate your time to some outdoor projects. You could go all out and finally build that outdoor gazebo you’ve been wanting or start small with a patio lantern to add some flair to the cottage porch.

Upgrades to your cottage can come in many forms: some big, some small. Some require a weekend, some a few weeks, if you have the time, but starting on these projects early will freshen up your space and give you something to be excited about for next year’s cottage season. (And with winter around the corner, you might want to get around to building that boot washing grate sooner rather than later.)

Whether you’re new to woodworking or looking to hone your skills, we have a Project Plan for everyone. From simple weekend DIYs to more detailed builds, find your next project now! PDF plans starting at $5.

What’s Included

  • Detailed step-by-step instructions
  • Building plan illustrations
  • Project photos
  • Materials and lumber shopping list

7 DIY organization projects you can do in a weekend

This DIY fold-down workbench is great for small outdoor projects

5 ways to minimize cost and waste when it comes to DIY projects

Featured Video

Looking to upkeep or renovate? Let Cottage Life magazine advise and inspire you.

Subscribe Now!

Tags

Related Articles