A lot of us are creative by nature. We love to make things and we love to gift those things to others. If you are a “maker of things” — or “maker” in common parlance — you likely have tools and machines around your house you can use to make something truly unique for your Valentine or for any other special occasion.
Here at CNET, we use myriad maker machines. From the latest Cricut vinyl cutter and the best 3D printers, to the high-tech world of laser cutters like the Glowforge, our workshops are littered with creative tools. We use them for testing, of course, but much of that testing is making beautiful things. Here is a list of some things we think would make an excellent gift that you’ve made yourself.
And if you don’t have the time to make these, we have a list of great last-minute digital and physical gifts you can grab too.
The best gifts you can make yourself
What’s the best 3D printer for making gifts?
3D printers don’t have to cost a fortune. You can pick up a really great budget 3D printer like the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro for around $300. Not only can it print with excellent detail, it’s easy to use and is super fast for those last-minute gift needs.
What’s the best laser cutter for making gifts?
Laser cutters can be much more expensive than 3D printers but can also be used for more than just gift-making. You could easily set up your own small business making gifts for others. The Creality Falcon is an option for under $300, but it’s hard to use. The Glowforge Aura is around $1,000, but it has a much better ecosystem surrounding it.
What’s the best Cricut vinyl cutter for making gifts?
Vinyl cutters like the Cricut machines have been around for a long time, so there are plenty to choose from. I like the Cricut Explore 3 as it’s balanced well in price an utility. You can make amazing things with a Cricut Explore and just regular paper, so it’s worth having one in your house.
