How to Make Affordable DIY Recipe Books

Looking for a unique gift that others will love? It is especially a great way to pass down favorite dishes to family and friends. It is a DIY recipe book. While you can write the recipes out, this is how to do it on the computer.

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Items needed for DIY Recipe Book

Recipes
Editable & printable template for computer
Card stock
Recipe box or book
Paper cutter
Printer

Directions for this Handmade Cookbook

1. Collect the recipes

Starting off with recipe sounds easy, but often the recipes others want are those not even written down. It’s one of those recipes that the cook just adds enough of this to cover the bottom of the dish,  a dash of this, etc.

We made this for our kids that were just getting on their own. Note: do not leave out things like “season to taste”, etc. We sometimes take for granted how much seasoning to put but if you are just starting to cook, you may not know that.

Make a family cookbook with recipes handed down from generations.

2. Pick out a recipe book or box

These can be found in various stores. There are many to choose from.

• One recipe per page
• Two recipes per page

I choose one that had two recipes per page, dividers, and page protectors.

There are different ranges of prices too.

Remember that since there are so many options of books and templates (below) to choose from, to make sure that the book and template sizes are compatible.

I used the 4 x 6 card recipe book and page protectors, so I had to get a 4 x 6 card recipe template.

3. Decide on recipe card template

Recipe card templates for the computer can be found by searching printable & editable recipe cards. Some templates are free while others charge a fee. There are so many designs to choose from.

I love this set of recipe card templates as there are multiple options within the one set.

There are options for a recipe on one page or two recipes per page.

In addition, you can upload a picture of the finished recipe.

There are lines for handwriting the recipe or just a note of some sort.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a recipe book handed down with your loved one’s handwriting!?!

Check out more details here related to this recipe set.

If you prefer to have the card size recipes, then this would be the set you want to get.

There are even more to choose from here.

Free 10 Recipe Templates

Want to make this recipe book even cheaper, you can download these free 10 recipe templates printable. These free templates are not editable, but they can be handwritten. Some people prefer handwritten because it makes it so personable.

If you choose to use these templates, you can skip Steps 4 and 5 (typing and printing). After handwriting them, go to Step 6.

 

4. Type up the recipes

After I typed them up, I just printed on regular paper to proofread.

5. Print them out

Next, print them on card stock from your home or at a print shop if you don’t have access to a printer at home. Some print shops have options to upload the files online to print. Other options would include having them cut the cards to size and different paper options.

I printed mine from home and used a paper cutter to trim these. You would be amazed at how many times we’ve used a paper cutter for projects like this, separating the sheets of school pictures, and art projects. We actually have several paper cutters. I bought mine years ago, so they have new & improved ones now. I recommend the 12-inch ones, especially if you scrapbook.

6. Arrange them in the cute recipe book or box

Put the cards in the recipe binder or box. There are different sizes of recipe binders. Pick which one works best for you. You can also buy pocket page refills if you have need more for your recipes than the book comes with.

Sort by the type of recipe it is. Some of the bigger categories are:

• Appetizers
• Beverages
• Soups
• Salads
• Vegetables
• Meats
• Seafood
• Casseroles
• Bread
• Desserts

Tips and Tricks for your DIY Recipe Book

I recommend doing this in batches. I did this DIY Recipe Book for a Christmas gift for my kids. My daughter actually asked for this for a gift.

I typed in the recipes into each template and printed them on plain paper first to review. My husband who cooks with a dash of this and that reviewed it too and we made adjustments as needed.

Another batch included just printing them all on card stock. I used a cream color that I bought from an office store. Pick a color that looks good with any designs on the template.

Cutting them to size was one batch.

The last batch was putting them in the book. This project did take quite a bit of time, but it was fun, and the kids loved it.

If a letter-size recipe book and template are used, you won’t have to trim the cards out, which will save time.

Want to add a special touch?

• Add a picture of the prepared dish
• Add anything special about the recipe – was it passed down through the family, etc.
• A table of contents can be created for each food category that lists each recipe included.
• A chart of measurements can be included:
  • 2 pints = 1 quart
  • 4 quarts = 1 gallon
  • 16 ounces = 1 pound
• A chart of measurement abbreviations can be included:
  • tsp = teaspoon
  • Tbsp = tablespoon
  • oz = ounces
  • qt = quart
  • pt = pint
  • gal = gallon
  • lb = pound

Have fun and share the recipes!

Conclusion

If you are looking for a gift idea that can’t be purchased at the store, put a DIY recipe book together with your own recipes. Printable & editable templates for recipe cards can be found online. Some charge a fee to download and others are free. There are many different styles and themes to choose from. Get your recipes on paper, print them, trim them to size, and put them in a recipe book or box. This project can be done at any time of year. Others will enjoy this special gift year-round.