If you’re anything like me, you may still have a few… okay, okay, a LOT of gifts to finalize before next weekend. In our family, we’re big on handmade and DIY gifts, so I am always looking for some great ideas that I can make myself. If you feel like trying your hand at a homemade present for someone on your list, I’ve got 15 project ideas for you! Of course, time is now of the essence, so most of these are quick and simple eleventh-hour gift ideas. I hope you’ll find that perfect DIY for the hard-to-shop-for person on your list. (And as a plus, no malls the weekend before Christmas! Can I get an « Amen »?!)
Everyone can use some new mugs from time to time (raise your hand if you don’t have a single matched or unchipped mug in your house!), so a set of these easy-to-make dotted sharpie mugs from Two Purple Couches would be a fabulous gift. For a little extra touch, you could add some tasty hot chocolate, tea, or coffee and make it a gift set.
If there’s a really little one on your list, you can make them a simple tag toy. They will LOVE it! This toy is 100% baby-approved by my little girl. It requires minimal sewing skills (though a machine is helpful), and because it’s so small, you can make it with leftover fabric or a fat quarter!
This ice-dyed infinity scarf from Architecture of a Mom is almost no-sew (just a few quick hand stitches for the flower), so it makes a great gift idea for those without a sewing machine. Bonus! You can make it out of a thrifted white t-shirt, so it’s budget and eco-friendly.
I love, love, LOVE this idea for a « Thankful Jar » from Re-Fabbed. It would make such a phenomenal gift from a grandchild to a grandparent, and would work well at any time of year. I love the idea of giving a loved one a jar of reminders of why they are special.
If you have a band saw, you could easily make these little stocking gift card holders from Love & Renovations. They are a charming way to up the gift-wrap ante on a gift card. And let’s be honest… Sometimes a gift card is the way to go. I’m thinking those teens on your list who really just want to pick out their own present. Or teachers! (Much as we appreciate anything you choose to gift us with, a gift card to a coffee place or book store lets us treat ourselves: something we don’t get to do often, between all the marking and planning!)
Whether you sew the napkins yourself or gussy up store-bought ones, my block-printed napkins will be a welcome gift. There are so many DIY stamp options (just look ’em up on Pinterest!) so you don’t even need fancy block print stamps.
Another stupendous, personalized gift idea is this photo-to-wood transfer gift from The View from Here. Clarissa made hers as a wedding gift, but it would be such a lovely way to celebrate a special family moment, like a couple’s or baby’s first Christmas (*ahem*) or a retirement.
For the home decor fanatic on your list, you could create this gallery wall starter kit from Making Joy and Pretty Things. I love the idea of creating a set of frames for someone. This would be particularly thoughtful for anyone who is a traveller: a ready-made way to display their favourite pics!
Candles are always a thoughtful stocking stuffer or hostess gift, and they’re even better when they’re handmade! These pretty ones from Madness and Method are easy to make, and her tutorial is really simple to follow.
This peppermint body scrub from My Life from Home sounds like the perfect gift to make with kids. It would be a great teacher gift, or stocking stuffer for the people on your list who could use a bit of pampering.
If you have a foodie on your list, they would probably appreciate some delicious, ready-to-serve cranberry sauce. My recipe is a little out of the norm, because it has orange and peach in it. Again, this recipe is 100% family and friends tested and approved!
This DIY wood picture frame from 2 Bees in a Pod is a quick and inexpensive way to inject some style and colour into a room. It would make a great gift, especially if you framed a meaningful or fun photo of the recipient.
A set of decorated candles would make a really lovely last-minute hostess gift for holiday parties and dinners. I made some glamorous, glittered ones using just a few readily-available craft supplies. (Bonus! My tutorial includes links to 7 other great candle DIYs!)
Another personalized gift idea I love is this stained memory box from Just Call Me Homegirl. This would be a great one for newlyweds, a new baby, new parents… Or you could gift it as a jewelry box or travel keepsake box.
Now, if you are a little more adept with the power tools, this wooden tray from Hazel + Gold Designs could be a great gift option. It’s a simple enough build, but it would take a little more time to complete. I love the Christmas tree design!
So tell me: are you making any of your Christmas gifts this year? If you are, what are you planning to create? (Or maybe you’re more organized than me and have already finished all your gifts!) I’d love to hear about your projects in the comments below.
I’ll be back early next week with a new recipe for you, and then it’ll be break-time in blogland until 2017. Can’t wait to see you next week for 2016’s last post. Until then!
