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Most people think handmade gifts take a lot of time. And for good reason—I’ve made plenty of gifts that took hours {sometimes days} to put together!
But not every meaningful or do-it-yourself gift is that way. Nope.
In fact, there are plenty of last-minute options that take less than an hour to whip up. They’re quick, easy, and are probably some of the most heart-felt gifts you could ever give. Most of them take less than $5 to make too. Score!
Today, I’ve rounded up 21 easy handmade gift ideas to get those creative juices flowing and put you in a crafting mood. Knock out a handful this weekend and before you know it, your Christmas list will be complete. You might even have time to make some for yourself!
1. Washi Tape Notebooks
Washi tape is amazing. Pair it with a fresh notebook and my type-A heart gets just a little giddy! Know someone who would swoon over this cuteness too? Whip up a Washi Tape Notebook {or two} and add a cute pencil for total office supply geek-out.
via Lia Griffith
2. Pretty Post-It Note Gift
Once you make one of these Post-it gifts, you’ll be just as addicted as I am. They’re super easy! All you need is a handful of patterned paper scraps and a set of post-it pads. You can knock out 3-4 of these in just one hour.
3. Cookie Cutter Set in a Jar
Assemble this adorable gift for a friend who loves to bake. Free printables are included, so all you have to do is nab a set of cookie cutters and a jar, then tie with jute string for a rustic feel.
4. Pre-Planned Date Nights Mini Book
Mini books are so much fun to give, especially when they are personalized by YOU! Print out these cards on card stock, trim, and hole punch to hang on a key ring. Friend Dates and Parent Dates are included too.
via Thinking Closet
5. Sharpie Mugs
Ever wonder if Sharpie mugs really live up to the hype? This step-by-step tutorial gives you secret behind which markers work, and which don’t. Now you can go crazy with a creative or quirky quote!
6. Chill Pills
This is such a great idea for someone you know who is just stressed to the max (As long as you have a good relationship with them of course!). This prescription is guaranteed to bring laughs and a smile – and who know’s it may even reduce their stress every time they look at the bottle in the future!
7. Flower Hair Bows
I still can’t get over how adorable these hair bows are, and they don’t take super long to make. You can customize with all sorts of ribbon colors and themes, then raid your button stash to hot glue in the middle. Perfect for you daughter, niece, granddaughter, or God-Daughter!
8. Sparkle Playdough
Skip store bought toys and make a batch of Homemade Rainbow Sparkle Playdough instead! Guaranteed to spark the imagination and entertain kiddos as they create different sculptures and shapes. And you never know—you might just be “molding” the mind of a young creative!
9. Personalized Coasters
These Cork Coasters take just 15-20 minutes to make and don’t they look amazing? If you know your friend’s decorating style, these would complement her decor perfectly. You could even make some as a cute hostess gift for a Holiday party.
via 86 Lemons
10. Secret Stash Book
For the avid reader or friend who has a quirky sense of humor, this Secret Stash Book might be right up their alley! Just make sure they won’t be horrified if you destroy a book. 😉 Thrift stores and garage sales are great place to stock up on old reads.
via PopSugar
11. Bottle Cap Picture Magnets
There is no such thing as “too many ways to show off the grandchildren.” Put a face of each grandchild in each bottle cap, slap a magnet on the back and you have a perfect DIY gift for grandparents. So quick and easy!
via Kayleigh
12. Wedding Invitation Ornament
These ornaments are a super creative and heartfelt idea from Lauren at The Thinking Closet. This tutorial reminds that newly married couple (or maybe the couple who recently hit a milestone anniversary) just how in love they are.
13. Fringed Flannel Throw
If you’re not intimidated by a sewing machine {full disclosure… I may be slightly intimidated} this Fringed Flannel Throw is really simple to make! And even if the sewing machine makes you a little nervous – the sewing part doesn’t look too complicated.
14. Personalized Candy Bars
Take the super simple route and turn a loved one’s favorite candy into something even more special. Joseph and I actually did something very similar for our wedding favors, and they were a huge hit! Aren’t these Kit-Kat bars adorable?
via Eighteen25
15. Plant in a Jar
If you have a friend who is a green thumb or loves special accent pieces, grab a cute jar and layer gravel, soil, and a pretty plant. Add a cute printable tag and you have an easy gift for a hostess or neighbor too.
16. Custom Shaped Crayons
Here’s another great idea for kids! If you have a bunch of leftover crayons this is an amazing way to make something new out of something old. The step-by-step tutorial is simple and easy to follow…and uses up all those broken crayons.
17. Christmas Candy Pop-Bottles
If you have a soda drinker in your home, you can turn a six pack of the old fashioned glass bottles into a beautiful Christmas Candy Gift Set. Just make sure you save the box!
via Lil’Luna
18. Lump of Coal
The classic “Lump of Coal” gift is for your friends with a sense of humor, or maybe even that perfect white elephant gift for that office party you don’t really want to go to. However, this one is edible!
via i Heart Naptime
19. Cinnamon Stick Candle
Dress up a simple votive candle with Cinnamon Sticks and pass out to all your friends. Not only does it look pretty, it smells amazing! You could even make a set to double as place settings or Holiday centerpiece too.
via Rachael Ray
20. Custom Etched Glass
Etched glass looks like a very involved project, but with the new etching creams out there you can easily make a personalized gift in under an hour. With so many stencil options you can do glassware, bake-ware, ornaments and more!
via Miss Information
21. Cookies in a Jar
There are hundreds of ideas for Cookies in a Jar Recipes on Pinterest. The trick is presentation. Don’t just throw the flour, sugar, etc in the jar and call it good, take a few minutes to dress up the jar and you’ll turn a simple gift into something is just as memorable as it is delicious!
I think what makes a DIY gift so special is the time and creativity someone puts into it. Sprinkle a little handmade magic on your gift list this year, and show your friends and family just how much you care!
And if this list whet your appetite for all things handmade {and quick!}, then you’re going to love Thinking Outside the Gift Box, written by my friend, Lauren. There are literally dozens of inspiring gift ideas packed inside that don’t take a lot of time or money to make.
If you don’t know Lauren, she is a gift-giving GENIUS. Basically, if you have no idea what gifts to give this year, she can help. You’ll find personalized ideas sprinkled all throughout the book, and be equipped to create meaningful gifts well beyond what’s inside!
Learn more about Thinking Outside the Gift Box HERE.
Will you be making any handmade gifts this year?
Which gift is your favorite?
Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Lindsey Mozgai says
These gifts are adorable! I love the notepads and post-it notes!
Kalyn Brooke says
As soon as I saw “Washi tape” and “Notebooks” I was in love. 🙂
Tale says
These are all such nice ideas! And I just loved the email you sent out today, what a wonderful story about gifting your grandparents 🙂 It’s such a great book idea With the thinking outside the giftbox, I really need new ideas. Thank you for sharing so I could learn about it!
Kalyn Brooke says
Tale, You are too kind! Lauren’s book really is super inspiring. I’ll be going back to it every year I’m sure.