14 Last-Minute Handmade Gift Ideas
Every year, the holidays seem to arrive faster than the year before. Between work obligations, family responsibilities and daily distractions, finding the time to prep for the holidays feels almost impossible or can be completely lost from our minds. The end of December is already here, but there’s still hope. If you’re looking for a last-minute gift (or a dozen) to make for family, friends and coworkers that you’ve been putting off, try making one of these DIY gifts even a few hours before your next gathering. These gifts look great, are thoughtful and budget-friendly, and can be personalized in color, style, etc. for the recipient. –Lauren

This handmade cord bracelet is stunning, simple to make and quick to assemble.

Frame a custom piece of artwork that takes just a few minutes to make. No brushes or skills required!

Reuse and repurpose with vintage tin containers and candles from around the house. Make something charming and cozy for your family and friends to enjoy all winter long.

Give a set of glasses a quick and gorgeous makeover. These are easy to make and could be gifted to any adults on your list. Personalize with the color of your choice.

For your friend that loves to decorate their home as much as you do, make a cozy throw pillow with a gold foil confetti design.

For fine art lovers stuck in the digital age, make a Dutch masterpiece into a mousepad. It's a quick and easy DIY that will add beauty to any desk.

Mobiles are great for kids AND adults. If you're giving to a young one, incorporate their favorite colors into this custom mobile. If you're giving to an adult, keep things modern and sleek with neutrals.

Rebrand something you can pick up at the store for a more artisanal, specialty gift like a jar of local honey. Tip: heat-set the ink by placing it in the oven or using an embossing tool after the ink is air-dried.

Give the gift of a good night's sleep with this lavender linen spray. Instruct the recipient to spray it on their pillow before getting into bed for a calming effect.

Add some whimsy to a plain white mug. The coffee drinkers in your life will think of you every time they use their incredible bear mug. Don't worry if you can't draw, there's a template to copy.

Never know what to get your friend who loves to garden? Make a straightforward, easy-to-sew apron they'll love. It will keep their tools on hand and their pants from getting too dirty.

DIY cork trivets are stylish, useful and so incredibly simple to make. If stars aren't your thing, make triangle, hexagon or circular trivets instead.

The pet-lovers on your list will love how thoughtful and cool these personalized leather animal i.d. tags are.

Bought the gift card but forgot the card? Make your own embossed card to send your holiday sentiments in.
Beautiful!
Bracelet is really nice. I also want that rabbit.
I thought the caption for the mug said “Add some *whisky* to a plain white mug. The coffee drinkers in your life will think of you every time they use their incredible bear mug.”
Hahaha! I had a good long laugh about this. Thanks Sydney!
I love that cup! I think that would probably be the quickest thing for me. Great post!
I am so involved in hand made gifts this year and I love your selection so much! Hand made by locals mean that you support families next door. The bracelet is amazing!
I love these ideas! Homemade gifts are always my go-to. I think they’re so much more meaningful!
I agree! I always err on the side of gifting events/experiences or homemade.
Amazing. I seriously wanted to gift my better half for this Christmas eve but had no money left to buy a gift. This article is a life saver.
maybe another material than leather would be suitable for the dog tags. why should i use the skin of one animal to give the other animal a tag? you know? metall or wood are also good options :)
My friend would definitely love the personalized leather dog tags! Thank you for sharing this DIY gift idea list!