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 do-it-yourself gift is that way. In fact, there are plenty of last-minute options that take within an hour to create. They’re quick, simple, and are probably some of the most amazing gifts you could ever give. Most of them take less than $10 to make too.
Today, I’ve rounded up 21 easy handmade gift ideas to get those creative juices flowing and put you in a crafting mood. You also do some for yourself
1. Washi Tape Notebooks
Washi tape is amazing. Pair it with a 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 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
Collecting this pretty 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 perfect to give to anyone, 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
This step-by-step tutorial gives you secret behind which creaters work, and which don’t. Now you can go crazy with a creative or unpredictable quote!
7. 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 absolutely to bring a smile – and it may even reduce their stress every time they look at the bottle in the future!
8. 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!
9. 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!
10. Personalized Coaster
These Cork Coasters take just 15-20 minutes to make and don’t they look adorable? 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
11. Secret Stash Book
For the avid reader or friend who has a quirky sense of humor, this Secret Stash Bookmight 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
12. 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
13. Wedding Invention 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.
14. Fringed Flannel Throw
If you’re not scared by a sewing machine, 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.
15. 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
16. Plant In A Jar
If you have a friend who like or loves special accent pieces, grab a cute jar and layer gravel, soil, and a pretty plant. Add a cute tag and you have an easy gift for a hostess or neighbor too.
17. 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.
18. Custom Etched Glass
Etched glass looks like a very complecated project, but with the new etching creams out there you can easily make a handmade gift in under an hour. With so many stencil options you can do glassware, bake-ware, ornaments and more!
via Miss Information
19. Cookie In A Jar
There are many ideas for Cookies in a Jar Recipes on Internet. The trick is presentation. Don’t throw the flour, sugar, etc in the jar, 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!
20. Lump Of Coal
This “Lump of Coal” gift is for your friends with a sense of humor, or maybe even that perfect gift for that office party you don’t really want to go to. However, this one is edible!
via i Heart Naptime
21. 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.
