DIY Gifts You Can Make in Under an Hour

Finding the perfect gift doesn’t always mean a trip to the store. With a little creativity, you can make handmade presents that are personal, meaningful, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re looking for quick DIY gift ideas for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions, or you need last-minute craft gifts, this guide will provide you with simple and thoughtful projects that can be completed in under an hour.

These easy DIY gifts require minimal materials and effort, making them ideal for anyone—whether you’re an experienced crafter or just starting out. Handmade gifts show extra thought and effort, making them even more special for the recipient. Plus, creating your own gifts allows you to customise them to suit the personality and preferences of your loved ones, making them truly one-of-a-kind.

Essential Craft Supplies for DIY Gifts

Before you start making handmade presents, it helps to have a few essential supplies on hand. Here’s a list of items that can be useful for creating quick DIY gift ideas:

Basic Crafting Materials:

• Cardstock and patterned paper – Perfect for making personalised cards, gift tags, and scrapbooks.
• Glue and double-sided tape – Essential for assembling quick crafts.
• Scissors and craft knives – For precision cutting and shaping materials.
• Paints and brushes – Great for decorating handmade gifts.
• Markers, pens, and calligraphy tools – Ideal for adding personal touches.
• Ribbons, fabric scraps, and twine – Adds charm and detail to handmade items.

Additional Decorative Elements:

• Stickers and washi tape – Easy ways to add colour and patterns.
• Beads and charms – Useful for DIY jewellery projects.
• Mason jars and glass containers – Perfect for creating DIY gift sets.
• Essential oils and dried flowers – Great for making bath salts, candles, and scrubs.
• Buttons and embellishments – Add character to DIY projects.

Having these materials ready will ensure you can create a range of last-minute craft gifts whenever you need them, making it easy to craft something special on short notice.

Quick DIY Gift Ideas

1. Handmade Scented Candles

Candles make thoughtful and luxurious gifts, and they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. Plus, they can be customised with different scents and decorations to suit any occasion.

Materials Needed:

• Soy wax or beeswax
• Candle wicks
• Essential oils (lavender, vanilla, citrus, etc.)
• Glass jars or tins
• Decorative ribbons or labels
• Dried flowers (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt the wax in a double boiler.
2. Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.
3. Place the wick in the centre of a jar or tin.
4. Pour the melted wax into the container and allow it to cool.
5. Once solidified, decorate the jar with ribbons or a custom label.
6. Add dried flowers for a decorative touch.

This handmade present is perfect for relaxation and self-care, making it an ideal gift for friends and family members who enjoy unwinding at home.

2. DIY Bath Salts

A jar of scented bath salts is one of the easiest and most appreciated last-minute craft gifts. With just a few ingredients, you can create a spa-like experience for the recipient.

Materials Needed:

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• ½ cup sea salt
• ½ cup baking soda
• Essential oils
• Dried flower petals (optional)
• Glass jar

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add 5-10 drops of essential oil and mix well.
3. Pour into a glass jar and seal tightly.
4. Decorate with a handwritten label or ribbon.
5. Add a wooden scoop for an extra special touch.

A beautifully packaged bath salt jar makes a perfect spa-inspired gift and is an excellent choice for anyone who loves self-care routines.

3. Personalised Photo Frame

A custom photo frame is a heartfelt and easy-to-make gift. Adding a personal touch makes it even more special.

Materials Needed:

• Plain wooden or cardboard photo frame
• Paint, markers, or decorative paper
• Stickers, beads, or embellishments
• A favourite printed photo
• Mod Podge or clear sealant

Instructions:

1. Decorate the frame with paint, paper, or embellishments.
2. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Insert a favourite photo.
4. Add a sweet message or name using markers.
5. Seal the frame with Mod Podge to make it long-lasting.

This quick DIY gift idea adds a personal touch to any occasion and is perfect for commemorating special memories.

4. DIY Beaded Bracelets

Jewellery is always a great gift, and making your own beaded bracelets is both simple and fun. Customise them with favourite colours and charms to make them meaningful.

Materials Needed:

• Elastic string
• Assorted beads
• Scissors
• Small charm (optional)
• Crimp beads (for added durability)

Instructions:

1. Cut a piece of elastic string to fit the recipient’s wrist.
2. Thread beads in a pattern of your choice.
3. Add a charm for extra detail (optional).
4. Secure the ends with a strong knot or crimp bead.
5. Trim any excess string and ensure the bracelet is firm.

This handmade present is quick to make and easy to customise, making it perfect for both kids and adults.

5. No-Sew Fabric Coasters

DIY fabric coasters make a thoughtful and practical gift, and they help repurpose leftover fabric scraps.

Materials Needed:

• Fabric scraps
• Cork or felt backing
• Fabric glue
• Scissors
• Waterproof sealant (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut fabric and cork/felt into coaster-sized circles or squares.
2. Use fabric glue to attach the fabric to the backing.
3. Press firmly and allow to dry completely.
4. Trim any excess fabric for a neat finish.
5. Seal with a waterproof spray if desired.

These last-minute craft gifts are perfect for tea and coffee lovers and make stylish additions to any home.

6. Mason Jar Cookie Mix

For a unique and delicious gift, layer cookie ingredients in a jar and attach a recipe card.

Materials Needed:

• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• Mason jar
• Decorative ribbon and tag

Instructions:

1. Layer ingredients neatly in a mason jar.
2. Seal the jar and attach a recipe card with baking instructions.
3. Decorate with a ribbon and a handwritten tag.
4. Add a mini wooden spoon for extra charm.

This handmade present is great for food lovers and baking enthusiasts, and the recipient will love baking their own homemade treats.

Quick DIY Gift Ideas: Handmade Presents for Every Occasion

Making handmade presents doesn’t have to be time-consuming. With these quick DIY gift ideas, you can create thoughtful and meaningful gifts in under an hour. From spa-inspired gifts like bath salts and sugar scrubs to personalised keepsakes like photo frames and beaded bracelets, these ideas ensure that you’ll always have a special gift ready for any occasion.

Next time you need last-minute craft gifts, skip the store and try making something from this list instead. Not only are they easy and fun to create, but they also show your loved ones how much you care!