Wondering what are the best last-minute homemade gifts to give your friends, your mom or others who actually appreciate handmade gifts? I’ve put together this list of easy ideas, so you don’t have to!
There are certain people in my life who I just love to make something special for; for whom I’ll forgo a store-bought gift whenever possible.
When I’m under pressure, though, it’s SO hard to think of what to make that is somewhat unique and not beyond my (very mediocre) skill level.
I find it especially hard to come up with a handmade gift that is:
- Easy to make or arrange
- Actually useful to the recipient or meaningful in some way
- Doesn’t cost 10X more to make than to buy
That’s why I decided to scour the internet to create this last-minute DIY gift guide for all the forgetful-yet-well-meaning mamas in the room.
(Solidarity, my friend.)
Last-minute DIY gift ideas- that people actually want
Below are 23 of my favorite DIY gifts which include a variety of easy-to-make homemade food items, bath and body and household gifts.
Several of these are ones I’ve given for birthdays and Christmas, dinner parties, as well as “get well” and housewarming gifts.
You could bundle a few of the related items listed below and arrange a fun gift basket as well!
Be creative, and have fun spoiling your friends and families with a gift you made yourself.
This post likely contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more info.
There’s nothing like a loaf of fresh bread to say I love you. 😉
I used to think that making bread was complicated and above my skill level.
After making it for several years now, I can guarantee that it’s something you can learn quickly!
Here are a few excellent ideas:
sandwich loaf
This sandwich bread makes the perfect dinner companion and costs us around $0.65/loaf to make.
You could pair this with some homemade jelly or a jar of honey.
Crusty French Bread
I love to take artisan bread as a gift when we’re invited for dinner.
It’s great with soups and Italian meals especially.
Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are seriously my weakness in life.
This recipe is the one I make every time because it’s quick and they always turn out amazing!
Dark Chocolate Chip Raspberry Banana Bread
Banana breads are a favorite of many.
Take it to the next level with this dark chocolate and raspberry version.
Glazed Lemon Loaf
This Starbucks copycat recipe is really easy to make and sure to impress.
Jalapeno Cheddar Bread
For a savory quick bread, try this yummy Jalapeno Cheddar recipe– one of my husband’s favorites.
Skip the expensive store-bought boxes and try one of these impressive-yet-easy, giftable sweets.
Five-minute fudge
For the true procrastinator!
But even quick fudge is a seriously a delicious treat.
Chocolate Turtles
Simple method for making turtle candy, with only 4 ingredients.
Homemade Peppermint Patties
Another winner for a treat that’s sure to impress:
Peppermint patties that look as good as they taste.
White Chocolate Latte Truffles
Homemade latte truffles are a great choice for your coffee-loving friend.
(You’ll want to make extra for yourself too 😉 )
Homemade soaps, lotions and the like are super practical.
They’re always a hit with friends, moms and grandmas.
Foaming hand soap
I’ve given DIY foaming hand soap as a gift several times in the last few years.
Fill a nice mason-jar style glass dispenser and include a tag labeling the scent used.
Natural Body Butter
You can quickly assemble this DIY Body Butter recipe and put it in a nice jar (like a pint jelly jar).
Use your preferred essential oils for natural fragrance.
It’s one of those last-minute homemade gifts that doesn’t look last-minute!
Body Scrub
This recipe for orange mint sugar scrub also comes with printable labels, making it perfect for gifting.
Shower Melts
There are a ton of recipes you can find, but I like this version.
It only requires a few ingredients and can help clear your head during cold season!
(A great get-well gift.)
Also read: Gifts for practical women who don’t want gifts
DIY photo canvas
This DIY photo canvas project involves minimal supplies.
It makes a sentimental and personal gift for a close friend or family member.
Clip photo board
Simple clip photo frames are a popular decor trend.
You can make them at home in just a few minutes.
Photo candle
Love this $5 DIY project!
Grandparents will love this too, and kids can even help make it.
Gifts for the home make great last-minute homemade gifts for:
- newlyweds
- a friend buying their first home
- Mother’s Day
Potpourri mix
Although you can’t make potpourri mix at the last minute entirely, you could make it just a few days in advance.
Simmer Pot recipe
Simmer pot mixes are similar to potpourri but even easier.
Smell-good ingredients you can gift along with instructions for simmering on the stovetop.
Room spray
I like to avoid chemical-based fragrances.
So natural room sprays are an effortless alternative!
Pressed flower art
Botanical prints and pressed flowers go with almost any decor.
This project is really special.
Sharpie mugs
My friend Kate at A Hundred Affections shows you how to make beautiful, giftable mugs —
— that don’t require a cricut machine.
Succulent planter
Who doesn’t love succulents, right?
This DIY planter only takes a few materials and would make a great table centerpiece for a friend.
Homemade gifts for the win
Even last-minute, homemade gifts can be incredibly special with just a little time and creativity.
DIY gifts are often the most-treasured gifts in my home.
I hope you’ll find just the right project for the sentimental gift-recipients on your list!
You might also like:
Gifts for Picky Women (who want nothing)
I love all these great homemade gift ideas. To me, DIY gifts say I care enough to spend my time making something just for you! That is always a win.
I agree, Scarlet! DIY gifts are my favorites to receive, too.