15 Last-Minute, Easy DIY Holiday Gifts

The holidays may be just around the corner, but if you waited until the last minute to start gift shopping, don’t worry! Even this late in the season, there are still many easy DIY holiday gifts that you can sew, assemble, or glue together to add that personal touch.

We’ve gathered 15 ideas for quick and easy handmade gifts so that on the eve of your holiday, you can rest easy and dream of sugarplums, knowing that you’ve got something special for everyone on your list. The best part is that all of these ideas can be made in a few hours or less! So you can leave the hard work to Santa’s elves and spend more time with the people you love.

Easy to Assemble Custom Sewing Kits for Crafters

A custom sewing kit is an especially easy DIY holiday gift that still feels thoughtful. Picking out each item in the kit to suit your loved one’s taste is fun, and it helps support their favorite hobby! Assemble one of these in a flash for a last-minute gift that feels anything but.

 

1. Beginners Sewing Kit

For someone that has just started sewing or wants to learn, gather up all the supplies they will need into a beginners sewing kit! For this easy DIY holiday gift, be sure to include all the basic sewing necessities: hand-sewing needles, thread, scissors, and of course, fabric! To go the extra mile, add some helpful tools like a needle threader, thimble, or seam ripper.

 

2. Easy Quilting Kit

To make an easy-as-pie quilting kit, simply choose a quilt pattern you know your giftee will love, then pick out a precut fabric bundle to go with it! Precut bundles like fat quarter bundles and charm packs are literally made for this--these coordinating fabric collections take all the guesswork out of choosing quilt fabric. A quilting kit is perfect for a quilting newbie that may not have their own quilting fabric stash yet.

 

3. Advanced Quilting Kit

For the more experienced and discerning quilter, consider assembling an advanced quilting kit of the highest-quality quilting supplies. If you are extra low on time, a Hiro small sewing box is a gorgeous sewing kit that any quilter will love. If you prefer assembling a kit yourself, consider adding top tier tools like Cohana snips, glass sewing pins, a midnight edition scissors set, or a stunningly pretty Otaro Kiriko Pincushion.

Quick Sewing Projects

Let’s face it: by now, the time to sew an entire king-sized quilt before the holidays has probably passed. However, there are many quick sewing projects that you still have plenty of time to make! These beginner-friendly projects make great easy DIY holiday gifts.

 

4. Squad Tote Bag

Useful, versatile, and stylish: a handmade tote bag is a gift that anyone will love! This squad tote pattern is sturdy and lined, so they’ll be able to carry anything from groceries to heavy textbooks. For best results, use a heavier weight fabric like canvas or barkcloth.

 

5. Headband

When it comes to easy DIY holiday gifts, a headband is really easy. A perfect project for beginners, all you’ll need is a fat quarter and some elastic! Your trendsetting friends and family will love flaunting the one-of-a-kind headband you made just for them.

 

6. Apron

Looking for an easy DIY holiday gift for your favorite home chef? A handmade apron may be just the thing! This is a quick project that is fun to customize. Consider using a fabric like Queen of Berries for a cooking apron, or make it a gardening apron with Garden Jubilee by Phoebe Wahl.

 

7. Zipper Bag

Is it a makeup bag? An art supplies bag? A candy bag? That’s up to you! The great thing about a handmade zipper bag is that it can make a suitable gift for just about anyone--just choose a fabric they will love and fill it with their favorite thing! We love using a larger print like Visitation by Anna Maria Horner to give these bags a bold look.

 

8. Scrunchie

Once you learn how to make a scrunchie, you’ll never buy one again. Seriously--all you need to make this easy DIY holiday gift is a scrap of fabric, elastic, and about 15 minutes. You could make a gift from start to finish in the amount of time it takes Santa’s cookies to bake! 

 

9. Gift Card Wallet

If you need a last-minute holiday present idea, a handmade gift card wallet can elevate a simple gift card to something that feels more personal. This easy DIY holiday gift is all about the presentation, so look for fun, colorful fabrics to make this gift card wallet stand out.

10. Infinity Scarf

Scarves are an easy DIY holiday gift that will keep your loved one warm and stylish all winter long. We love this infinity scarf pattern that uses two complementary fabrics. For extra coziness, try making this in flannel!

No-Sew Beginner Projects

No sewing skills? No problem! You don’t need to be a master seamstress--or even own a sewing machine--to make these easy DIY holiday gifts.

 

11. Pocket T-Shirt

It can be hard to find time during the busy holiday season to make a handmade gift. Luckily, this no-sew beginner project only takes about 10 minutes! To make this adorable pocket t-shirt, you’ll need a plain t-shirt, a scrap of fabric (a single square from a fat quarter bundle or charm pack will cover it), and fabric glue. 

 

12. Pleated Pendant Lamp Shade

Did you know that you can make a pleated pendant lamp shade out of fabric, with no sewing required? This is such a cool DIY project that once you’ve made one of these easy DIY holiday gifts, you’re going to want to make one for yourself, too! Lightweight cotton or linens will work best for this project.

 

13. Book Cover

This fabric book cover is the perfect gift for your bookish friends. Dress up any book with a custom cover that you can create in less than an hour! Keep things simple and classic with a solid colored fabric, or choose a fun pattern to make your gift stand out.

14. Pillow

Can you ever have too many throw pillows? A pillow makes a great gift, and you can customize this no-sew version quickly and easily. A simple stripe pattern like Onofrio by Giucy Giuce works well for home decor, but the great thing about making it yourself is that the sky's the limit!

 

15. Dog Bow Tie

For all your pals with pups, this adorable no-sew dog bow tie is a real crowd pleaser. Use a checked fabric like Check Yourself from Freespirit Fabrics or a fabric with paisleys like Silk Roads from Dashwood Studio for a classic bowtie look.

We hope you found the perfect easy DIY holiday gift for everyone on your list! Prefer to have someone make the gift for you? Don’t forget to check out the gifts section of our shop! Then, look for more gift ideas all year long in our blog. Happy Holidays!