December is full of socialising, partying and festivities… and in the blink of an eye, it’s suddenly Christmas Eve. There’s endless presents to make, wrap and gift – but never fear! We’re here to help you out with our collection of DIY last minute Christmas gifts.
We’ve rounded up some lovely last minute DIY Christmas gifts that you can make in just one evening.
There’s 21 last minute DIY Christmas gifts
1. Festive Christmas jars
Festive jars make brilliant last minute DIY Christmas gifts. You can upcycle a glass jar with craft materials then add an easy present inside like sweets or a brownie mix!
These DIY Christmas jars make great quick presents for kids, friends, family – they’re even a fab DIY Christmas gift for teachers.
2. Miniature embroidery decorations
Embroidery makes wonderful gifts and small projects can be completed in a matter of hours. Our collection of easily embroidered Christmas decorations is quick to make but no less special.
Stitch up these little decorations and pop them in a DIY gift box. If you’re short on time it won’t take long to just stitch one, but if you have a couple of hours you can easily stitch a sweet set of three.
3. Macrame keychains
Macrame can take a long time but not these keychains! Learn how to make these macrame feather keychains and whip up a batch in just one evening.
You need just four materials and you can make multiple in just a few hours. Scissors, pet brush, key rings and macrame cords are all that are required – if you already have these materials in your home then this is a great cheap DIY Christmas gift too!
4. Tiny cacti
These mini polymer clay cacti make the cutest last-minute DIY Christmas gift. They’re ideal for friends and family who have a habit of killing plants!
Mould a trio of tiny cactus and they can sit on your loved ones' desks for them to admire all year long.
They’d also be sweet mini gifts for kids who have a doll house (not suitable for children under five as they could be a choking hazard).
5. Cross stitch canvas
Personalised last minute DIY Christmas gifts are always special. These free cross stitch Christmas alphabet charts look amazing when hung up and are easily customised with your recipient's initials.
If you already have the materials for this project, you’ll be able to stitch these designs in around 2-3 hours. These would make a thoughtful DIY Christmas gift for teachers too.
6. Bake your loved one a cake!
Last minute DIY Christmas gifts are always better when they’re edible… Bake your loved one our tasty and very festive gingerbread cake.
Topped with a polymer clay forest, it’s a present you can create in around three hours and then enjoy as a family, along with a Christmassy beverage!
7. Mason jar tea lights
Make your loved ones' home glow this Christmas with our DIY mason jar candle holder tutorial. Affordable and easy, these tealight holders can be upcycled from old glass jars and turned into festive decor.
8. DIY bookmarks
Raid your craft stash for spare threads and a piece of fabric and turn them into a fun bookmark! We show you how to make an embroidered bookmark here on Gathered and it’s easy to personalise yours to suit your recipient.
Embroider their initials or favourite quote onto the bookmark and pair it with a brand new novel for the ultimate present. This is a fantastic DIY last minute Christmas gift for a book-lover!
9. Money wallets
Pick up your pal a voucher to their favourite book shop, coffee shop or clothing store then pop it inside one of our money wallets!
Download our free Christmas penguin, polar bear and Santa templates, assemble each money wallet and ta-dah! Your last minute DIY Christmas gift is complete.
10. Mould a moon garland
Turn plain clay into this gorgeous moon phase garland with our easy to follow tutorial. This moon garland would make a wonderful gift for mystical friends or teens!
11. Sew a quick tie
Looking for a last minute DIY Christmas gift for your dad or brother? Make them their own bespoke tie! Learn how to make a tie with our tutorial and create a handmade present in a matter of hours.
Use Christmas fabrics to make them a silly tie to wear to work or choose a classic print for a classy look.
12. Cross stitch a savings jar
Help your loved one achieve their financial goals next year by making them a DIY money jar. All you need to do is cross stitch our fun drinks design and attach it to a clean, upcycled jar. Throw in a few pound coins for them if you’re feeling extra jolly!
13. Scrunchies and headbands
Every long haired person needs a scrunchie and a headband – they’re a need not a want!
Use our how to make a scrunchie and how to make a headband tutorials to turn scrap fabrics into easy hair accessories. These make wonderful stocking stuffers.
Looking for some last minute DIY Christmas gifts for your parents?
Check out our DIY Christmas gifts for moms and homemade Christmas gifts for dads.
14. DIY tassel earrings
These DIY tassel earrings look like they’d take you hours to make but that’s not the case! Use spare embroidery threads to create these cool earrings – it’s a DIY last minute Christmas gift your loved one can wear to all their festive parties.
15. Knit some heart coasters
Cute and quick, these knitted heart coasters make sweet last minute DIY Christmas gifts. Follow our how to knit a heart coaster tutorial and make a trio of them for your loved one.
Complete the present by popping them in a DIY gift bag and adding a handmade Christmas card.
16. Make some pebble magnets
Pebble magnets are a great last minute DIY Christmas gift to make with kids. Take them to your favourite beach for a pebble collecting mission, then you can decorate the pebbles as a family.
Use our how to make pebble magnets tutorial as a guide and gift to grandparents or family members.
17. DIY salt spoons
Salt spoons are the epitome of class! Learn how to make clay salt spoons with leftover materials and gift, alongside a tub of nice salt, to the fancy foodie in your life.
18. Reusable make up pads
Sustainable last minute DIY Christmas gifts are the best kind of present. They’re cheap, quick to make and great for the planet.
Follow our how to make reusable cotton pads tutorial and hook up a bunch for your loved one. If you have a little more time why not make a DIY makeup bag or some natural lip balm for a complete eco-set?
Check out our collection of the best eco-friendly gifts too!
19. Sew some fairy wands
We’ve found the perfect last minute DIY Christmas gift for kids. Use our how to make fairy wands to make these simple and sparkling wands for your little fairies. They’re an ideal stash buster and make magical fancy dress items.
20. Mini Christmas cross stitch decorations
Stitch small this festive season with our free Christmas wreath cross stitch pattern. These tiny decorations make wonderful last minute DIY Christmas gifts as they can hang them on their tree!
Looking for some last minute DIY Christmas gifts for your partner?
Check out our DIY Christmas gifts for boyfriends and our DIY Christmas gifts for girlfriends.
21. Jewellery holders
This last minute DIY Christmas gift is probably the quickest idea in our round-up! Mould a small piece of clay into this handy ring holder and once dry, add some paint for decoration.
Those of you with a little more time (an hour or so) can take the jewellery holder making a step further by making our clay trinket dish. A tropical present for a cold Christmas!
Make December stress-free with our last minute DIY Christmas gifts
December is one of the busiest months of the year and it can be hard to get all your presents made, wrapped and gifted before the big day.
Our DIY last minute Christmas gifts can be whipped up in a matter of hours but will still leave your loved one feeling appreciated.
Choose your favourite present ideas, pop on Micheal Buble and get crafting! You haven’t got long to go…
Discover more quick DIY Christmas gifts with Gathered
Head over to our collection of DIY Christmas gifts which features over 120 festive and inspiring ideas.
