Top 5 DIY Last Minute Gifts
We’ve all been there – you are invited to a birthday or anniversary party at the very last minute, but you don’t have a gift!
If you aren’t one of those folks that stock piles knick knacks so they always have something on hand, you will probably need to throw together a last minute gift.
I am not particularly crafty, but I have, over the years, learned how to put together something at the last minute.
Below I’ve compiled the Top 5 DIY Last Minute Gifts - some of which I’ve done myself and others are ideas picked up along the way.
Top 5 DIY Last Minute Gifts
Bath Products Basket
These can be put together pretty quick and easy and they can contain inexpensive products to very pricy items depending on your budget. I create mine with one trip to the dollar store or discount store and here are some ideas to start with:
- Basket
- Crepe paper, shavings or tissue paper – any will work
- Cellophane and ribbon
- Candles
- Bubble bath
- Shower gel
- Lotion
- Bath pillow
- Eye mask
- Body puffs
- Wine
- Chocolates
Place the crepe, shavings or tissue paper in the bottom of the basket. Fill the basket with the items you have chosen and make sure the larger items are in the back. You want to make sure everything is packed in well and the items don’t move around. Wrap a large piece of cellophane around the basket and tie at top with ribbon. And there you go – a personalized gift basket any woman would love!
Baby Shower Basket
Every new mom loves to have all those neat little items for the new baby, but creating a basket that contains items they will actually use will help them more than you know!
What you will need:
- Baby tub
- Shampoo
- Lotion
- Oil
- Powder
- Rattle
- Bibs
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Baby product coupons
Fill baby tub with all the items – I usually take the diapers out of the package and line the tub around the edges or use them in between other items. Place an envelope in the basket filled with baby product coupons. I don’t wrap these in anything, but if you are doing this basket a couple of weeks in advance, you will want to wrap the entire tub in cellophane to prevent dust and dirts from forming on the items.
New House Gift Basket
This one is primarily for those people who are moving into their first home and could be singles or couples. The dollar store comes in handy for this one as well.
What you need:
- Laundry basket, large mixing bowl or bucket
- Food containers
- Cooking utensils
- Kitchen towels
- Pot holders
- Scented candles
- Laundry detergent
- Dryer Sheets
- Hangers
- Snacks
There are so many things you can add to this basket, so consider other items if you come across them. I like to do this one in a large laundry basket because you can fit a lot in there – but mixing bowls are super cool as well. Place all the items in the container and make sure to pop in a few snacks likes pretzels, crackers and chips for them to snack on while they are unpacking. It would also be cool to include a gift card for pizza or chinese delivery so they don’t have to leave the house to pick something up!
Graduation Gift Basket
There is so much expense involved with going to college, so anything you can offer up is great! If you want to forego a gift of money, then how about making a basket filled with tons of stuff they will need?!
What you need:
- Laundry basket
- Detergent
- Laudry bag
- Dryer Sheets
- Soap
- Towels and washclothes
- Shower kit
- Toothpaste
- Snacks and other goodies
- Cleaning supplies
- First aid kit
- Sewing kit
- Small tool set
In addition, if you know what college they are attending, try to find a few cheap little items that have their college logo on it. Again, place everything in the laundry basket and wrap in cellophane if the event is more than a couple weeks away.
Wine & Cheese Gift Basket
This basket is perfect for a birthday or anniversary gift!
What you need:
- Picnic Basket or Ice bucket
- Wine glasses
- Box of crackers
- Cheese
- Pepperoni or salami
- Cheese slicer
- Small throw blanket
- Small paper plates
- Wine
- Votive candles
I like to find a nice picnic basket for this, but you can also use any type of basket or even an ice bucket! Place everything in the basket and they have a ready made kit to go out for a romantic drive in the mountains, the beach or even their own back porch!
There are endless ideas for creating your own gift basket. These types of gifts let the recipient know you took the time to create something special just for them and everyone love personalized gifts!
For more tips, visit the Arts & Crafts section of our website, or check out some of the awesome places below!
