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Caught up in the Christmas chaos? If you’ve forgotten to buy gifts and have missed the last order dates, we’re here to bring you the most thoughtful last minute DIY Christmas gifts.
We’ve all been there – rushing around like a headless chicken days before December 25th, getting all your gifts in order. When all of a sudden, *major* panic sets in as you realise you’ve forgotten a few essentials.
If that’s you right now, take a deep breath, and grab a mulled wine. We’ve got 6 simple, thoughtful, and wildly creative last minute DIY Christmas gifts even the most uncreative people can do!
Last Minute DIY Christmas Gifts
1. Ceramic Garland
What You’ll Need:
- Air Drying Modelling Clay
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Sheets
- Tools (AKA Household Items) to Add Texture
- Small Sponge
- Pot of Water
- Paint (optional)
- Ribbon or String
For this brilliantly creative last minute gift, you’ll need a quality air drying clay (and around 48 hours of dry time!). If you’re quick enough, you may still be able to order online. Here are some of our faves:
- DAS White Modelling Clay (1kg for £4!!)
- Sculpd Premium Air Dry Clay (this is what we used)
- Fosslape Air Dry Clay – 18 Colours
We actually invested in a beginner’s kit from Sculpd, which comes with all the essentials such as paint, tools, a sponge, paintbrushes, and of course, clay. We are in no way affiliated with this product, but just love the results we’ve achieved!
Otherwise, check your local craft stores such as Hobbycraft, Hobby Lobby, The Range, or even Walmart.
We chose clay without colour, so we could use paint to finish off our creation afterwards. This is how we created our ceramic Christmas garland:
Step 1: Roll Out & Shape the Clay
Grab a rolling pin and roll out your clay, covering it with a baking sheet. It must be thick enough to withstand any detail you add to the surface, but not too thin that it’s super fragile. Then, divide your clay into 6-8 equal pieces, ready to be moulded into your desired shape(s).
There are 3 ways you create the silhouette you want:
- Shape by hand for a rustic, perfectly imperfect look
- Use a household item as a guide e.g., a small glass or cookie cutters
- Cut your shape around a printed template
Step 2: Smooth the Edges
If you find you have ‘harsh’ edges like the photo above, it’s a good idea to smooth them out for a sleeker finish. For this, we simply used a small sponge and a little water.
Step 3: Add Visual Intrigue with Varying Textures
It’s time to have some fun! You can use items you already have at home (great for those on a budget!), such as forks, knives, makeup brushes, screwdrivers, etc. to add a design.
Also, remember to create a small hole for your string or ribbon to thread through later on.
Step 4: Allow 48 for Drying
Make sure you leave your clay somewhere flat so as not to disturb your design.
Step 5: Add a Lick of Paint (Optional)
When your clay is completely dry (it should be dry to the touch and lighter in colour), you can use smooth sandpaper to soften any harsh edges. Then, it’s time to add paint – we chose eggshell white for a minimalistic, Scandi vibe!
Again, leave to dry for at least a few hours.
Step 6: Add Detail with a Contrasting Colour
This step is completely optional, but, in our opinion, it adds an expensive, boutique-style touch to your garland. In our case, we wanted the miniature starbursts to POP, as they aren’t that visible unless you look really close. So, we simply used a tiny paintbrush and gold paint from our DIY Christmas baubles to do just that!
Step 7: Finish with Ribbon
The final step is to add your string or ribbon to the garland. We recommend it be at least 150 cm (59 inches) in length, allowing for a little extra depending on where it’s hung. It’s also a good idea to tie a small knot before and after you’ve threaded the clay piece through to ensure it stays in place when hung.
TOP TIP: Instead of making a garland, you can add a piece of string or ribbon and attach your designs as unique gift-toppers-come-baubles!
We admit – this is possibly the most time-consuming last minute DIY Christmas gifts in this post, but certainly one of the ones your friends and family will cherish!
2. Painted Candles
What You’ll Need:
We’re pretty confident that almost all home decor stores have an extensive candle collection year-round. You know, the unscented kind that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg for a fresh frosted pine aroma to softly fill the air?
One of the thoughtful and most creative last minute DIY Christmas gifts is a painted candle or two. Just grab some acrylic paint (non-toxic and water-based for safe burning) and let your creative juices run wild with a paintbrush.
Think about it – the possibilities are endless. Go full-on festive with tiny bells or snowflakes, or paint something with personal meaning to the recipient.
3. Kitchen Favourites Hamper
What You’ll Need:
- Wicker Hamper
- Clear Cellophane Wrap
- Your Kitchen Faves
Every homeowner has their ride or die essentials for the kitchen. You know? The things you use on a daily basis without fail, but nobody else even knows about. It could be a bloody brilliant utensil set you’ve found and chosen to gatekeep thus far. Or, maybe you’re into baking and have all the latest bits and bobs to create jaw-dropping bakes at the drop of a hat.
Throw it all in a cute basket, and bundle it up to give to your friends and family. Trust us, it feels boring (to you), but this is one of the most genius last minute DIY Christmas gifts, especially for first time homeowners!
You can also add a cute handwritten note to the hamper explaining why you love each item – anything that makes a gift more personal is always a winner.
4. Terrarium
What You’ll Need:
- A Glass Container
- Plants of your Choice
- Small Stones
- Potting Soil
- Activated Charcoal
A little greenery helps to freshen up any interior – especially during the winter months when we naturally spend more time inside. So, if you’re still looking for last minute homemade gifts, a terrarium is a fab idea.
However, we’re not exactly green-fingered experts (we can just about keep a plant alive!). So, check out Kew Gardens’ handy guide for how to make a stunning terrarium at home!
5. Hand Painted Canvas
What You’ll Need:
- Canvas
- Acrylic Paint
- Paint Brushes
Consider yourself a dab hand with a paint brush? One of the best (and most personal) last minute DIY Christmas gifts is a hand painted canvas.
Whether you challenge your inner artist and create a beautiful landscape of their fave place, or keep it simple with a handwritten quote, we know this DIY gift will be one to cherish. And don’t worry if it’s not perfect. We’ve heard abstract art is all the rage!
TOP TIP: It’s super easy to get carried away and pick “pretty” colours for your painting. But remember – it should complement the homeowner’s interior!
This post was all about create last minute DIY Christmas gifts that anyone can do!