10 Quick Crafts for DIY Christmas Gifts (And Instant Adoration)
Look, I don’t want to make anyone panic but IT’S DECEMBER!!! If you’re planning to give homemade gifts, you’re going to have to act fast.
I’m a big believer that a DIY gift is the best gift of all, because it isn’t just about the present; it’s about time, consideration and love. A jar of pickles made from tomatoes you grew, a scrunchie sewn with fabric off-cuts, a painting of a pretty flower that you saw on a walk, or a photo of us together in a frame you decorated… STAHP! I love it too much! Bring it to me, friend, because I will treasure it as I should.
So, if your fingers are twitching for some crafting, take a peep at this list of marvellous makes that can be whipped up in a flash. If money and time are slim for you right now – as they are for many of us – these projects will help you avoid the chaos and consumerism of the malls, scratch that creative itch and produce a pressie that won’t break the bank.
WIGGLE HEADBAND / CARMEN CHRISTINE
A scrunchie makes a great gift (see below) but if you’re in the market for a fresh take on stand-out hair accessories, get a wiggle on and check out Carmen Christine’s Maxi Wiggle headband tutorial.
CROCHET BOWLS / MEZZA CRAFT
You want a quick craft? Have your hook at the ready, my friends! These sweet-as bowls come together super-fast. Bonus: they’re beginner-friendly!
RAFFIA BAG / HONESTLYWTF
If adorning an existing item is your jam, take a look at this pimped-up raffia bag. Perfect for market days, beach days, brunch days… all of the days!
COOKIE MIX IN A JAR/ RECIPETIN EATS
A gift I can eat?! Yes, please! Nothing beats a recipe in a jar and this white-chocolate-and-cranberry mix from Nagi of RecipeTin Eats takes the cake (or cookie). All the recipient has to do is mix in a few fridge staples, toss it all in the oven and, tada, cookies! Hooray!
RUFFLE TOTE / ALICE NIGHTINGALE
ICYMI the delightful Alice Nightingale has the cutest tote bag pattern in the latest issue of our Sew&Tell digital magazine. Best of all, you don’t need to brave the crowds to buy fabric because this baby can be made from a pillowcase!
STRAWBERRY POUCH / MA & ME DESIGNS
One for you and one for me! We reckon you ought to make many of these – the berry cutest of drawstring bags!
FRILLY SCRUNCHIE / DIY DAISY
Like we said, scrunchies are a solid handmade gift. But you know what’s better? A frilly scrunchie! DIY Daisy’s free tutorial will show you how to dress up your scrunchies with those little bits of trim that are too small for other projects.
CUSTOM PERFUME / BIOME
Lean into your inner witch and mix up a bespoke potion for someone you love. This guide from Biome will help you create a unique blend that can be rolled on and enjoyed throughout the day.
FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS / SARAH MAKER
It’s always hard to decide who gets the “BE FRI” and who’ll have the “ST ENDS”, but don’t sweat it, besties! Sarah Maker’s tutorial will show you how to whip up a matching pair, which means no-one has to compromise (#BeFri4Ever!).
STANDING VASES / COLLECTIVE GEN
Give the gift of long-lasting florals with a set of polymer-clay dried-flower vases, the vision of DIY queen Geneva Vanderzeil. Make them cute or make them minimal, then add dried blooms for the perfect Secret Santa present!
