17 Last-Minute DIY Christmas Gifts You Can Make in Under 2 Hours (With Dollar Store Items)

17 Last-Minute DIY Christmas Gifts You Can Make in Under 2 Hours (With Dollar Store Items)Pin
Loshane | Source: CABANA CATALOGS

The Last-Minute Gift Solution You’ve Been Looking For

Ever found yourself panicking about holiday gifts at the eleventh hour? You’re not alone. Last year, I needed gifts for 15 people and had just one weekend left. After an inspired trip to the dollar store, I discovered you can create Pinterest-worthy gifts that look expensive but cost next to nothing.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make 17 impressive gifts that each take less than 2 hours to create. The best part? Each gift costs under $10, and everyone will think you spent weeks planning them!

What You’ll Need: Basic Supply List

Essential Tools (Most People Already Have These):

  • Scissors
  • Glue gun and glue sticks
  • Ruler
  • Basic paintbrush set
  • Craft knife
  • Measuring tape

Dollar Store Shopping List:

  • Various glass containers
  • Ribbon (multiple colors)
  • Acrylic paint
  • Paint markers
  • Clear vases
  • Picture frames
  • Storage containers
  • Artificial flowers
  • Tea lights
  • Decorative paper
  • Twine
  • Gift bags and tissue paper

Pro Tip: Buy extra supplies for practice runs and potential mistakes. Even with extras, you’ll still stay under budget!

Category 1: For Coworkers & Teachers (5-10 Minute Prep)

1. Luxury-Look Desk Organizer Set ($8)

17 Last-Minute DIY Christmas Gifts You Can Make in Under 2 Hours (With Dollar Store Items)Pin
Loshane | Source: CABANA CATALOGS

Materials Needed:

  • 3 plastic desk organizers
  • Gold spray paint
  • Marble contact paper
  • Decorative tape

Steps:

  1. Clean organizers with rubbing alcohol
  2. Apply marble contact paper to flat surfaces
  3. Spray paint remaining surfaces gold
  4. Add decorative tape as accent
  5. Group items as a set

Packaging Tip: Wrap in clear cellophane with a gold ribbon for a professional look

2. Custom Coffee Lovers’ Gift Basket ($10)

Materials Needed:

  • White ceramic mug
  • Permanent markers in metallic colors
  • Small wooden spoon
  • Hot chocolate packets
  • Cellophane bag
  • Ribbon
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Small glass jar

Steps:

  1. Design mug with markers (polka dots, monogram, or cute saying)
  2. Bake mug at 350°F for 30 minutes to set design
  3. Fill glass jar with marshmallows
  4. Arrange items in cellophane bag
  5. Tie with ribbon and add gift tag

3. Personalized Stationery Set ($7)

Materials Needed:

  • Plain notebook
  • Metallic markers
  • Washi tape
  • Matching pen
  • Clear gift box
  • Small paper clips
  • Sticky note pad
  • Ribbon

Steps:

  1. Cover notebook with washi tape in a geometric pattern
  2. Add personalized monogram or name with metallic markers
  3. Decorate pen with matching washi tape
  4. Arrange items in clear gift box
  5. Add coordinating ribbon

Professional Touch: Include a handwritten note on the first page

4. Aromatherapy Desk Set ($8)

Materials Needed:

  • Small glass jar
  • Essential oils (from dollar store)
  • Cotton balls
  • Decorative rocks
  • Ribbon
  • Small LED tealight
  • Gift tag

Steps:

  1. Clean jar thoroughly
  2. Layer decorative rocks at bottom
  3. Add scented cotton balls
  4. Decorate jar rim with ribbon
  5. Include tealight and instructions

Category 2: For Family Members (Sentimental Value)

17 Last-Minute DIY Christmas Gifts You Can Make in Under 2 Hours (With Dollar Store Items)Pin
Loshane | Source: CABANA CATALOGS

5. Personalized Memory Box ($7)

Materials Needed:

  • Wooden box with lid
  • Acrylic paint (2 colors)
  • Small photo prints
  • Mod Podge
  • Decorative paper
  • Small embellishments

Steps:

  1. Paint box base color (allow 15 minutes to dry)
  2. Add second color details
  3. Mod Podge photos and decorative paper
  4. Add embellishments
  5. Seal with final Mod Podge coat

Personal Touch: Include a handwritten note or small treats inside

6. Custom Recipe Book ($9)

Materials Needed:

  • Photo album (from dollar store)
  • Decorative paper
  • Recipe cards
  • Markers
  • Stickers
  • Family photos
  • Clear page protectors

Steps:

  1. Design cover with family name
  2. Write favorite recipes on cards
  3. Add family photos alongside recipes
  4. Decorate pages with stickers
  5. Protect with clear sleeves

7. Personalized Throw Set ($10)

Materials Needed:

  • Fleece throw blanket
  • Fabric paint
  • Stencils
  • Pom-pom trim
  • Matching pillow case
  • Gift bag
  • Tissue paper

Steps:

  1. Iron throw blanket
  2. Apply stenciled design
  3. Add pom-pom trim
  4. Coordinate pillow case design
  5. Package in gift bag

Category 3: For Kids

17 Last-Minute DIY Christmas Gifts You Can Make in Under 2 Hours (With Dollar Store Items)Pin
Loshane | Source: CABANA CATALOGS

8. Adventure Explorer Kit ($8)

Materials Needed:

  • Plastic container
  • Magnifying glass
  • Compass
  • Small notebook
  • Colored pencils
  • Stickers
  • Small bags for collecting
  • Adventure checklist

Steps:

  1. Decorate container with adventure theme
  2. Create activity cards
  3. Package tools neatly
  4. Add personalized adventure map
  5. Include collector’s guide

9. DIY Slime Kit ($7)

Materials Needed:

  • Clear containers
  • Glue
  • Glitter
  • Food coloring
  • Borax
  • Mixing tools
  • Instructions card
  • Decorative box

Steps:

  1. Package ingredients separately
  2. Create instruction cards
  3. Add decorative elements
  4. Label all containers
  5. Arrange in gift box

Category 4: For Home Decor Lovers

17 Last-Minute DIY Christmas Gifts You Can Make in Under 2 Hours (With Dollar Store Items)Pin
Loshane | Source: CABANA CATALOGS

10. Designer-Inspired Vase Set ($9)

Materials Needed:

  • Glass vases (3 different sizes)
  • Acrylic paint
  • Painter’s tape
  • Metallic markers
  • Clear sealant
  • Gift box
  • Tissue paper

Steps:

  1. Clean vases thoroughly
  2. Create geometric patterns with tape
  3. Paint with chosen colors
  4. Add metallic details
  5. Seal and package

11. Modern Wall Art Set ($8)

Materials Needed:

  • Canvas boards (3 small)
  • Acrylic paint
  • Painter’s tape
  • Metallic paint
  • Command strips
  • Gift bag
  • Tissue paper

Steps:

  1. Plan coordinating designs
  2. Tape off patterns
  3. Paint base colors
  4. Add metallic accents
  5. Package as set

Category 5: For Beauty & Self-Care

17 Last-Minute DIY Christmas Gifts You Can Make in Under 2 Hours (With Dollar Store Items)Pin
Loshane | Source: CABANA CATALOGS

12. Spa Day Gift Set ($10)

Materials Needed:

  • Mason jar
  • Bath salts
  • Essential oil
  • Face mask
  • Loofah
  • Candle
  • Ribbon
  • Gift basket

Steps:

  1. Mix custom bath salts
  2. Create face mask packets
  3. Arrange items in basket
  4. Add instruction cards
  5. Wrap with cellophane

13. Custom Candle Collection ($9)

Materials Needed:

  • Glass containers
  • Candle wax
  • Wicks
  • Essential oils
  • Decorative elements
  • Gift box
  • Labels

Steps:

  1. Prepare containers
  2. Melt wax and add scent
  3. Pour and set wicks
  4. Decorate containers
  5. Create gift set

Category 6: For Kitchen Enthusiasts

17 Last-Minute DIY Christmas Gifts You Can Make in Under 2 Hours (With Dollar Store Items)Pin
Loshane | Source: CABANA CATALOGS

14. Gourmet Spice Set ($8)

Materials Needed:

  • Small jars with lids
  • Spice mixes
  • Labels
  • Ribbon
  • Recipe cards
  • Gift box
  • Description cards

Steps:

  1. Clean and dry jars
  2. Mix custom spice blends
  3. Create attractive labels
  4. Include recipe suggestions
  5. Package professionally

15. Custom Cookie Kit ($9)

Materials Needed:

  • Mason jar
  • Cookie ingredients
  • Ribbon
  • Recipe card
  • Cookie cutter
  • Mini whisk
  • Gift tag
  • Cellophane

Steps:

  1. Layer dry ingredients
  2. Add decorative lid cover
  3. Attach baking tools
  4. Include recipe card
  5. Wrap attractively

Category 7: Universal Gifts

17 Last-Minute DIY Christmas Gifts You Can Make in Under 2 Hours (With Dollar Store Items)Pin
Loshane | Source: CABANA CATALOGS

16. Photo Memory Globe ($7)

Materials Needed:

  • Clear plastic ornament
  • Photos
  • Glitter
  • Ribbon
  • Gift box
  • Tissue paper
  • Decorative elements

Steps:

  1. Print and cut photos
  2. Roll photos to insert
  3. Add glitter accent
  4. Attach ribbon hanger
  5. Package carefully

17. Custom Journal Set ($8)

Materials Needed:

  • Plain journal
  • Decorative tape
  • Markers
  • Stickers
  • Coordinating pen
  • Bookmark
  • Gift box

Steps:

  1. Design journal cover
  2. Add inspirational quotes
  3. Create matching bookmark
  4. Decorate pen
  5. Package as set

Don’t let last-minute gift giving stress you out! With these 17 dollar store DIY gifts, you’ve now got an entire arsenal of thoughtful, budget-friendly options that look anything but cheap. Remember, the magic isn’t in how much you spend – it’s in the personal touches and careful presentation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Each project takes under 2 hours
  • Total cost stays under $10 per gift
  • All supplies available at your local dollar store
  • Customizable for any recipient
  • Professional-looking results on a budget

The best part? You don’t need to be a crafting expert to create these gifts. Whether you’re making a quick 15-minute emergency gift or spending an hour on a more detailed project, these ideas are designed for success at any skill level.

Save this guide for your next gift-giving occasion, and don’t forget to stock up on basic supplies – you’ll be amazed at how often these ideas come in handy throughout the year.

Ready to start crafting? Pick one project and give it a try. I’d love to see your creations!

Happy crafting!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top
Your Mastodon Instance
Sharing is Caring