I thought it appropriate for me to write on this topic considering the fact that A) I procrastinated most of my gift list, and B) I waited until the last minute to write this post. Winning! I hope this helps inspire my fellow procrastinating cheap-skates. =)

Click the links to be taken to more pics and tutorials.

1. Tote Bags (made from scratch, repurposed, or simply decorated)

Remember when we did our Christmas in July? Charlie wrote a post with a variety of DIY gift ideas, including her t-shirt tote bag. Hers is one of the simpler, quicker versions of the t-shirt to tote bag projects, and could be done in no time. I plan on making one for my son out of one of his favorite shirts that no longer fits him. It says, “Hiya! Nice to meet you,” and has one guy karate chopping another. (Get it?)

Mr. Tickle library totes

I made some Mr. Tickle character totes out of felt for my kids earlier in the year that were a quick, cheap project. By using felt, you can skip finishing edges, and the straps are single pieces of fabric.

How cute are these painted totes from “For the Love of?” Click for tutorial.

Another option is to buy a plain canvas tote and paint it.

2. Ornaments

These bottle cap snowmen are easy and fun to make. I didn’t even look up a tutorial. I had seen pics, and just figured it out as I went along.

Do a search for “bottle cap ornaments,” and you’ll see a fun variety. I love the snowmen.

My upcycled playing card ornaments from Christmas in July.

We’ve done a few tutorials for ornaments on our blog. Charlie recently posted 3 ornaments she did for swaps.

How cute is Charlie’s Grinch ornament? Click for tutorial.

3. Photobooks/Calendars/Albums

How cute are those kids?

Lara shared some images from her Christmas Through the Years Photobook. I just love the idea of adding a new page every year. I think it would make a great gift for parents and grandparents especially.

4. Food

I haven’t tried the hot chocolate on a stick, but it sounds divine.

Who doesn’t like food, right? Bake, make an old fashioned berry jam, or do something unique like hot chocolate on a stick. I got a cookie platter once from a neighbor with a couple each of really interesting cookies. It was awesome.

5. Jewelry/Accessories

Last year, Lindsay made me the adorable hairpins which are just buttons glued to bobby pins. She also made me the paper clip earring, but you can’t see it well here.

Paperclip earrings

T-shirt bracelets

You can make some great jewelry and accessories for super cheap and with very little time. Bobby pins with buttons, t-shirt bracelets, and paperclip earrings can all be made with stuff that you probably already have around the house. They really do make great gifts, ’cause they are cute and totally wearable.

What are you making last minute? I’d love to see pics. Feel free to share in the comments.