5 Last Minute Holiday Gifts You Can Make In The Office
Admirable but cost-effective presents to make during your lunch break.
The week before Christmas, when almost all last posting dates are behind, purchasing a personalised gift online is no longer an option. Running around busy shops like headless chicken also does not seem very appealing. Where else can you look to find unique presents for your loved ones?
I have researched the most famous online art and craft market Etsy.com to see what else can be accomplished before 25th of December. The good news is that if you have access to a colour printer and a pair of scissors, there is still hope. In most cases, crafting skills are not required. Here are few lovely ideas I came across.
1. Customised wine labels
A personalised version always gives a better impression than an ordinary wine bottle label. It takes only a couple of minutes to make, but the effort will not go unnoticed. Choose the editable option if you would like to add an extra special touch. Remember to keep the original label for more demanding wine lovers.
What do you need: colour printer, scissors, bottle of wine
Time required: 10 min (most spent on taking off the original label)
Great for: Wine lovers (who does not like wine?)
Where to find them:
- PapierBonbon https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PapierBonbon
- StudioNellcoteDIY https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/StudioNellcoteDIY
- berryberrysweet https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/berryberrysweet
2. Printable Wall Art
The access to a good printer is an advantage here, but even an A4 colour printer will do the job in most cases. Etsy market offers a vast choice of printable art which can complement every room, from child nursery to minimalistic and high tech interior. The right frame may be a challenge especially if it is a last minute idea. However, most of home decor shops offer A4 frames to grab in a hurry.
What do you need: colour printer, a frame
Time required: 10 min
Great for: Home decor lovers
Where to find them:
- ThePrintableArtStore https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ThePrintableArtStore
- LittleValleyStudio https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleValleyStudio
- Feheri https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Feheri
3. Message a day — long-lasting gift
A jar filled with 365 prewritten messages/quotes to read one a day for the entire year. Easy to make but you will need few lunch breaks to complete the tasks of printing, cutting and rolling. You can also add your messages using editable PDF and decorate your jar with beautiful labels included in the set. The final result is outstanding and worth the hassle. Choose from many themes (Happiness Challenge, Love Notes, Fitness Motivation Wisdom Notes and so on) and graphics to suit the recipient taste.
What do you need: colour printer, jar, scissors, masking tape
Time required: 3h
Great for: positive thinkers, quote lovers
Where to find them:
- WisdomInAJar https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WisdomInAJar
4. Book Folding Patterns
A great gift for book lovers especially if they have already read the book you intend to use. This unique home decor accessory will compliment every library. Choose from many different patterns to ensure the unforgettable smile on the giftee’s face. Once you understand how it works, the process of making can be quite relaxing, and the result will impress especially female recipients.
What do you need: unwanted book
Time required: min 1h
Great for: Home decor lovers, book lovers
Where to find them:
- LoveBookFolding https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LoveBookFolding
- BookFoldingMagic https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BookFoldingMagic
- Bookami https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Bookami
5. 3D Paper Craft Patterns
It is probably not possible to complete the whole project at the office because you will need at least an evening or two to finish it. However, everyone who ever done any model making will love the idea. The task may be quite technical and will require 3D thinking to put all the pieces together, but the creation processes will bring a lot of fun. The choice of models is also quite broad from child nursery decoration through customised words to animals masks.
What do you need: good quality paper, glue, scissors
Time required: min 4h
Great for: paper craft lovers, animal lovers, model gigs
Where to find them:
- EBURgami https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EBURgami
- Paperpetshop https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Paperpetshop
- OXYGAMI https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OXYGAMI
