DIY Holidays: Nearly last-minute gift ideas

Miniature doll furniture made for my friend for Christmas 2020

The holidays are well under way, and I’m not sharing what I’m giving away THIS year, but I thought I’d share a post about what I’ve gifted in the past to see if it inspires any ideas for you and your nearly-last-minute gift-giving.. especially if you’re aiming for a handmade holiday.

Why Go Homemade?

There are many reasons to give homemade gifts. For one, they are a personal touch that shows you put thought and effort into your gift. Additionally, homemade gifts can be much cheaper than store-bought gifts if you already have the supplies in your stash.  Avoiding the malls this time of year is another bonus!

Laser cut doll shelves

Laser cut bookshelf, desk, and two chairs – a Christmas 2022 gift for my miniature/doll collecting friend.

A number of years ago, I used the Maker Space’s laser cutter, paper cutter, etc to make a series of miniature doll furniture and accessories for a friend. Although I thought they made cute gifts, really I also got a lot of satisfaction out of designing and building them.

After talking with her later, she identified a few other things she’d like, so when I was able to get back into the Maker Space in the fall of 2022, I decided that along with some of the other things I was working on (mostly for myself!) I would also make a few additional things for her, for holiday and birthday gifts.

Laser cut doll furniture – table

Laser cut and engraved table and chair – a holiday gift for my doll-collecting friend

A number of years ago, I used the Maker Space’s laser cutter, paper cutter, etc to make a series of miniature doll furniture and accessories for a friend. Although I thought they made cute gifts, really I also got a lot of satisfaction out of designing and building them.

After talking with her later, she identified a few other things she’d like, so when I was able to get back into the Maker Space in the fall of 2022, I decided that along with some of the other things I was working on (mostly for myself!) I would also make a few additional things for her, for holiday and birthday gifts.

I referenced some of the lovely things she’s bought on Etsy for scale and size, and designed each of them to fit the kind of dolls she collects, as well to some degree the style of existing furniture.

Single laser cut doll chair

Laser cut and engraved table and chair – a holiday gift for my doll-collecting friend

A number of years ago, I used the Maker Space’s laser cutter, paper cutter, etc to make a series of miniature doll furniture and accessories for a friend. Although I thought they made cute gifts, really I also got a lot of satisfaction out of designing and building them.

After talking with her later, she identified a few other things she’d like, so when I was able to get back into the Maker Space in the fall of 2022, I decided that along with some of the other things I was working on (mostly for myself!) I would also make a few additional things for her, for holiday and birthday gifts.

I referenced some of the lovely things she’s bought on Etsy for scale and size, and designed each of them to fit the kind of dolls she collects, as well to some degree the style of existing furniture.

Laser cut doll furniture – desk

Laser cut desk and two chairs – a Christmas 2022 gift for my miniature/doll collecting friend.

A number of years ago, I used the Maker Space’s laser cutter, paper cutter, etc to make a series of miniature doll furniture and accessories for a friend. Although I thought they made cute gifts, really I also got a lot of satisfaction out of designing and building them.

After talking with her later, she identified a few other things she’d like, so when I was able to get back into the Maker Space in the fall of 2022, I decided that along with some of the other things I was working on (mostly for myself!) I would also make a few additional things for her, for holiday and birthday gifts.