We've all been there: a party is coming up, and youmusto find a gift quickly! Impersonal vouchers are boring and often a sign that you haven't thought of anything better. But don't worry, there's a much more creative solution! With a few simple DIY ideas, you can conjure up a personalised and unique birthday gift in no time that shows you've put some thought into it and goes down really well. Whether you want to do handicrafts, bake or create something homemade, you'll find great last-minute ideas that are quick to realise and guaranteed to make an impression. Let's go!
Why should you make your own personalised gifts at the last minute?
Personalised gifts have a special effect that conventional, impersonal gifts often fail to achieve. They show the recipient that you have thought about them and that your relationship with them is important to you. Unlike mass-produced products bought quickly, a personalised gift results from time, effort and, above all, heart.
A personalised gift often reflects shared memories, hobbies or personal preferences, making it unique and more emotional. It creates a personal connection and shows the birthday boy or girl: "I know you, and I know what you enjoy." This is a valuable sign of appreciation and closeness in a world that is becoming increasingly fast-paced and impersonal.
In addition, personalised gifts are often remembered for longer. They are not just a "product" but a symbol of the relationship between the giver and the recipient. Whether it is a self-designed photo album, a special mug or a personalised memento - such gifts are usually received with a smile and a warm feeling and often have a high emotional value.
In short, a personalised gift shows that the giver has tried to create something unique and special. That makes it something that comes from the heart - and that's what counts most when it comes to gifts.
The following last-minute DIY gifts will put a smile on the birthday boy or girl's face
1. design a personalised mug
A self-designed mug is quick to make and a creative and valuable gift. And the best thing is: you only need a few materials!
What you need:
- A plain white cup (preferably made of porcelain or ceramic)
- Porcelain marker (available in different colours)
- Optional: Stencils if you don't dare to draw freehand
So geht's:
- First, clean the cup thoroughly so no grease or dirt sticks. This is important so that the colour adheres well later.
- 2. think of a design. You can draw a motif, write a little message or even paint the birthday boy or girl's name on the mug. If you like, you can lightly sketch with a pencil beforehand (the pencil disappears in the oven).
- 3. use the porcelain markers to put your idea on the cup. Make sure you don't apply too much colour to look even.
- 4 Leave the cup to dry for about 24 hours to absorb the colour well.
- 5 Finally, fix the cup in the oven. The exact instructions are on the pins, usually you have to bake the cup in the oven at around 160 to 180 °C for 30 minutes. Afterwards, the colour will also last when washing up - often even in the dishwasher.
Tip: You can also personalise the inside of the mug with a small message or paint a small heart at the bottom, which only becomes visible when the coffee is empty. This is a super personalised detail!
2. photo collage or memory book
A photo gift is always a great idea, especially if it's full of shared memories. A photo collage or a memory book shows the birthday boy or girl how important your shared experiences are to you.
What you need:
- Photos of the two of you (you can print them out yourself or have them developed)
- A blank notebook, photo book or a large picture frame for the collage
- Glue, scissors and decorative materials such as stickers, pens, small messages
This is how it works:
- 1. For the collage, first lay out the photos on the picture frame to see how they fit together. You can also add small souvenirs or tickets that remind you of special moments.
- 2. glue the photos onto the background and decorate the collage as you wish. Label the photos with funny quotes or the date and place of the experience.
- 3. for the memory book: Stick the photos on the pages and add small texts that explain the picture or contain a nice message. This "journey through our friendship" style is a personal and emotional gift.
- 4. optional: You can also leave a few pages blank and write that you will fill them with new memories. This makes the gift extra special and shows that your time together is far from over!
3. make your own keyboard or jewellery holder
A keyboard or jewellery holder is a practical gift that can be perfectly personalised. With a little colour and creativity, a simple board can be turned into a unique and personal gift.
What you need:
- A small wooden board (available from a DIY store or craft shop)
- Hooks or small nails (depending on whether it is to be a keyboard or jewellery holder)
- Paint, varnish or washi tape for decoration
- Hammer or screwdriver to attach the hooks
This is how it works:
- You can paint or glue the wooden board first if you like. For a classy look, you can paint it a plain colour or leave it natural for a rustic look.
- Mark the position of the hooks with a pencil. For a jewellery holder, make several rows of hooks; for a key rack, three to four hooks are often enough.
- Attach the hooks at the marked points. Depending on the hook type, you will need either a screwdriver or a hammer.
- Optional: You can also decorate the board with small pictures, sayings, or the recipient's name. Washi tape or small stickers add a personal touch.
- Finally, attach a way to hang it on the wall, e.g. with a picture hanger or a simple string. Your individual keyboard or jewellery holder is ready!
4. design a personalised candle
Candles are always a lovely gift, especially if you personalise them. With a few simple steps, you can turn a simple candle into a unique decorative element.
What you need:
- A simple candle (preferably in light colours)
- Candlesticks or wax sheets for decorating
- Optional: Templates for the design
This is how it works:
- Firstly, consider what design or message you want to put on the candle. You can colour in the name of the birthday boy or girl, a date or even a small symbol.
- Special candle pens, which are heat-resistant and adhere well to the surface, allow you to easily write or draw on the candle.
- Alternatively, you can work with wax plates. Cut out shapes or letters and press them carefully onto the candle. The warmth of your fingers will make them stick well.
- Optional: You can decorate the candle with a pretty ribbon or give it as a gift in a small jar. This makes it look even more elegant!
5 DIY voucher book
If you want to give a gift voucher as a present, why not do it specially?
A voucher book with personalised ideas is not only creative but also shows that you've really thought it through.
What you need:
- Thick paper or cardboard
- Scissors, glue and pens
- A hole punch and a ribbon to bind the pages
This is how it works:
- Cut several pieces of thick paper of the same size. These will be the pages of your voucher book.
- Write a voucher on each page, such as "1 x breakfast in bed," "1 x cinema evening," or "1 x help with moving." The trick is that the vouchers contain something personal—i.e., things you can do with the birthday child or for them.
- Design the pages as you wish. You can decorate them with small drawings or emphasise special highlights.
- Punch holes in the top edge of the pages and thread a nice ribbon through them to hold the book together.
- Optional: Design a cover for your voucher book and give it a funny or creative title. Your personalised voucher book is finished!
6. design your own baking book or recipe book
A self-designed recipe book is the perfect gift if the birthday child loves baking or cooking.
A recipe book is the perfect gift. You can personalise it and fill it with recipes that you love yourself or that you may have already tried together.
What you need:
- An empty notebook or photo album
- Pens, glue, decorative materials
- Own or printed recipes
This is how it works:
- Collect your favourite baking or cooking recipes that you would like to give as a gift. You can either handwrite them in the book or design them on the computer and print them out.
- Fill the pages of the book by topic or category: e.g. "Breakfast", "Snacks", "Cakes", "Desserts". This creates a nice structure.
- Design the pages with small drawings, photos of the dishes, or personal notes on the recipes. This will make them look more personal.
- Leave space for the birthday child's own notes or recipes, which can be added later. This keeps the book dynamic and personalised.
- Optional: add tips or secrets you always use when baking or cooking. This gives the book a very special, personal touch!
Speak with your heart - let our print media support you!
A personalised gift often shows the shared history, the understanding of each other, and the appreciation of the small details that make a friendship or relationship unique. The special thing about such a gift is that it is personalised, giving the recipient the feeling of being seen and understood. It can pick up on shared inside jokes, special moments or individual preferences that only the two of you know, making it only meant for that person.
Personalised also means that you can use your creativity and design the gift to suit the recipient's character and interests. This type of gift stands out from classic, quickly purchased products because it conveys a sense of personality and connection. It conveys, "I have taken time for you and created something that suits you perfectly." This makes the gift unique and valuable.
Another advantage is the long-lasting memory effect. While many bought gifts eventually lose their appeal or perhaps even gather dust, personalised gifts often have a permanent place in the recipient's everyday life. A personalised memory book will be picked up repeatedly, a personalised mug remains a daily companion, and a personalised keyboard hangs permanently in the home - a constant reminder of the special relationship.
Another plus: a personalised DIY gift is often more sustainable than mass-produced goods. You use materials you may already have and create something that comes from the heart and will give pleasure for a long time. You are giving something personalised, valuable, and sustainable that will last beyond the moment.
At Infowerk, we are happy to support you with our products, which you can easily design yourself! Upload your desired design, create ideas in our FreeDesign tool or use our templates! All options are open to you here. If you have any questions, get in touch with us!