The GATLUW Guide to Last-Minute Gifts That Cost Nothing—But Mean a Lot.

Holiday season is upon us! Like, really upon us. But if your 2021 has been a bit crazy, you might still be scrambling to get all your gifts and stocking stuffers together. Plus, if you don’t want to spend extra for pesky shipping costs—your best bet might just be something you can make from the comfort of your couch.

These personalized gift ideas are not only 100% doable (even for the non-DIYers out there), but they are also meaningful mindset boosters for the peeps you love. The saying really is true, it’s the thought that counts! If you’re short on time or money, try putting together one of these ideas!

Disclaimer: You don’t have to be a crafty person to do these, just trust me.

1) Collage a vision board of things that make you think of them

This is an easy way to make something super meaningful with things lying around your house! The assignment is simple: grab a piece of paper, cardboard, or poster board and get collaging!

Find some pictures that remind you of the person you’re gifting to. Cut them out from magazines, browse their Pinterest, or grab some old photos of you two together—the options are endless!

In the end, you’ll have a homemade gift full of personality that cost you nothing to make. This thoughtful gift is guaranteed to be a win (and the cutest piece of decor for their room or office).

2) Spend time personalizing a journal

If you don’t have a spare journal lying around, grab a cheap one from the dollar store and get writing! You could write letters to your giftee, fill it with motivational quotes, document your favorite memories, share affirmations, or spell out some prompts for them to finish the journal with.

You can get as creative as you like with this one! Keep it simple if that’s more their jam, or spice it up with doodles and stickers.

Never underestimate the value of a thoughtful, personal gift that took a little extra time and care.

3) Orchestrate a video montage with friends and family

Ah, the video montage. You’ve probably heard me tell the story of the first video I made; it all started with a video montage for a wedding! Spoiler: everyone loved it and so will your giftee.

This is a classic for a reason. It’s always special to crowdsource footage and put it all together for someone, and it can be as silly or sentimental as you’d like! Use a free video editor to slice it all together, and you’ve got yet another unbeatable gift under the tree.

4) Give the gift of your time or talent

Picture this. Your mother-in-law is itching to learn how to bake, and you’ve been sitting on the perfect chocolate cake recipe. Or maybe your neighbor wants to take up gardening, and you have just the tools they need to get started.

Try something different this year and lend your time and talent! Teach someone a skill they’ve always wanted to learn, or offer to do it for them if that’s more their speed. Either way, this gift is something that you do best and would love to share with them.

5) Curate the perfect mixtape

Bear with me, because I know mixtapes aren’t what they used to be. BUT there’s still massive potential here for a stellar gift. Spend time searching for songs that remind you of your giftee, whether they’re nostalgic classics, inside jokes, or newer songs you think they’d love.

If you want to go the extra mile, do it the old fashioned way and burn a CD. Dress it up with a cute cover and case, and voila! (Just make sure they have the means to actually play it…)

6) Create an aesthetic poster pack

There are so many cute poster packs out there, but why buy one when you could make your own? Grab some cardstock, find a printer, and get creating! Search for images online, or edit together some of your own with motivational phrases, affirmations, or inside jokes. Once you’ve got a few that vibe well together, print ’em out and wrap ’em up!

Bonus points for making a cohesive theme with the colors, fonts, and graphics.