Take the pressure out of the last-minute holiday shopping frenzy and make one of these easy handmade treasures.

Simone LeBlanc's Floral Bath Salts

Thomas J. Story

Deadlines can be a good thing, but they can also be a source of stress. If you just cannot meet holiday shipping deadlines, there’s still hope. Using items you can likely source from around the house or on a trip to the grocery or general store, here are a few truly easy (we promise!) last-minute DIY projects that make for excellent gifts.

Salt-Preserved Herbs

E. Spencer Toy

Chop up the fresh herbs of your choice, blend with sea salt, and package in a giftable jar. It’ll last up to a year in the fridge, which truly makes it the gift that keeps on giving.

Get the DIY: How to Make Salt-Preserved Herbs

Caramel Bourbon Sauce

Jeffery Cross

This sauce provides an instant wow factor when drizzled on top of ice cream. Making it requires a considerable amount of active stirring time, but it’s deceptively easy.

Get the DIY: How to Make Caramel Bourbon Sauce

Dried Floral Bath Salts

Thomas J. Story

The perfect winter self-care treat can be made from just a few simple ingredients and looks so pretty packaged in a small jar.

Get the DIY: How to Make Dried Floral Bath Salts

Avocado-Dyed Bandana

Thomas J. Story

Transform grocery store produce into something beautiful with this easy DIY using the pit of a humble avocado.

Get the DIY: How to Make an Avocado-Dyed Bandana

Tea-Dyed Tote Bag

Thomas J. Story

Upgrade a plain canvas bag into a one-of-a-kind accessory using black tea, sunblock, and a potato.

Get the DIY: How to Make a Tea-Dyed Tote Bag

Marbled Journal

Thomas J. Story

Food dye and shaving cream are all that it takes to create a vibrant pattern on a cardstock cover for a simple hand-bound journal of paper and twine. The project is so easy, even young kids can get in on the DIY action.

Get the DIY: How to Make a Marbled Journal