DIY Secret Santa gifts you can make in an hour

Check the rules before you make something

Some groups ask for store-bought gifts only, and some workplaces discourage homemade food. Ask the organizer first, especially for edible gifts. If you make food, include a short ingredient list and check for allergies in the chat.

Time matters too. A handmade gift needs a day or two for drying, cooling or a trip for supplies. If the swap is soon, see last minute Secret Santa gifts.

How to pick the right DIY gift

• Match skill to result. A neat coupon book beats a messy candle.
• Match the person. A tea sampler for a tea drinker, a bookmark for a reader.
• Match the audience. Food gifts are fine for family and close friends. At work, choose items that are not edible.
• Keep it small. A small neat gift reads better than a large messy one.

Presentation does half the work

• Use a clean jar or a plain box. Avoid clutter.
• Add a handwritten tag with instructions and the date made, for food.
• Tie with string or ribbon and add a small sprig or label.
• Skip glitter and excess decoration. Simple looks confident.

Make the gift for the budget, not above it. Supplies count toward the limit in most groups.

Handmade within a Secret Santa

A DIY gift is a good fit when the limit is low. See Secret Santa gifts under $10 for the price range. Use the questionnaire and the chat in Hollyhush to confirm dietary needs and tastes before you start. Read Secret Santa rules to confirm whether homemade gifts are allowed in your group.

Collect likes and allergies in one place before you start making. Create your group, free

1. Hot chocolate jar

   Layer 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup sugar and a handful of mini marshmallows in a clean jar. Tape on a tag with the instruction: stir 3 tablespoons into a cup of hot milk. About 15 minutes and $6 to $8 in supplies.

2. Seasoned nuts

   Toss 2 cups of unsalted nuts with 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of cinnamon. Bake at 325 F for 15 minutes, cool and bag. Skip it if the person has a nut allergy.

3. Tea sampler

   Buy four different tea bags that go together and put two of each in a small box with a handwritten tasting note for each. About 10 minutes and $5 to $8.

4. Coupon book

   Write six real favors on small cards: a coffee run, an hour of help, a lunch. Stack and tie with string. Costs only paper and your time. Only include favors you will actually do.

5. Soy candle in a jar

   Melt soy wax flakes, add a few drops of a light scent oil and a pre-waxed wick, and pour into a clean jar. Let it cool for several hours. Follow the supply instructions, and keep it unscented if you do not know the person.

6. Painted mug

   Use oil-based porcelain markers on a plain mug. Draw a simple pattern or a name, bake as the pen label says and let it cool. Hand wash only. About an hour and $8.

7. Photo or note magnet set

   Print three small photos or quotes, glue each to a flat magnet and seal the back. Good for someone you know well. About 20 minutes.

8. Bath salts

   Mix 1 cup Epsom salt, 1/2 cup baking soda and a few drops of a gentle scent in a jar. Skip the scent if you do not know their preferences. About 10 minutes.

9. Cookie mix jar

   Layer 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar and 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Add a tag: add 1 stick softened butter and 1 egg, bake at 350 F for 10 to 12 minutes. Check allergies.

10. Hand-lettered bookmark

    Cut cardstock to 2 by 6 inches, write a short quote, punch a hole and tie a ribbon. Fifteen minutes and almost nothing.

Search links for the materials. Check each listing for contents and size.