Gift cards to make in minutes

Sep 16, 2025
2 min read

Updated: May 8

Whether you're invited to a last minute birthday party, or you've left it until the last minute to get organised, these three card ideas require materials you will already have, and are quick to make when you're pressed for time.

Top 3 cards you can make in a hurry

Pressie cards look just like a miniature, beautifully wrapped gift, which work well for all sorts of special occasions. If you're like me, you'll have a little stash of wrapping or tissue paper, and a box (or two) full of random crafting stuff that you've collected over the years. Having a few resources is important, because when you're in a hurry, your finished product will rely upon whatever you have on hand. My top three quick pressie card ideas are a great example of how you can make something in a matter of minutes, using everyday materials:

Make a tiny present from your gift-wrap, to create a coordinated and classy ensemble. Use a piece of your wrapping paper to make a tiny present, then neatly affix a bow. Need ribbon? Upcycle those bits that you find stitched into the shoulders of clothing.

A little brown paper package tied up with string is perfect for lots of occasions. Use a tiny square of recycled brown paper (grocery bags are perfect) to create your present, tie with string, and attach to a little white card. Add a handmade tag if that appeals, or a piece of foliage, such as a tiny sprig of rosemary from the garden.

Use pictures from Home magazines to create your tiny presents. Images cut from magazines can produce surprisingly stylish and unique results. When flicking through magazines, I look for articles and advertisements featuring fabrics, fashion, wallpaper, and soft furnishings; the colour and pattern palette is usually curated, so it's just a matter of cutting and pasting. Vary the shapes and sizes of the mini presents, and create little piles, to see which arrangement looks best.

Honestly, these present cards are so quick and easy to make, and if one card turns into many, take a look at Handmade Card Sets and turn them into a collection.

The first image is a super easy brown paper package, tied up with string. The images at the bottom are pages from NZ Life & Leisure magazine, and above, are cards created using those cut-out images.

Handmade Present Cards

Hand making cards doesn't have to be time-consuming, but if you feel like spending an afternoon immersed in the creative process, wrapping tiny presents, painting and collaging, get inspired with more fabulous ideas on Pinterest.