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Love them or loathe them, even the grumpiest of DIY enthusiasts can admit that weddings do offer them a chance to exercise their creative spirits. Sometimes, though, schedules start digging into the free time needed to forge something complex and fancy for the betrothed couple. But as commanders of the craft table know, even a gift saved until the nth hour can still be just as thoughtful, lovely and viable as something store bought. The only difference, of course, is the uniqueness, heart and personalization that a satisfying DIY project embodies. As the wedding day marches closer, consider some of these suggestions when puzzling over what to give.

1.) A plant in a hand-painted pot. Gardening aficionados who know a couple fond of all things green and leafy may want to offer them a pretty, homegrown plant commemorating their new life together. Add an extra personal touch by presenting it in a hand-painted (if not hand-thrown!) terra cotta pot.

2.) His and hers spa sets. Grab a basket and stuff it full of handmade soaps, shower gels, candles and bath salts, all of which can be whipped up in the span of an afternoon. Craft stores sell everything DIY types need to make the process as quick and painless as possible, though one should always think about allergy issues beforehand. Yarncrafters might want to knit or crochet a quick set washcloths, hand towels, eye pillows or socks as well.

3.) Custom stationary. Fire up PhotoShop and start designing some lovely paper, envelopes, cards and address labels for the hopefully happy couple to share. Be sure to include a "free refills" coupon for when they run out!

4.) Foodie gift basket. Fill a newlywed couple's kitchen with any variety of homemade candies, breads, painstakingly sealed jams and jellies, cakes, snacks, cookies, granola, chocolates, tea and coffee blends, dried homegrown herbs, jerky, soup and spice mixes and any other non-refrigerated foodstuff imaginable. Just make sure to confirm any dietary restrictions or allergies beforehand.

5.) Pillows. Crafty types who know the recipients' color and style preferences can easily sew or knit lovely matching pillow sets to decorate their new home.

6.) Coasters. There's many different instructions online for making a wide variety of these practical gifts. Some involve tiles, others a simple knit-and-felt process. Sets of six make a wonderful, uniquely personal accompaniment to store-bought glass- or stemware, too.

7.) Painted wine glasses. Not everyone digs this style, but couples down with the trend might appreciate a set of hand-painted wine glasses commemorating their special day or a shared interest. Don’t tackle this project without previous experience, though, as stemware doesn't make for the easiest or most forgiving "canvas."

8.) Serving tray. The internet abounds with serving tray patterns both simple and complex alike, so anyone interested in taking this route will find one that easily suits their skill set, budget and time frame. If nothing else, buying a premade one and painting, staining or decoupaging it also works nicely.

9.) Pillow cases. Ask the couple for the dimensions to their bed pillows and treat them to luxurious cases sewn from fine silk or satin. Embroider their initials or wedding date on the corner for a personal touch fondly reminding them of their union.

10.) Garden stone. Most craft stores sell premade kits allowing DIY aficionados to quickly customize garden stones or plaques. Couples with a yard and love of digging in the dirt will probably enjoy something so lovely making their house feel like a home.

11.) Bookends. This project offers near-limitless possibilities, though hindered by budget, time, imagination and stylistic preferences. Give a book-loving couple a decorative way to keep their shelves stable and aligning with their interior tastes. As a bonus, pair a set up with matching bookmarks.

12.) Art. Artists and photographers waiting until the last minute to whip up a gift are exceptionally lucky if their target couple happens to be into minimalism. When paired with a handmade or decorated frame, these gifts make for a personal, unique and utterly homey way to celebrate.

13.) Trivets. Partners who spend plenty of time in the kitchen and throwing dinner parties will probably appreciate trivets constructed of hand-painted tiles, wood or anything else sturdy and safe enough to keep a hot dish from scalding the table.

14.) Calligraphy. Anyone handy with a calligraphy pen may want to offer up a framed copy of a beautifully-rendered poem, song, prayer, quote or verse with special significance to the recipients. Calligraphy fans with a knack for writing could very easily pen their own lyrical well-wishes.

15.) Wine glass charms. The perfect accessory to a gift of stemware – or a couple who cares more about their guests' budgets than raking in the epic loot. Wine glass charms can be as simple or complex as creators want, and will especially tantalize newlyweds known for their great parties.

16.) Jewelry. If both spouses enjoy necklaces, rings or other fun accessories, make them a matching set of something perfectly reflecting their style. With so many patterns available online and in craft stores, anyone can make something great, no matter their budget or skill level.

17.) Candles. Like soaps, plenty of melt-and-pour options exist for those wanting to experiment with candle-making. Different molds and waxes will help DIY fans customize some lovely little wedding gifts.

18.) Scarves. Knit and crochet enthusiasts need only browse their books and Ravelry.com for pattern inspiration – or they can design their own! Stop into the local yarn shop for some particularly yummy skeins and hanks and knot them into gorgeous gifts. Angora or cashmere are highly recommended.

19.) Tablecloth. For the pair that loves entertaining guests, givers handy with a sewing machine might like the idea of celebrating the occasion with a beautiful, fancy tablecloth. Try a bit of embroidery to make the piece that much more personable and special.

20.) Lessons. College students whose friends are marrying off don't always have the money to purchase a gift, but offering up their time can prove just as special and memorable. Wedding guests with some sort of finely-tuned skill the couples covet might want to make coupons redeemable for a few lessons spreading the love. 

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