As promised, I will share some additional handmade Christmas present ideas. We did a combined Thanksgiving and Christmas celebration with my mom’s side of the family, so I will also share what I gave to my two cousins and grandparents.
I’ll start with the presents I gave to those 4 this year:
1. I made my cousin Iris some fabric coasters. I’m hoping to make more of these; if I do, I’ll post a tutorial. They are pretty easy to make and require less than a fat quarter of fabric. I put some vinyl in the middle of mine so condensation doesn’t go through the fabric.
2. I made my cousin Jacqui two vinyl record bowls- a small one and a larger one. I used the tutorial found here. It was quite easy and quick.
3. I made my grandma a potholder. I simply used a square potholder we had as a guide for the size and shape and quilted the layers together. I used two fabric layers (one for each side) and three layers of insulated batting (any fewer and the user will get burned- learned that the hard way). Then you just sew bias tape (I made my own using the same fabric) around the edges.
4. I made my grandpa a mug that said “Poppy”, which is what we call him. This idea was in my previous Christmas present idea post- the instructions can be found here.
The following are ideas I have found and liked, but haven’t tried. I therefore cannot tell you how difficult they are.
1. Terrarium. This might be a good gift for someone who likes plants but has difficulty keeping them alive. It would also be a good gift for a college student since they are low maintenance and would add a bit of life to a dorm room.
2. Journals with handmade sewn covers. Find journals (think moleskine or similar notebooks) and sew a cover for them. Great for anyone, even children. (UPDATE: I made these for my brother, find the tutorial here)
3. Toiletry bag. Good for most females. Can adjust the size depending on needs. I would advise using vinyl or a similar material on the inside.
4. Baked goods. You could make homemade breads, cookies, muffins, anything really. It’s a simple gift for pretty much anyone, just make sure the recipient doesn’t have any allergies.
5. Casserole carrier. This is a good tutorial. Good for moms, grandmas, and friends.
6. Floor pillows and poufs. I don’t know how to make these, but I like the idea.
7. Heating packs. I don’t have a tutorial for this one, but I’m sure you could google and find one. I’m lazy. It would be a good gift for the men in your life (especially middle-aged dads and such).
8. Spoon ring. Here is a good tutorial, and it doesn’t seem too hard. It’s especially meaningful if you use a family spoon. Great for most females.
9. Felted wool sweater blanket. I really like this tutorial. And design. Great for anyone- you could even make a smaller one for a baby or toddler. It looks so cozy and warm.
10. Tea Cup Candle. I really like the idea of making a candle out of tea cup. It’s homemade yet simple. This is the tutorial I like.
Well, that’s all for now. Hope this helps all those that are hoping to make presents this year. I know it doesn’t include any tutorials for kid gifts. I have found that those are easy to find. I suggest checking out Make It and Love It.
Have a lovely rest of the week, we’re halfway to the weekend!
~Elisabeth
The Oke Den 