Ideas for Handmade Gifts

When we were children, we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmastime.  Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?
GK Chesterton

Tis the season for gift buying and wrapping and sending, which despite the crazy madness of overblown consumerism and materialism,  still has a sweetness to it, because wanting to give a gift to someone is something lovely I think.  God was the original gift-giver thinker-up!  Full of mercy and grace and generosity and love with His good and perfect gifts, aren’t you glad He never changes?

Handmade gifts are my favorites, because I know the giver has put not only their money, but their time and effort into them as well.  I treasure the heart they put into them, knowing that while they were planning and working and packaging, they were thinking of me and of all of the other loved ones they were seeking to bless.

Here is a list of handmade gifts that I have made in the past, and have found as possibilities to do one year or another.  Many, many things can be made with the scraps you have already (extra fabric, extra craft supplies, scrap wood, etc.) I often find (more often than not) that it’s not a matter of *time and/or money*; it’s a matter of *desire*. Tutorials abound all over the web; google and find a treasure trove of tutorials! Yes, you CAN follow directions.  It’s ok; we (the recipients) will love it!

And no, you can’t find out what I’m making this year (hee hee); it’s not even on the list (big smile).

• wreaths made of fruit, greens, berries, flowers, whatever’s in your yard
• flatware holders
• mini-pies, creme brulee, tarts, muffins, bagels
• bottle wraps (with a bottle of wine of course!)
• embroidered monogrammed napkins or washclothes
• spice blends, mustards, vinegars, anything for the kitchen cook
• fresh doughnuts, pretzels, granola, cookies…
• simple table runner, napkins
• a scarf from a length of wool, trimmed in ribbon or blanket-stitched
• bouquets with jars filled with seeds (for dry bouquets) or cranberries (for wet bouquets)
• vanilla gift-wrapped in vintage bottles
• roasted chestnuts
• napkin rings, placecard holders
• decorative candle blocks or other holders
• the candles themselves!
• soap, lotions, salves, creams, facial scrubs, salt scrub, etc.
• mason jar sewing kits
• pillowcases, herbal sachets
• party drink tags (for wine stems)
• roll-ups for colored pencils or art supplies
• coffee, cocoa or tea blends
• homemade marshmallows to go with that hot cocoa mix!
• chocolate dipped and sprinkled oreos, pretzels, etc.
• notebooks with pretty linen covers, quilted Bible covers
• seeds saved from the garden, handpressed flowers onto bookmarks
• tinctures, tonics, syrups
• ornaments, holiday decor
• aprons, oven mitts, dish towels
• fresh bread and butter, jam
• beaded bookmarks or jam spoons
• pin cushions, needle cases
• fridge magnets (I hot glued magnets onto buttons.  Cute!)
• a supply of handstamped notecards or homemade stationery
• crocheted shawl or wrist warmers
• things for the pantry: pears, applesauce, soup mixes, etc.
• mini quilts for hanging or a table topper or a child’s doll blankie
• ragdolls, handkerchief dolls
• knitted washclothes, mittens, scarves, stuffed animals, hats
• harvest baskets or a garden tool belt
• handwoven baskets, even mini ones for holding small candies
• pottery with glazing for growing kitchen window herbs
• an small window herb garden transplanted into vintage pots (drill holes!)
• candy: truffles, fudge, popcorn balls, baklava (my mom’s specialty!)
• homemade cleaning supplies: laundry soap, cleansing powder, fabric softener, etc.
• cutting boards, toy blocks, dolly beds
• bean bags, library carry-all bags, hand-drawn coloring books
• salad dressing with croutons (all homemade of course!)
• rice socks to heat up, fleece blankets to cuddle under
• hair ribbons, barrettes
• baby mobiles, crib bumpers, receiving blankets
• earrings, bracelets, coat pins
• and of course, certificates!  For a meal delivery, babysitting, fresh cookies, housecleaning, etc!

I want to be sure to share one of my most favorite hand-making idea links too!  From SewMamaSew; be sure to check out the previous year tutorial links for ideas, too.

Don’t forget that the packaging and delivery is just as much an opportunity to show your love!  Homemade wrapping, or extra ribbon, or even brown paper bags spruced up (now there’s something to google!) all add a delightful touch.

And a note for those for whom “homemade” gifts aren’t your thing:  just graciously say “thank you” anyway.  Because nothing made in China can ever be given to you with the same amount of heart and soul.  And people’s hearts and souls…well, they’re the real gifts in any season.

You can check out the other High Five Mom blogs with their homemade gift ideas, too. Tell them I sent you!

Ponder The Path

Happy Andersons

The Marathon Mom

A Delightful Home

Blessings,