Every year my holiday gift buying/making strategy is the same: start early! And every year I do! [pats self on back]. The problem is that I knock off a few and then rest on my laurels. And rest. And rest. Then somewhere around mid-December I look at a calendar, realize it's actually December and start to hyperventilate. Now that I've calmed down and put my paper bag away, I'm casting around for gifts I can make for the children in my life that I can realistically accomplish in the next few weeks (that hand-pieced quilt is out!). Here's a roundup of 20 ideas for a range of skill sets; from crafty types who can sew or knit to the craft challenged who can use scissors, pens and printers.
I Can Sew:
1. Donkey Softie by Myra Masuda on Etsy's Storque
2. Cozy Car Caddy
3. Fabric Checkerboard and Pouch by I Heart Linen for Sew News
4. Soft Baby Blocks by Smile and Wave
5. Mermaiden by Hilary Lang (from Wee Wonderfuls: 24 Dolls to Sew and Love)
6. Play Tent by 2 Little Hooligans
7. Crayon Roll by Chocolate on my Cranium
8. Chipmunk Softie by Miyako Kanamori on Etsy's Storque (from Happy Gloves: Charming Softie Friends Made From Colorful Gloves)
9. Softie Flip Doll by Prudent Baby
10. Alphabet Bean Bags by Lil Blue Boo
I Can Use A Printer:
11. Animal Friend Finger Puppets by The Toy Maker
12. Coloring Book by Chez Beeper Babe (she does use a sewing machine here, but you could use a stapler instead.)
I Can Knit:
13. Mushroom Baby Rattles by The Purl Bee
I Can Use a Pen:
14. Coloring Placemats by Lilybee/Wee Baby Stuff
I Can Use a Stove:
15. Rainbow Crayons by Momtastic
I Can Glue:
16. Clothespin Doll by Going Sew Crazy
17. No Sew Felt Playhouse by Sew Can Do
I Can Use Scissors:
18. Felt Board by JC Handmade
19. Lacing Cards by Tot School
I Can Use a Paintbrush:
20. No Sew Hopscotch Rug by on The Sewing Dork
If you have an idea of an easy gift to make, please share it in the comments!
(Images: 1. Myra Masuda 2. Homemade by Jill 3. I Heart Linen 4. Smile and Wave 5. Melanie Falick books 6. 2 Little Hooligans 7. Chocolate on My Cranium 8. Penguin 9. Prudent Baby 10. Lil Blue Boo 11. The Toy Maker 12. Chez Beeper Bebe 13. The Purl Bee 14. Wee Baby Stuff 15. Momtastic 16. Going Sew Crazy 17. Sew Can Do 18. JC Handmade 19. Tot School 20. The Sewing Dork)
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How about a no sew Play Tent? or a Fairy Dust stocking stuffer?
I already have several of these on my "to make" list, especially that awesome car holder. Unlikely that they'll get done before the holidays, but a girl can dream.
Great post! I agree, the car holder is especially adorable. Thanks for sharing.
I have just completed 14 patwork pencil cases (zippered pouches) for my nieces and nephews. I followed the tutorial at http://tonicoward.blogspot.com/2010/05/zippered-pouch-tutorial.html and embroidered their names on the front. Only simple sewing skills and scrap fabric needed.
I had bought my boys marshmallow shooters and a street fair this summer - decided to replicate them Christmas gifts for my nieces & nephews this year - some pvc pipe + connectors + marshmallows. Easy peasy and super cheap! :)
Perfect timing.
I made the car holder for my son last year for Christmas, and I thought it was the cutest thing I had ever seen, let alone created. And he has never ever ever played with it. :( I'm still disapointed about that.
Great for a picky teenager or to dress up a gift card...try a duct tape wallet like this one - Duct Tape Wallet by the Craft Pirate<a/>
Shouldn't the title of this piece be, "20 Gifts You Still Have Time to Make for Kids?" But thanks for reminding me that my biological clock is ticking ...
Any ideas for a 10 year old boy?? My nephew is a typical boy, likes video games and golf . . . and everything else 10 year old boys like. But I've never been/had a 10 year old boy, so I'm lost, pretty much every Christmas.