There are lots of good reasons to make some of your own gifts this year - avoiding crowded stores and long lines, averting high shipping costs, and, most of all, giving something special and personal to a loved one. We've searched our archives and pulled together a list of handmade gift ideas kids are sure to love.

Knitted nigiri make a wonderful soft toy. Can't knit - how about making some felt sushi?

Make their mittens stand out from the crowd with these animated mitten instructions from Martha Stewart.

Have a dino lover at home? Why not make a dinosaur playmat.

Make your own memory game with decorative paper or even family photographs.

A rice pillow (which can be heated in the microwave) would be nice to snuggle up with this winter.

We've seen our share of incredible play kitchens this year, this roll-up kitchen playmat is perfect for apartment dwellers.

Tired of handing your kids tissues all the time? Make them their own pocket tissue holder.

Knit mushroom baby rattles - great for shaking and great for teething.

Memorialize the year with a personalized board book.

See our other holiday gift guides:
#1 Infant/Baby
#2 Toddler/Preschooler
#3 Elementary School-Aged

#4 'Tweens/Teens