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Monday
05
December
Handmade Holidays: Ten DIY gifts that don't look like you cheaped out
If you're the type who likes to fill your holiday gifts with handmade love, we've got a whole bunch of beautiful ideas for you. My grandmother was a crocheter who made such hilariously bad gifts (sorry, Grandma!), they were the highlight of our holidays. Thankfully, Grandma was a great sport who laughed the loudest. But after looking at these 10 beautiful and interesting handmade gifts, I think maybe I could follow in her footsteps (in a good way) and create something of my own to give.
Crafty moms? This one's for you. -Christina
1. RETRO MAGNETIC PAPER DOLLS
My girls love playing with paper dolls, and they'd adore this sturdier magnetic version of the 50's-era Betsy McCall dolls. You'll need a steady scissor hand, a few craft supplies and these free printables. Put them all in a small metal box that can be used both for storage and as a play surface. (cost varies, but idea is free)
2. HANDMADE BABY BOOTIES
Handmade baby shoes in under an hour? Beth at Weeperas promises this is easy enough for a beginner sewer, and her DIY Kit makes it as foolproof as possible with precut fabric, elastic and PDF instructions. I'm skeptical for myself but for those of you who are handy with a needle and thread, this is an adorable new-baby gift. ($16 includes fabric and instructions)
3. FELT TABLEAU BOARD
This totally adorable Felt Board from 8 Foot 6 can be scaled up or down depending on how much time and money you want to spend. And how long you want to be sweeping up tiny scraps of felt. Love how flexible an idea this is for boys or girls, and the finished product looks stunning in the playroom. (cost varies, but idea is free)
This totally adorable Felt Board from 8 Foot 6 can be scaled up or down depending on how much time and money you want to spend. And how long you want to be sweeping up tiny scraps of felt. Love how flexible an idea this is for boys or girls, and the finished product looks stunning in the playroom. (cost varies, but idea is free)
3. A KNIT SCARF. BUT NOT JUST ANY KNIT SCARF
While knit scarfs often conjure up A Christmas Story style visions, I would love finding this modern knitted scarf under the tree. The crescent shape transforms it from scarf to shawl and back again. I adore the many colors in this picture, though you can choose any yarn colors for a more subdued look. ($5 for pattern by Lismi Knits)
4. HANDMADE TOYS
I've got a few kids on my list who would love to get their hands on this huggable Retro Robot Plushie by CMP Holiday Gift Guide pick, Gulf Coast Cottage PDF. ($5.99 for pattern and instructions)
6. HAND EMBROIDERED IPHONE CASE
It only takes a little cross-stitching fabulousness to turn Connect Design's unique iPhone case into a unique work of art. Want to make their head spin? Put the case on a brand new iPhone 4s. ($18 includes case, needle, thread and instruction book; more for the iPhone itself)
7. A BABY QUIET BOOK
Julie Bell's Star Trek inspired Quiet Book provides all the info you'll need to boldly go and make ten pages of fun for some little Trekkie. You'll need to supply the materials and the time, but the finished product will be well worth the effort. . .especially considering we've seen quiet books onsale for upwards of $100! ($10 for instructions; Star Wars inspired book too)
8. MONOGRAM MUGS
Using nothing more than plain white mugs and a few craft supplies, one of Design Mom's crafty children created handmade personalized mugs for everyone on their list. I love how the personalization could be taken even further by filling each mug with cocoa and marshmallows for the kids, or tea bags with a small jar of farmer's market honey for the grownups. Though make mine cocoa, please. (cost varies, but idea is free)
9. SILHOUETTE TOTE BAG
Martha Stewart's Silhouette Tote Bag is incredibly versatile since you decide on the size and color of tote bag, as well as the type clip art you want to iron onto the front. I could make a book bag for the kids' library trips or a knitting bag for my mom, and, hey, my never-used iron would get a little use! (cost varies, but idea is free)
10. HANDMADE DOLLS
I adore the simple rag dolls from Joy Made It with their mod outfits and cute floppy limbs. The Miss Emma kit comes to you all cut out and with her face painted just so; all you have to do is sew her up and stuff her full of plush and kisses. ($15 for doll kit and instructions)
Check out our archives for more craft projects that you may turn into beautiful holiday gifts.
Find More: Baby Clothes, Free or close to it, Getting crafty, Holiday Picks, Toys and Other Playthings
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Thanks for including us on your list!
some great ideas!
Oh, I love these-- especially the felt board and iphone case! I feel inspired, although not to tackle crocheted slippers. Grandma's were my favorites, even if we couldn't get them on our feet.