12 handmade holiday gift ideas
Each year, I think I’m going to be too busy to craft handmade gifts for the holidays. And each year, I end up doing it anyway. For those of us who take the DIY route, the question always creeps up in September, October, or at the latest in November: “What to make this year?” Here are 12 of my favorite handmade gift ideas from past years. There's something for everyone and for all skill levels: knitting, crochet, sewing, body care, jewelry, and food gifts.
Lavender sachets for the linen closet
This is a quick knit from More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson, a sweet book full of handmade gift ideas. These pyramid-shaped sachets take just over an hour each to knit, and are filled with oh-so-fragrant lavender buds to protect linens, yarns, and hand-knits from moths.
Pointy elf hat
...also from More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. A couple of years ago, I knitted one for each of my nephews, nieces and godchildren. That may sound like a lot, but these are incredibly fast and satisfying to knit, especially when working with bulky yarns in lovely bright colors.
Wool socks
A couple of years ago, I made a pair for just about everyone in the family. The pattern — "Rye" by Tin Can Knits — is available for free on Ravelry, and just lovely to make.
Firewood carrier
I made this firewood carrying tote a couple of years ago for Dan, and we've been carrying our firewood in style ever since. I actually used a canvas painting drop cloth that we already had, so the only material I had to buy was a 3/4" wooden dowel from the hardware store! You'll want to use canvas or other similarly sturdy fabric for this one. See tutorial here.
Vanilla brown sugar body scrub
...for pampering a loved one. I followed this recipe, but used dark brown sugar instead of light.
Lavender massage oil
This massage oil is really quick and easy to make, and will definitely be a welcome gift — especially with calming lavender, which is perfect for relaxing massages. This would make a sweet gift for a friend, or for your sweetheart for future date nights. It can also be used as body oil after a warm bath.
4 oz grapeseed or almond oil (or combination)
1.5 oz dried lavender blossoms
5-10 drops lavender essential oil
Put the lavender buds in a jar and pour oil over them. Close the lid and let sit on a warm windowsill for 2-3 weeks. (To accelerate the process, you can gently warm the mixture in a double boiler for about 1 hour.) Strain the buds from the oil and add the essential oil. Bottle and store in a cool, dark place. Adding a sprig or two of dried lavender to the bottle adds a nice touch.
Handmade beeswax candles
You knew this one was coming, right? I make candles every fall and they make a gift that I love to give — and people seem to love to receive. I have a full tutorial for you, for making both taper candles and pillar candles, here.
Bird's Nest necklace
I made these for my nieces, but I ended up liking them so much that I kept a couple for myself! See tutorial here.
Jar of home-made granola
— with recipe attached so that the lucky recipient won’t be forced to come knocking on your door when the goods run out.
Pine cone key chains
After all of these knitting projects, here's a crochet craft for you! These little woolen pine cones turned out so sweet. There are several patterns available on Ravelry — I ended up going with this one, as it has 6 different size options. The stitch pattern is easy to memorize and you can soon whip out one in an hour or so. I made key chains, but these would also make lovely Christmas tree ornaments.
