Simple Handmade Gifts

Handmade gifts are always my favorite gifts to give and receive! I love exchanging plates of treats with my neighbors every year, and have made a habit of starting my gift-crafting with plenty of time left in the holiday season!

Whether you’re low on cash or are just looking for something with a hand-crafted touch, you are sure to find a few gifts you love in this list of 20 ideas! There’s something for everyone on your list. :-)

This first handmade gift idea is for the family who could use a little help getting organized! (And what family doesn’t!?) You can use this planner to schedule meals, for appointments, or any bits of information that you need to remember. It looks great hanging on the wall, and is the perfect planner to keep everyone on the same page.

I started with this frame that I found on sale awhile back. It has twelve frames in it, but as long as you find one with eight, you’ll have enough spaces for each day of the week (plus a blank one for the family name.). I used the extra spaces for appointment reminders, a to-do list, a grocery list…

Pick out a few pages of your favorite scrapbook paper! If you’re looking to save some money here, you really only need three sheets – I had quite a bit leftover, but wanted to use different patterns. Measure the paper (I used this handy cutting mat) and cut out just what you need. I had two 5×7 inch spaces and ten 4×6 inch spaces.

Decide which papers you want in which frames, and be mindful of putting them “right side up.” I had to have the raindrop pattern falling downward, of course. :-)

Remove the back of the frame, tuck the pieces of scrapbook paper in, and secure of the back of the frame again. I wanted my labels to be on the outside, so that the family I gift this to can change the categories. If you want to make the labels a little more permanent, stick on the paper first so that they are under the frame.

Once you have your labels right where you want them, you’re all done! Just tie the frame with a pieces of ribbon, and attach a whiteboard marker. You can write on the glass, and it comes off really easily.

Here are some more ideas for handmade gifts: