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:
Coin Purse/Gift Card Holder from i heart naptime
Witty Gloves from CountryLiving
Fringed Flannel Throw from it’s always autumn
Leather Cases from Martha Stewart
Teacup Sculpture from El Brooklyn Taco
Dog Ties from Sweet Peach
Pom Pom Coasters from Brit + Co
Flat Iron Holder from Creative Juices
Holiday Salsa from i heart naptime
Glitter State Art from The Effortless Chic
Hair Ties from Everything Etsy
Reindeer Hooded Towel from Crazy Little Projects
Hand Stamped Wooden Spoons from The Idea Room
Animal Key Chains from Between the Lines
Snow Globe Cookie Jar from CountryLiving
Coffee Cozy from Skip to my Lou
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This year I plan on making a hard candy wreath. Never having made one before I remember watching my mother make them for Christmas gifts. Use a wire coat hanger and twist it into a circle. Put the candy on with yarn or ribbon, Add a bow at the top and a pair of kids scissors to cut off the candy. Each one uses 3 lb of candy. Merry Christmas!
Sounds so fun! Thanks for the idea Susan!
Fun gift ideas. I also love the bookmark one. I agree with Susan, it’s time to update your picture. Just a suggestion.
Are you going to replace your blog picture with the “new you” picture? Just curious.
When my grandmother came to visit in Chicago one Spring, we went out collecting wildflowers to create bookmarks for her to share with her birthday group. We put them between books to mash them, placed on white paper and used cold laminate sheets to encase them. A hole punch at the top with some nice ribbon and voila! Just a bit of a challenge to find wildflowers this time of year though :o)
Such a cute idea! Thanks Sally!
Just wanted to say I love your new picture! (although maybe it’s not new and I’ve just now noticed it…). The light blue color looks really good on you Jillee!
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