I believe in giving gifts with intention and not just buying lots of things because it is expected. Handmade gifts are probably 60-70% of what I give at Christmas and birthdays so I thought I would share past gifts as ideas for what you might make for your loved ones this Christmas! Recipients will know you spent extra time and thought on them and will really appreciate it! Firstly I want to emphasize that these ideas all take time even in the simplest form, so make sure and leave yourself enough before you want them ready.

Making jewelry can be a nice gift.

Beading can be as simple or as complicated as you want it.

Keep the recipient in mind when you pick colors to work with

Vintage beads can give a timeless look.

Wool coasters. Cut wool into desired shapes and blanket stitch the edge with embroidery thread. Make 4 of these as a set and bundle with a ribbon.

Handmade decorations for the decorators in your circle.

This was actually something my husband and I made for our home but I think would be a nice gift. Use grapevine wreaths, faux greenery, ornaments, ribbon, etc. Have fun!

Nesting dolls and other wooden craft items come raw, unpainted at craft stores to paint yourself.

Patterns, painted images, even decoupaged pictures can make items personal.

Handpaint a wooden jewelry box from a craft store, decoupage pictures, remake a jewelry box from the thrift store!

Miniature paintings are a quicker way of making art for friends.

Miniature wood panels and tiny easels are easy to find art art supply stores.

Making art of your friend’s pet is a meaningful gift.

Pictures of a loved one’s favorite place makes a good option.

Make an apron from a deceased loved one’s shirt. The front makes the bib and the back the skirt! Add grosgrain ribbon for a belt. They are great for other relatives who miss the person who is gone.

Draw, paint, or collage pictures of someone’s loved one as a gift. If you want to give a drawing and feel you need to commission one many artists like myself are happy to help!

Some more ideas: sachets made from cotton/wool/felt with edges stitched and filled with dried herbs like lavender, frame a photo you took, write a poem, if you knit or crochet wearable items may be obvious but dish scrubbies and washcloths are nice and handy, banners that celebrate a person or holiday, homemade soap, lipbalm or salve.. Truly the possibilities are endless. Get creative and remember if you shop to check out handmade makers!

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