5 Handmade Gifts Your Friends & Family Will Actually Want

I’m giving myself a pat on the back right now because we’re on blogmas day 6 and I’m crushing it. I bet I just jinxed myself! As you guys know, one of my favorite hobbies is sewing. It’s something I love to do in my spare time. When I was younger, I tried to make gifts for my family but, they were never wanted. So, here are 5 Handmade Gifts Your Friends & Family Will Actually Want.

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5 Handmade Gifts Your Friends & Family Will Actually Want

Back then, I wasn’t as good of a seamstress. I was still learning. I also didn’t have a lot of money. I thought quantity was better than quality.

The truth is, when it comes to making gifts, quality far exceeds quantity.

I also think that time and energy are important! Some crafters start making gifts in January (think quilts!) for their friends and family. Which is commitment!

Oh! Please bear in mind that I haven’t made all of these gifts yet. However, if this year doesn’t work out, I promise they’ll be made in 2023.

The Simplicity Beanie

I’ve picked up knitting over and over again. This past Autumn I was determined to learn. I learned on this pattern! I had to re-make the beanie 6 times before I was comfortable moving on to the next one, but I love it. My family was sweet and encouraging about it, and now I’m being asked to make them one!

This pattern only uses two stitches and it’s free. A simple knit and purl. Plus, you get to choose whether or not you want a pompom. You can also remove the pom at any time so it’s a great hat for outdoor sports.

Recommended wool: Malabrigo Rasta

Long Double Oven Mitt

This is a fabulous gift for anyone who loves cooking and baking. I’m a fan of this oven mitt because I am always losing one mitt when I bake. I don’t know what my problem is but I’m always looking for a glove at the buzzer.

Advice: Choose colors and patterns that go together. I’ve seen these mitts go south real fast. Also, something to keep in mind, these will get dirty. You don’t think it will… it will, I promise. So, you might want to consider using darker colors!

Two great tutorials!

Double oven mitt with free pattern & tutorial (with bias binding) – Quilt Addicts Annonymous
Double oven mitt – Rosery Apparel (I love her, and this video has 4 other great gift ideas!)

A Painted Ornament

Last year, my sister-in-law painted trees onto wooden rounds. She had my brother drill a hole in it. She added ribbon and voila! An easy peasy gift that I get so excited to hang on my tree every year. It’s also one of the most cherished gifts I have from her because I’ll forever think of her when I hang it.

Sugar Scrub

This is a great gift to make in bulk for many friends and family. It’s very easy, doesn’t completely break the bank, and actually works!

I love making this for myself. The best part is you can customize everything to your choice, including the scent! It’s also great to customize for people with allergies. My sister has a severe tree nut allergy so I can’t use coconut oil for her, but I can use sunflower oil, etc. I like to mix in jojoba oil and Vitamin E oil, to heal skin scarring too. This is especially helpful to those that get back acne!

Here’s what I use and, here’s also a super easy blog post on how to make it!

Nature’s Bounty Vitamin E Oil – 6 drops
Organic Jojoba Oil – 1 Tbs
Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil
Cold-Pressed Sunflower Oil
Spice Set of 6 Essential Oils
Christmas Set of 6 Essential Oils

Cookies!

These are my favorite gift to give to friends. Especially when I was on a budget and paying off my student loans. Everyone loves cookies and here’s what I did to make them special.

Every time I went to the thrift store, I would look for, and pick up Christmas plates! They were never very expensive. They’re always in great condition and generally, they’re missing 1 or more in the set. So, I don’t feel bad about splitting them up.

Then I make 2-3 types of cookies, break them out, wrap them in saran wrap, add a Christmas card, and they’re done!

What are some of the best homemade gifts you’ve received? What would you like to receive?

Hope you’re all having a happy and safe holiday season! Til’ tomorrow. 🎄