Peanut Life Adventures: 10 Handmade gifts in an afternoon

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

We have officially passed Thanksgiving and now many thoughts turn towards the winter holiday season. Many times handmade Christmas or Holiday gifts need a ton of planning and need to be started months in advance. But not the ones listed below! These can all easily be made in an afternoon or some evening after work.
Handmade gifts are generally much cheaper than store bought ones and don't have to be cheesy or look homemade. Many people greatly appreciate the time and effort it took to make something homemade. So give it a go! Try your hand at some homemade gifts this year!
If you have any questions about any of the projects, please let me know!

1. Painted Picture Frame

This simple project can be done in less than an hour, easily. These make great presents for best friends or loved ones. Wouldn't grandma and grandpa love a picture of them with their grandchildren in a decorated frame? Or even for your significant other to put on their desk at work. I have made several of these over the years and they have been a big hit.

2. Hooded Towel

I have now made 3 different hooded towels for baby shower gifts. I love love love to make them. They always take a little longer than I anticipate, but they can certainly be easily finished in an afternoon (even with a break!). I have made a penguin, a ladybug, and a dragon (post on that one will be up next week). These would make great gifts for babies or toddlers. Or use a bigger towel to make one for a bigger person :)

3. Gift Card Holder

Sometimes you are at a loss at what to give someone and you want to go the easy route with a gift card. Dress up that gift card with this gift card holder! It's perfect for storing gift cards, business cards, or store loyalty cards. You probably have everything you need right in your sewing bin and it's easy to customize to the person you are giving to by using their favorite colors. Make a gift card a little more personal by giving it in a homemade gift card holder!

4. Stamped Notepads

Who doesn't need a notepad to keep track of all the busy thoughts in your head. Using the directions in this post, you will see how quick an easy it is to make a notepad for someone you love. Use their favorite colored paper or a cute stamp set to make a personalized notepad.

5. Card Set

Letter writing may be a lost art, but cardmaking is making a huge comeback. You don't need a ton of special supplies to make cards. In fact, you can use some simple paper and stamps and turn out beautiful cards. If you have a few more supplies and want to try your hand at embossing to make some fancier cards - go for it! Thank you notes or blank note cards can always be put to good use.

6. Placemats

http://peanutlifeadventures.blogspot.com/2013/11/placemats.html

I did in fact, make these placemats for a gift this fall. I love the ability of homemade gifts to fit the person getting them. I knew I wanted to do something with owls for my dear friend, so I found some fun owl material and made her some cute placemats. Fun but practical! Make some personalized holiday ones, or ones that can be used all year. Super simple to make - just four straight lines and a simple pattern!

7. Pincushion

This project truly can be completed in less than 30 minutes, and can be make from leftover fabric and ribbon. If you have a crafty friend, make a pincushion for them that they can tie onto their sewing machine!

8. Photo Coasters

If you are a budding photographer, showcase some of your favorite prints by making them into a coaster set. Or you can use family snap shots for mom and dad or grandparents. These are super simple to make - give them a try!

9. Reversible Headband

One of my favorite projects and so quick and simple to make. These reversible headbands would make a great stocking stuff or small add-on in a present. Easily customizable using a favorite fabric or color. These are so easy to make, you can make a pair in less than an hour!

10. Quick and easy dischloth

My final idea for you are these quick and easy discloths. Pop in your favorite Christmas movie and get out your needles and yarn. By the time the movie is over, you will have a handmade dishcloth ready for gifting. These make great hostess gifts for someone having a holiday party. They are also a great gift for any young couple.

I hope you enjoy these ideas and they get your creative juices flowing. If you have any questions, please let me know. Happy Holiday Season!

Linking up:

Wednesday