Giving gifts that will be appreciated doesn’t have to mean spending lots of cash. Handmade Christmas gifts can cost less and will often be much more personal. Using existing skills, online project instructions, craft sets, or, if all else fails, buying homemade presents made by others could help you save money and give gifts with more meaning.
Use Free Knitting, Crochet and Sewing Patterns to Make Handmade Christmas Gifts
If you have even basic knitting, crocheting or sewing skills, then you could make your own homemade Christmas gifts. Sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens often go down well at this time of year as do handmade teddy bears and dolls. Those looking for different kinds of craft projects could consider creating quilts, clothes for dolls, coasters, bookmarks, pillows, tables runners or blankets.
You can find plenty of free patterns and guides online – Knitting Pattern Central, for example, offers a wide variety of options for knitters and also has a link to a partner crochet site. Freeneedle may be a useful resource if you are looking for free sewing patterns and craft project guides.
Use Woodworking Templates and Project Plans to Make Wooden Christmas Gifts
If you have carpentry or woodworking skills, then you have a lot of options for craft projects that could make great Christmas gifts. Kids may love handmade wooden toys, jigsaws, carts, treasure chests, toy boxes or dolls houses. Adults may really appreciate the effort that goes into making something useful for the home or garden.
Again, there are plenty of ideas and project plans available online for both beginners and expert craftsmen. The Woodworkers Workshop site has a wide variety of links to free craft and woodworking plans. Those looking for ideas for kids may also find the project links on Absolutely Free Plans useful.
Use Craft Kits to Make Homemade Christmas Presents
If you would like to have a go at making your own gifts, but don’t feel that you have the skills or time to take on a project from scratch, then craft kits may be the answer. These kits allow you to make a handmade gift but come with everything you need in one pack and could save money compared to the cost of buying items in stores.
If you’re looking to make wooden gifts, then you could consider kits for dolls houses, castles, bird houses and feeders, toys, animals and vehicles. It’s also easy to find craft sets to make stuffed animals, dolls, teddy bears, pillows and quilts. Keep in mind that you can also buy kits for children and these may make great gifts in themselves. Sites like eBay and Amazon may be a good place to get ideas here.
Buying Handmade Christmas Gifts
If you really don’t have the time or skills to make your own Christmas gifts, but would like to give something out of the ordinary or unique, then you could buy what you need. Craft fairs and small stores will often sell homemade items and you can also look online. Sites such as Etsy, for example, allow shoppers to buy both general and customizable handmade gifts.
Additional Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas
If making handmade gifts and craft projects doesn’t appeal but the idea of giving a more personal gift does, then you do have other options. You could, for example, look at other ways of making homemade Christmas presents such as baking seasonal cookies, making chocolates or decorating photo frames. Putting together a hamper can make a unique gift. Or, if you’re looking for something that will benefit others as well as the recipient, then charity gifts may also be worth considering.
