The holidays are nearly here! If that sentence has left you gasping for air and double-checking the calendar, sure that I am wrong, don’t worry: there’s still plenty of time to whip up something handmade for the loved ones on your list. In today’s How-Tuesday round-up, you’ll find a collection of 25 tutorials to help you create special, personalized gifts.
Sweet Treats
Time to fire up your oven! Homemade baked goods are a holiday classic. Make some cardamom sugar cookies, handmade chocolates, or spiced pumpkin seed brittle for those with a thriving sweet tooth. Make a big batch of granola to jar up for healthy crunchy friends (see below for jar ideas).
Classy Containers
Dress up that little something-something in the finest of handmade attire. Try etching glass jars, make your own fiber baskets, or revamp an old cookie tin into a handy chalkboard container that will outlive that batch of cardamom cookies and serve as a useful item around the house.
Cups & Mugs
Once you’ve got a set of Pebeo paint pens made for glass or porcelain, the possibilities are endless (and pretty fast). Make a teacup and saucer for a coffee or tea aficionado, draw a handwriting paper motif mug for your favorite teacher, or make customized painted glassware or a cross-stitch-inspired mug for just about anyone on your list.
Paper Gems
I love paper for many reasons — it’s incredibly versatile, affordable, easy to recycle and repurpose, and lends itself to experiments and quick projects. Make globe garlands from recycled maps for a faraway friend with a case of wanderlust. Fold up jewel-toned paper gems for a treasure chest effect. Print out and fold weekly planners for a list-making fiend, or make paper dolls for an imaginative kid.
Tools of the Trade
Why not make your artist, crafter, or designer friend a handy tool to support their practice and inspire fresh creativity? Make a recycled hanging notepad or mini matchbook sketchbook for notes and sketches. Create a custom bulletin board for a studio wall — just the thing for pinning up visual inspiration or even making a visual map of Etsy sales or contacts across the country. Using an old wool sweater, stitch up a laptop sweater cozy; you can also scale this pattern fit just about any device. For the crafty set, sew a skinny pincushion designed to nestle right up against a sewing machine, or try your hand at making a knitting mushroom, a classic knitting tool for making I-cords.
Pet Presents
Shower a pet lover with quick gifts for their furry friends. Pay tribute to a precious pup with a silhouette tote bag, or whip up a handmade leash with your choice of cotton webbing and ribbon for a stylish trip to the dog park. Cat toys are a fun and quick gift. Try making a few pom-pom toys or a catnip stuffed mouse toy. Meow!
Happy handmade holidays to you and yours!
130 comments
UnionStudioMetals said 9 years ago
Yay, thanks for the ideas! I hate waiting to the last minute but I do it every year :)
GreenGardenStamps said 9 years ago
I'd love to try those paint pens on porcelain. The results are beautiful! Great ideas all around!
GreenGardenStamps said 9 years ago
I'd love to try those paint pens - all of these projects look like a lot of fun!
LAccentNou said 9 years ago
Awesome ideas and finds!
IcingOnTheCupcake said 9 years ago
Oh... that kitten melts my heart! Thanks for the fun ideas.
MegansMenagerie said 9 years ago
Great ideas!!! Thanks for sharing!
DecoFamara said 9 years ago
Great Ideas. Thank you!!!!!
DecadesOfVintage said 9 years ago
great ideas. i love using paper in all its different ways.
mattyhandmadecrafts said 9 years ago
Fun! Thanks for sharing!!!
AlisaDesign said 9 years ago
Cool!
jojosvintagecupboard said 9 years ago
WOW!! Really great ideas!!
girltuesdayjewelry said 9 years ago
You've given me some last minute inspiration! Really wonderful and doable gift ideas!
corrnucopia said 9 years ago
Inspiring indeed!
RivalryTime said 9 years ago
Good ideas. Thanks.
JulieLillian said 9 years ago
Super cute last minute ideas! Happy holidays, everyone!
jadenight said 9 years ago
Another quick idea is to make some crocheted coasters. If you can do a single crochet stitch, just whip up four squares with variegated yarn. They bring color and texture to your table or desk and can be washed!
minifrosting said 9 years ago
Wow! I'll have to try some of these! I like the paper ideas.
sincerelyYOU said 9 years ago
CUTE! thanks! :D
BeadoRama123 said 9 years ago
I love the globe garlands. I think anything with maps and globes just oozes class. P.s. how cute is the kitty?!
uniquefabricgifts said 9 years ago
I'll buy the cat toy if it comes with the kitten. It's adorable! Thanks for the ideas.
crazy13lark said 9 years ago
The paint pen on mugs idea sounds interesting...I want to try the "lined paper" looking mug.
becaruns said 9 years ago
great ideas! thank you!
yourauntiespanties said 9 years ago
oooooooooooooh baby kitten!!!!!! great ideas too! I'm going to try out a few this evening! thanks
kalipsoleyla said 9 years ago
I love this article!
tatianaricker said 9 years ago
ohmygosh! Sooo many crafts! So little time! I want to make them allll! Very inspiring!
PearlAmourJewels said 9 years ago
I like the paper map garland....with a little tweaking, great idea for my nephews crib
ArcadeArt said 9 years ago
love the cross stitch mug :)
Ateliart said 9 years ago
Thanks for sharing!
Earleyimages said 9 years ago
Great ideas here..happy holidays all.
peshka said 9 years ago
Cute and lovely!!!
paramountvintage said 9 years ago
i want them all :)
Benally said 9 years ago
Great ideas!
Krystyna81 said 9 years ago
Awesome ideas! Thanks for putting these together
ZenBrush said 9 years ago
Great Ideas!
Thelittleblackbooks said 9 years ago
Brilliant !
happygohandmade said 9 years ago
awesome collection of gifts for this year or next!
HibouCards said 9 years ago
cool ideas!
beadstylin said 9 years ago
NEED that kitteh!!
WhisperingOak said 9 years ago
great paper projects
ginaregina said 9 years ago
So cute!
sarahjstephen said 9 years ago
These ideas are just fantastic! and having just been invited to a friend's place for Christmas day today, I am desperately in need of quick handmade gift options.
DoxyDame said 9 years ago
Hmmm *steals project gift ideas*
Lberks said 9 years ago
Love the paint pens and paper maps. Saving these ideas for next year. Too overwhelmed to do now. Unless I give up some sleep. Hmmm.
EndQuotes said 9 years ago
Great ideas- I have to make that pom-pom cat toy!
Mclovebuddy said 9 years ago
very clever picks. love.
KettleConfections said 9 years ago
Love this post, these are perfect projects for kids too during the winter break.
cunningcatcrafts said 9 years ago
Love all these ideas. I'm definitely making the pom pom and the paper gems.
accentonvintage said 9 years ago
Great post!
KennasFeltForest said 9 years ago
Fun ideas. Thank you. Off to make some fiber containers!
ikabags said 9 years ago
Super post:)
metalicious said 9 years ago
I love those paper gems! eep!
mywillabean1 said 9 years ago
the kids and I are totally making that mouse tomorrow! Looks super fun!
figurativepie said 9 years ago
All great ideas, but that kitten is stealing the show. What a cutie!!!
theori said 9 years ago
OMG that kitten is too precious! I love that map garland!
CopperheadCreations said 9 years ago
Nothing like waiting 'til the last minute (I says to myself)! I still need pet gifts. Good suggestions! And I love those paper gems!
Knitarelli said 9 years ago
I love the paper gems! They are so creative! This is so inspiring to me, I want to keep posting more and more things every time I see these blogs!! Going to go crochet some cute amigurumi! Good luck with sales all Etsy users!
dragonhouseofyuen said 9 years ago
WOW! totally fantastic! thank you :) have bookmarked so many - but glad to say that this santa here has been busy busy and all pressies are made :) I even made Scottish Tablet for my sweet toothed grandmother who is 94 - so much better than shop bought perfume. Thanks again, lover your fantastic selection of ideas!
RaspberryMarket said 9 years ago
Loving all the ideas! The catnip stuffed mouse toy is too cute!...and the chalkboard container so fun and useful!
wizardofcharms said 9 years ago
I have to admit I am a procrastinator, I always wait until the last minute every year. Thanks for the great gift ideas.
BJones130 said 9 years ago
super awesome ideas *classic*
theroyal said 9 years ago
that knitting nancy is COOL
mobellapaints said 9 years ago
Gorgeous!
mm11lover said 9 years ago
I love the Coarkboard map, what a cool idea!
HandmadeIsAllAround said 9 years ago
Cool picks! Love them all!
RetroKittenVintage said 9 years ago
These are great ideas! I have many last minute gifts to get to. Will have to try a few of these.
thedaydreamer said 9 years ago
Wonderful resources!
RossLab said 9 years ago
They are all great idea! thanks for sharing.
soulmadeshop2 said 9 years ago
Great ideas! I always have last minute gifts to cover!
RoughGems said 9 years ago
Thank you for such lovely ideas!
LavenderField said 9 years ago
Wonderful ideas!! Thank you for sharing :0)
feltstories said 9 years ago
very usefull ideas !!
NoaSharonDesigns said 9 years ago
This mouse is SO cute!
laughingsnail said 9 years ago
Love the map garland.....now I just need to go and get some maps :) Thanks for the great ideas! Merry Christmass everyone!
5erg said 9 years ago
Tools of the trade is my favorite category :))
curiouscreaturesshop said 9 years ago
such fun ideas, i love the classy containers! easy and awesome for the home chef!
talktothesun said 9 years ago
i was just looking for ideas to do some last minutes workshop with kids to make handmade gifts for their moms...i gotta try the weekly planner notebook idea!!
RozemarijnOudejans said 9 years ago
Great gift ideas! I love the etched glass jars!
redenjewelry said 9 years ago
Great ideas! Thank you!
CalicoCaprice said 9 years ago
Just the inspiration I needed to get thru this last minute crunch- thanks so much for sharing!
minouette said 9 years ago
Great tutorial round-up! Thanks
BanglewoodSupplies said 9 years ago
I love the stuffed mouse!
littlejarofhearts said 9 years ago
Love these! Thanks so much! Holidays get so crazyy.
HelloShoes said 9 years ago
I love that matchbook notepad and the many other items:)
NoraQuinonez said 9 years ago
Oh no I'm in trouble now...I want to make them all... Thank you Etsy staff !!! Just wonderful ideas as always :)
LissaLouDesigns said 9 years ago
Oh great, I just went online and bought a set of Pebeo pens.. I have to try out the coffee mug!
Designsbyamberlynn said 9 years ago
What great ideas! Thanks so much!
StyleGraphicDesign said 9 years ago
Wonderful ideas!! Thank you:)
OnlyOriginalsByAJ said 9 years ago
Excellent ideas! Thanks for sharing!!
christijay said 9 years ago
so fun! Love DIY holidays.
Gazerie said 9 years ago
Really want to try those porcelain pens. Hope they're available somewhere in Australia!
ImaRabbit said 9 years ago
love that corkboard!
OhNostalgiaDesigns said 9 years ago
I'm done making my gifts for this year, but these are good ideas to file away for the future! Love that cross-stitch monogram mug.
AliceFlynn said 9 years ago
Do-it-yourselfers have been getting images from my etsy shop to make last minute gifts. If you have an iron, transfer paper, printer, and email, you can add a digital image to any light colored cotton shirt, apron, etc. Hand made gifts are the best!
DistortedEarth said 9 years ago
Great ideas! Thanks!
MagpieQuilts said 9 years ago
Love the skinny pincushion! I have one tucked in next to my machine all the time.
SimplyUniqueByRLosco said 9 years ago
Thanks!
zslc29 said 9 years ago
All of our Christmas gifts this year will be handmade, but I particularly like the ideas on sweets. :) Thank you for all you do!
Challand said 9 years ago
Really cute ideas!
LittleWrenPottery said 9 years ago
Great finds, theres nothing like a bit of holiday DIY!
AmandaSerenityNow said 9 years ago
Thank you so much for featuring my Chalkboard Tin project. It was posted in a GUEST POST for Infarrantly Creative. Is there any chance you could direct your readers to my own post on my blog, as it is my project? Thanks! The link is: http://www.serenitynowblog.com/2011/12/diy-decorative-chalkboard-tin.html
dorijenn said 9 years ago
These are great! Thanks! Great projects for any time of year, actually!
PyxusPassionProject said 9 years ago
So many great ideas! Love the paper projects.. I will definitely be getting crafty today! ;) Happy Holidays all!
BoxEleven said 9 years ago
so many great ideas!....i better get started!!
KKSimpleRegalJewelry said 9 years ago
Wonderful ideas!! Great, thank you! ~KK~
ecomum said 9 years ago
Thanks for these great ideas! We've been making up bathsalts too -- super easy, super fast. Just need epsom salts, non-irritating essential oils (tangerine, lavendar, a little mint) and some food colouring if you want to dress it up. Pop into an old jar, and cover the lid with funky paper or fabric scraps. Voila!
StudioZola said 9 years ago
Love this! Thanks...
Ayca said 9 years ago
Great post!
DownEastAttic said 9 years ago
Excellent! Thank you! I love the canisters.
LizardSkins said 9 years ago
fabulous ideas! I love personally handcrafted gifts!
simplewhimsey said 9 years ago
Fun ideas! Thanks
kathydee said 9 years ago
Wonderful, I am off to try the mug painting and I love the sewing pin cushion! Merry Merry!!!
HandmadeHempMomma said 9 years ago
Thank You! these all sound fun. I think I will make some of these later just for me :)
xZOUix said 9 years ago
great paper boxes! great for mushrooms :::-)
ashleylott said 9 years ago
I want a set of those porcelain paint pens! Also, that kitten is adorable =D
maryklump said 9 years ago
Really a great assortment. ! Thanks
FlickerBelles said 9 years ago
sounds awesome
teconlene said 9 years ago
Cute ideas! Thanks :)
EvesLittleEarthlings said 9 years ago
Great Ideas, I love the paper dolls!
GlobalSass said 9 years ago
Very cute. I'll have to keep them in mind for next year.
redbme said 9 years ago
Great Ideas..I think I am going to have to stay up all night and create :)
honeymoonmuse said 9 years ago
Also see this one if you like the paper gem garland! Im currently working on making a mobile from this template over the holidays. :) http://blog.urbanoutfitters.com/blog/blow_up_diy
feliceshappydesigns said 9 years ago
These are great year round ideas! don't forget birthdays, which always seem to sneak up on you.
motherculture said 9 years ago
I love the hand designed mugs. Have to remember that one for next year.
FatCatDesignStudio said 9 years ago
I love the pet things! I made catnip balls for my cat out of fabric scraps. She likes little things and balls I've bought have often been too big. I sewed them up with wrong sides together to leave some bits on the outside to snag onto. It also makes them roll in a wobbly-wobbly fashion--enticing! They're so pretty lying around the house, too. The patchwork and the sewing embrace the Japanese wabi-sabi ethic! Lucky little cat!
lassandaliasdeana said 9 years ago
lovely ideas! ;) Merry christmas!
tableclothpad said 9 years ago
So lovely i like this.
piahathaikan said 9 years ago
I love it.
piahathaikan said 9 years ago
Lovely ,i like them
HeatherMarisa said 9 years ago
Great ideas! I wish I would have found them before Christmas. :-)
MaJentaDesigns from MaJentaDesigns said 8 years ago
love the idea of decorating the cups with special markers!