It’s that time again, friends. Time for lists and more lists. Time for chunky sweaters to hide the holiday bulge. Time for twinkling lights, whipped cream mustaches, and stockings hung with care.

Incidentally, it’s also time for extra-hyper kids who have forgotten the meaning of bedtime and neglect to reference the Christmas countdown you made together before asking you for the eightieth time that day, “how many more days until Christmas???” But that’s neither here, nor there.

I can’t believe it’s almost December already, because my to-do list of gift making hasn’t even made it to the first step– the making of said list. The ideas are still hanging out somewhere in the nebulous of my daily thoughts, introducing themselves at really convenient times– like when I’m cooking dinner or singing loudly to keep my kids awake in the car or trying to convince my bladder it isn’t actually full since it already woke me up two hours earlier.

Once I do begin to make some progress on this year’s gifts, I’ll be sure to share them here. I know I was really excited about the ideas I’ve had– if only I could remember what they were…

In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to share some handmade gifts from Christmas past. The gifts that have stood the test of time, and are still used and enjoyed a year or two later. 

All of these gifts are sewn, some by machine and some by hand. Not all of the handmade gifts I give are sewn every year– many are baked, some are built, and others are painted or repurposed. Even so, as I was looking around the house and thinking of what is still used one to three years later, everything that stood out first was a sewn gift.

The projects vary in difficulty and in time. If you are interested in sewing, or simply improving your skills, following online tutorials is a great place to start! I learned how to sew completely from following different tutorials generously shared on craft blogs.

10 DIY Gifts that Stand the Test of Time!

 

1.Felt Playhouse || Homemade By Jill

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 4+ hours

I made this playhouse for my eldest when he was about 18 months old. I was very pregnant with my second son at the time, but I am so glad that I took the time to make this playhouse. Four years later and it is still a lot of fun for all three of my kids. Nowadays, I keep it tucked away and pull it out occasionally when we’ve been cooped up for a while or when we have friends over.

Believe it or not, while the project does take a lot of time, it is not especially difficult. If you use felt, the pieces can simply be cut out and sewn on without worrying about finishing any raw edges.

 

2. Bendy Snakes || This Pilgrim Life

Difficulty: Easy

Time: >1hr

These fun guys were stocking stuffers for my boys last year. A year later and they are still pulling them out to play with them. Not too bad considering they only required about 15 minutes, some fabric scraps, and a handful of pipe cleaners!

 

3. Animal Hooded Bath Towels || Crazy Little Projects

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 1-2hrs

Hooded towels that double as dress-up– YES. We use these all the time for bath time, and all the time for reenacting animal planet. This year I need to make a third for my daughter. Any suggestions for what animal I should do?

 

4. Simple Embroidery Wall Art || This Pilgrim Life

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1- 2hrs

Pinterest is FULL of inspiration for quotes and sayings which make great gifts. Check out my Lovely Words board and my Embroidery board for ideas.

I’ve made a few of these to hang around our house and a few that I’ve given as gifts. They make simple and frugal gifts that last!

 

5. Reversible Heat-Safe Table Runner || This Pilgrim Life

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 2-4hrs

A table runner that’s reversible, and that serves as a trivet! Very practical and easily personalized.

 

6. Toddler Purse || This Pilgrim Life

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 1-2hr

I love how simple this purse is, and my daughter approves too. The sturdy body and open top make it very easy for little hands put in and pull out favorite items.

Watch a video tutorial. 

 

7. Rice Bag Warmers || V & Co.

Difficulty: Easy

Time: >1hr

Rice bags make helpful and practical gifts for both males and females on your list. Make them long or short, or even curved to go around a neck. You can also add herbs or essential oils to make them extra nice!

 

8. Zippered Clutch || Girl Inspired

Difficulty: Advanced

Time: >1hr

I LOVE zippered pouches because they are so practical and always useful for something. I give a new one to all the females almost every Christmas. Plus, you can stuff other fun things like chocolates or fun jewelry in them too!

Watch a video tutorial. 

9. Felt Hair Clips || Come On, Ilene

Difficulty: Easy

Time: >1hr

These clips are SO adorable and very easy to make! They are also really inexpensive since all you need are some clips, scrap felt, and embroidery thread. I have given them several times as gifts for little girl friends.

 

10. Felt Car Playhouse || Cook, Clean, Craft

Difficulty: Advanced

Time: 2-4hr

I made this gift for a good friend’s birthday a couple of years ago. I checked with her last week– he still plays with it and carries it around!

 

In addition to these gifts, items like quilts and blankets are always worth the effort. I have given each of my children a quilt on their first Christmas. Last year, I gave my husband a simple throw blanket made from fleece and flannel as a gift too. Quilts are definitely gifts that stands the test of time– hopefully they will all be special heirlooms from my kids’ childhoods!

I hope you have a new idea or two! It’s always wonderful when the effort we put into gifts is appreciated and enjoyed for a long time! 

What do you think? Have you given or received handmade gifts that you have enjoyed for a long time? Please add them to the list in the comments!

We can always use more ideas! 

 

EACH WEEK I LINK UP WITH MOTIVATION MONDAY, MODEST MAMA, MAMA MOMENTS, TUESDAY TALK, AND WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY. THE LINKS ABOVE MAY ALSO BE AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I EARN A SMALL COMMISSION AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS SITE!