Thoughtful Gifting - Handmade Touches for Christmas
There was a time when I'd prepare handmade presents for family and friends ~ knitting cosy socks, warm hats, or crocheting floral handbags. Now, time is shorter. The number of dedicated hours the larger projects need is no longer an option, but I’ve found a way to keep the handmade spirit, focusing instead on more modest, thoughtful gifting accessories.
Crafting Your Own Gift Bags
A small, handcrafted bag immediately elevates an item. Crocheted or knitted gift bags add a lovely touch and turn a simple purchase into something wrapped with care. A bar of soap, a tube of hand cream, or a few chocolates presented this way are immediately made more special. Plus, these soft pouches are entirely reusable. You only need a small amount of yarn and an hour to spare to create a simple drawstring pouch. A perfect sustainable gift.
Our Granny Square Gift Bags are a perfect stash buster and you can find the free pattern here. We also have kits for mosaic knit gift bags crafted from recycled denim yarn.
Gift Tag Decorations
Another simple idea is to create decorations that double up as gift tags. These could be a small festive shape ~ a padded star, a simple bauble, or a mini Christmas tree. Use colour options that are personalised for your recipients. Once the gift is unwrapped, the tag can be re-purposed to decorate their tree.
Take a look at our Crocheted or Knitted Christmas Tree Decorations.
Crocheted Mini Wreaths
Curtain rings are easy to come by and provide the perfect foundation for crocheted wreaths. Create a simple hanging decoration, or use them as a display base for candles to add a little atmosphere to your table. It's the perfect project for a rainy afternoon and uses up small amounts of leftover yarn.
We have 3 free patterns for these pretty accessories. There's also Yuki - our mini wreath crochet kit.
Floral Gifting
One of my favourite small projects is making crocheted covers specifically for jars. A plain glass jar instantly becomes a vase or container when wrapped in a simple crocheted sleeve. These covers can be sized for small jars, turning them into pretty pots for succulents or small plants, or taller to accommodate a small bunch of fresh or dried flowers. It's a natural gift that can be used again and again.
Find the free pattern for our Simple Crocheted Jar Covers here.
Edible Treats
Not all my handmade gifts use yarn. Some of the most appreciated items come straight from the kitchen. Each summer, I make jars of conserve from home-grown strawberries and apples. Another favourite tasty treat are Christmas Spiced Glazed Nuts. I always make extra to enjoy myself!
Have a go at making these delicious vegan nuts with this recipe.
The history of gifting often centres on the handmade. Before modern industry, almost everything was crafted by the giver or a local artisan. The effort was the gift. It’s a simple concept, and it reminds us that a gift doesn't need to be big to be meaningful; its value lies in the care given to its creation.
It’s about a thoughtful gesture that shows you care, even when time is limited. These tokens, big or small, are always appreciated and keep that lovely tradition of handmade giving alive.