Six Handmade Gifts I’m Giving For Christmas This Year

The older I get them more I have this fleeting feeling that Christmas has lost a part of it’s magic, and I don’t think it’s a result of me aging. Mass consumerism is stealing the joy of the spirit of Christmas. We’ve lost sight of the meaning and replaced it with over consumption and oftentimes meaningless gifts for the sake of giving just because we feel like it’s what we’re supposed to be doing on December 25th.

This is why I’ve started making gifts for Christmas. It feels more meaningful, but also it feels more aligned with the true meaning of Christmas- celebrating the birth of Christ. The time it takes to make a gift feels more like an act of service to the receiver. Here are the handmade gifts I’m working on this year.

Decoupage Ornaments w/ Italian Florentine Paper

Image Via McGee & Co.

I saw these beautiful block print decoupage ornaments from McGee & Co. and thought how beautiful would they be with some delicate Italian Florentine paper instead of block print. I love how the shape of these looks very vintage so I’m hoping to find something similar for my version. I’m planning on giving these to a few friends & neighbors.

Crocheted Coffee Sleeves

I learned to crochet last year after having my son because I wanted something to keep my hands busy so I wouldn’t scroll on my phone around him. Last christmas a crocheted a few scarves and a blanket. Since my loved ones probably don’t want a scarf every year for Christmas, I’ve decided on coffee socks. They are a quick little project that I can complete from start to finish during my son’s naptime and they’re super useful for the coffee lovers in your life. I made one for my mama at mother’s day this year and she gets so many compliments on how cool it is instead of using the cardboard ones from coffee shops. I like to use yarn scraps to make these because it gives them a funky look. There’s lots of tutorials on youtube if you’re interested in making your own.

Chunky Chenille Throw Blanket

Image Via Pottery Barn

These luxurious blankets can be upwards of $100 if you buy them from a store and they are incredibly easy to make yourself. It looks like traditional crochet but you actually use a hand weaving technique instead of a hook. Chenille yarn is so soft and cozy so it’s perfect for a throw blanket. My inspiration can from this Pottery Barn throw. I found the exact same color yarn at Hobby Lobby and utilize their bi-weekly 30% off yarn sale to save. These throws are super fast to whip up you’ll just need lots of table space- be ready to clear off your dining room table.

Image Via Lalanyajade

Framed Handwritten Recipe of Mamaw’s Pecan Pie

Okay, I’m probably most excited about giving this gift. I found this idea on Pinterest and absolutely fell in love with the idea. My mamaw is going to write her pecan pie recipe on a few recipe cards, then I’m going to use beautiful Florentine paper as a background instead of traditional matte before framing them. I can’t wait to give these to my brother and cousin. It’s something I know we will all treasure for years and hopefully pass on to our own children. I got this idea from lalanyajade on Instagram. Here’s a photo of her’s that helped me get the inspiration for this extremely thoughtful gift.

Vintage Style Cotton Spun Sugared Ornaments

Image Via 32 Degrees North

These cotton spun sugared ornaments will probably be the most challenging gift I’m making this year, but honestly they are so beautiful and captivating I can’t resist trying. My goal for next Christmas may or may not be to have a small four foot flocked tree on our dining table filled with these beauties in all types of fruit varieties. The tutorial for these is on 32 Degrees North where you can also find the supplies to make them.

Baked Goods & Homemade Candies

Image Via Chelsweets

These are what I like to call consumables. Gifting consumable is one of my favorite things to do not just a Christmas, but all throughout the year. Christmas especially though because during a time when many are receiving so much it can feel like overwhelming consumerism- it does for me at least. I try to keep a mindset of only not having too many things. Not necessarily minimalism, but more so mindful consumption. This task is especially difficult during holidays. consumables like homemade bread, cookies, and candies are a great way to combat the ultra consumption of things at Christmas. Chelsweets has a great post with recipes for a full cookie box. It’s the perfect gift for neighbors & coworkers!

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