Homemade Christmas gifts that people actually want
28th Nov 2022 Christmas
There's no better way to show you care at Christmas time than with a homemade gift. Forget burned biscuits and wonky home-knit jumpers though, these alternative crafty gifts are sure to put a smile on their face.
Heat pack
Fellow Fellow
This winter warmer can be customised for whoever. Flowers for mum, SpongeBob for your nephew, Wonderwomen for your niece, corduroy for dad, and whatever it is teenagers are into these days. Perfect for the cold months of January and February ahead.
Skills required: basic sewing
Suitable for: old and young alike (just make sure the little ones are supervised when heating)
Drawing kit
Skip to my Lou
This one's ideal for inspiring creativity in the little ones, and is easily customised.
Skills needed: basic sewing
Suitable for: budding journalists and artists
Clutch bag
I heart nap time
Fashionable, fancy and practical.
Skills needed: basic sewing, knowing your way around a sewing machine would come in very handy
Suitable for: with so many practical uses, everyone, but we think they're ideal for teenagers
Shark hoodie towel
Just crafty enough
This one is fantastic for kids. It has practical uses, and some not so practical (i.e. pretending to be a shark). It may also be one for the big kid in us all.
Skills needed: basic sewing and cutting
Suitable for: all ages!!!
Doodle cups and dishes
Delia creates
Porcelain markers are cheaply available, it's a great way to jazz up a the dishes. But this would also make a great gift for someone. Delia Creates has simply doodled patterns onto these cups, and they look great. Alternatively you can use a Sharpie, but these will take longer to dry, are not dishwasher friendly, and should only really be used for serving biscuit selections on.
Skills needed: proficient doodler
Suitable for: recent grown-ups moving into first home, mum and dad
Jam-jar terrarium
Always me clothing
As terrariums are back in fashion, this DIY styling is very current and is perfect for adding a bit of greenery to any room.
Suitable for: anyone who needs a bit of green in their life (I'm looking at you city dwellers!)
Sock monkey
Look at him! He's so cool! What kid wouldn't want one? This video will take you through all steps to make your own. You can even experiment with different colours and if you're feeling inspired after learning some techniques, different animals. You could even create a whole sock zoo!
Skills needed: basic to intermediate sewing
Suitable for: with button eyes we'd say this one isn't for the really little people
Wooden phone speakers (no need for electricity)
Make it, love it
A speaker system with no need for electricity? What kind of hocus-pocus is this? None! It's basic physics. It works on a similar principle as putting your phone into a bowl. Of course it isn't going to be subwoofer standards, but if you're feeling really advanced and you might want to take a look at this passive phone speaker, which really considers shape and contours to provide fantastic amplification.
Skills needed: competent around woodwork machinery
Suitable for: teenagers and those looking for a more eco-friendly lifestyle
Magnetic fishing game
Make it, love it
Remember when you were a kid and you used to stand on the sofa and pretend it was an island all the floor was the sea? Shouting to your parents: "Help, I'm falling into the water the sharks will get me!" This is the perfect way to feed a child's imagination, and maybe keep them a little quieter. Ask them to fish for your supper instead with this adorable magnetic fishing kit.
Skills needed: basic sewing, intermediate woodwork (although it's possible to make a simplified rod)
Suitable for: this game was designed for toddlers, but there are no rules saying you can't build a rod for yourself
Wooden herb planter
DIY network
Forget the herbs and spices rack—the ultimate DIY woodwork project of the 70s. Today we like it fresh. This is its modern equivalent.
Skills needed: basic woodwork
Suitable for: aspiring chefs
Gold leaf papier-mache bowls
Kellin Murray
Organisation isn't everyone's strong point, but when tidying is matched with a a strong aesthetic, it's surprising how neat even the messiest of us can be. Try these simple papier mache bowls for someone who has a lot of little bits and pieces—all over the place.
Skills needed: a touch of craftiness
Suitable for: anyone from messy teens to disorganised adults.
Paper star lanterns
Geographica
Just how crafty are you? These stars could be for absolute beginners or the super creative. Hole punches can leak the light out to a simple but very effective degree, however you can create a real exotic ambience if you're particularly handy with a craft knife.
Skill level: beginner to total pro
Suitable for: teens, boheims, and those wanting an ambient scene
A-frame wine rack
DIY network
The perfect resting spot for those bottles after a hard night keeping its owner company.
Skill level: competence around wordwork machinery
Perfect for: new and old homes whose occupants love a little tipple
Pouf ottoman
Better homes
Grab yourself a bottle from your swanky a-frame wine rack, pour yourself a glass, then slump in your comfiest chair and put your feet up. Have nothing to put your feet on? This could be a stylish solution!
Skill level: sewing demon (but the step-by-step walks you through it in a straight forward manner)
Perfect for: with so many practical uses, everyone
Beeswax candles
A beautiful mess
A second appearence for used jam jars. The uses of 'used' jam jars are endless. One popular use among the youth, is to stick a tea light in there to add a bit of atmosphere to a room. Why not take that one step further and stick a whole candle in there.
Skill level: jam enthusiast (craft-wise, very basic)
Suitable for: young adults and the perfect heart-felt alternative to those 'Yankee' candles
Dino bum phone stand
Eat sleep make
Oh my goodness! That phone has a dino bum! And it the perfect phone stand for any dinosaur enthusiast or kitch conoisseur.
Skill level: basic craft
Suitable for: anyone with a phone, seriously!
Mermaid plush dolls
Aw, so cute! Look at the star bikini detail, and the lushious locks. These are bound to be adored by any little princess (or prince).
Skill level: pretty crafty
Suitable for: the little ones, or the older ones who never quite grew out of the 'mythical creatures' phase