Planning is key to most things in life, especially if you are a stash hoarder and dying to make some multiple and super stunning homemade gifts as presents!...In time!

In the Christmas Gift Ideas Series, we have sought some good DIY gift ideas, like Gifts in a Jar, decorated mugs for the coffee and tea lover friends, easy and quick sewables, and in the previous post gorgeous crocheted or knitted oh la la's to delight the day!

Christmas Gift Ideas - Grandkids

You can make it for your kids too, but I am the proud grandma of 3 little ones and just heard yesterday that a fourth is on the way!  Apart from dying to see them each and every day (not always possible as Megan lives 700km away), it is the purpose of a grandma to spoil her little treasures!

Without further ado, let's dig into ideas before I send you pics of them!

Gift Ideas:

1. Personalised Pillowcase: this is a darling idea to send to the creche.  What a great way for the little one to see his/her name, to get to recognise it.  Just remember to use a good font.  The link here provides the perfect 'look' that I wanted, the name is on the end, so it won't scratch the face and the character added makes it even more personal. You can use your own embroidery design or even applique the letters with your sewing machine. If you have a silhouette you can cut the name out, iron the letters to the fabric and secure it with hand stitches.  Never limit yourself to a picture, adapt is key!  Here is a link to a picture tutorial to make a lovely pillowcase, what a lovely site!
2. Personalised Storage Pillow: the pic of this stunning idea from One Step Ahead immediately caught my eye as featured on Babble. How to sew a square pillowcase with mitered corners is no problem if you follow this tutorial!  Now, I hope that you will see that the impossible looks 'maybe-I-can-try-it' already!  Agree?
3. Stuffed toys:  If you start with this option, you will be amazed at the endless creativity and quality!  If you have an embroidery machine, you may want to visit my Pinterest page with In-the-hoop ideas or otherwise Sewing - Toys. You will find free patterns or paid options. I have made this doll but have not clothed her yet.  Really, if I can make it, you could probably do 5 in the same time!  One tip:  my grandson 'tested' my first creation - he caught the arms and pulled them with force.  Be warned, he will not be the only one trying that.  Secure the arms and legs with extra stitchings.  I did this with my in-the-hoop dolls too.  I do not want to create something unique and then be embarrassed by an early amputation! The Humpty Dumpty is one of the most adorable embroideries I have come across and grown-ups were so impressed with him - https://www.etsy.com/listing/196084716/humpty-dumpty-ith-stuffed-doll?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share.  You will fall in love immediately. Make one for the next shower whilst you are at it!
4. Aprons:  I bought one for my grandson, Gerhard last year for his first Christmas with a tractor on. Why not?  He loves cookies and it can not harm him to help his mommy in the kitchen (as she is the official family chef!)  The lovely red aprons featured are for sale here. There are so many patterns available, but I specifically chose this one with the hat, for extra fun.  Eat your heart out with your unique stamp of creativity.  If you do not want to make the straps, use a firm ribbon!
5. While we are in the kitchen, have you ever seen something as cute as the kitchen slipcover?  What a neat idea with a full tutorial!  I mean really, how original is that?  If you have a cutting machine, you can make something similar with a plastic crate and vinyl (to be honest, you don't even need a cutting machine for this and neither has Laura!)
6. Boys:  My grandson (now 2 years old) arrives at our house armed with a car in each hand, or lately with his suitcase full of cars!  Needless to say, the boy-theme is cars! (Another hoarder in the family....)  Wow, you can not go wrong with the tutorial for this one, you ladies are so awesome for sharing!
7. A Superhero Bank is an easy, quick and cheap gift to make.  The tutorial from Fireflies and Mudpies, used duct tape to draw the emblems on.  That is soooo cool.  However, yours truly will surf the net for hours for the perfect pic, print it, or opt for a cut-out on the Silhouette on vinyl.  See, we all use different techniques and use what we have.  Bottom-line is, just make it!
8. Crochet & Knit:  If you are making something for a new baby, try this gorgeous, colourful Zebra Security Blanket (pattern for sale) or this owl blankie (free pattern).  The granny square block is so lovely, it looks like an expensive designer label! (insert a rattle if you want).
9. Quiet books:  I am a bit of a perfectionist, so a quiet book will take me hours on end.  If you are one of the get-it-over-and-done types of crafters, you might be able to finish one before Christmas.  This is the ultimate gift of any time.  I have seen so many detailed ideas, the sky is the limit.  Again, my Pinterest page Babies & Toddlers - Quiet Book, Photo  & Other Ideas is jam packed with resources.  The neatest books are made by a Russian lady, Tanya, you will not stop looking if you land on her site.  If the book is too involved for now, try one of the square blocks as an alternative.
10. Girls:  I suppose we can not look at options for little girls without something for the hair..there are so many ideas available.  The Minnie ears clip are so cute, I could not resist!
11. Little girls are all pretending to be big and mommies...you can crochet, knit or sew doll's clothes and save lots in the process.  Why not try to decorate a doll house with a side table made from little boxes?  Check out this Pinterest page for fresh ideas from felt food to crocheted couches on this board.

"No matter what you make, spread the love!"