Each weekday in November (except for Thanksgiving) I will be making one gift a day for my children and writing about it. I am focusing on quick gifts during the weekdays, that can be done during afternoon naptime or at night after the children are in bed. On Saturdays, I’ll be working on other gifts that take longer.
For my gift list, click here.
Be sure to check back each day, starting tomorrow, to see what I’ve made!
Both Elsa and Ivory have recently asked me for a crown to wear when they dress up as princesses. We’ve had a good number of dress-up crowns in our house, but none have survived the first three daughters to pass down to daughters four and five. Most crowns are plastic, and all of the little…
Here is a gift you can give as a housewarming gift or as part of a bridal shower gift. It’s simple and inexpensive. You can include a loaf of rosemary olive oil bread as well if you like. Supplies: Flour Sack Towels (You only need one for this project to cut into two towels)…
Supplies: Polka dot fabric 15″ by 44″ Small piece of white fabric for collar Tiny bit of fusible interfacing for collar Pattern from A Closetful of Doll Clothes Bias tape or self-made bias from fabric to line the inside neckline of the dress Velcro, snaps, or buttons to close dress Tools: Sewing Machine Iron Sewing pins…
For the first day of A Gift a Day, I chose a really simple gift that’s super-quick to make. Flower Barrettes Supplies: inexpensive polyester satin (You only need a tiny amount. so if you’re buying some, you can buy 1/8 of a yard and be fine). embroidery thread (yellow and black) 50 mm barrettes (I…
I decided to dive right in with a long project this year! Last year I used this fun polka dot fabric to sew a doll dress, make a skirt, and line a pencil bag. This year I made a matching dress for one of my daughters. Supplies: Fabric. I used a cotton print and…
For the fourth day of A Gift a Day, I made pajama shorts. It’s warm here most of the year, so comfortable pajama shorts work well for about 8 months of the year.In fact, today was really warm, so these would have been appropriate for today. Pajama Shorts Supplies: fabric matching threadelastic Tools: scissorssewing…
Any ideas of home made gifts for husbands would be welcome. I am making some cookies he likes and I never make, but other than that I am at a loss. I knit, but he does not wear scarves or mittens (my only talent in knitting) and I don’t sew. He is a big man (up and around) so I don’t find many second hand clothing items in thrift shops (although last year I scored 2 unworn lined flannel shirts from LL Bean. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven and was afriad the entire time she was giving me change from my $10 bill that she’d suddenly say, “Opps, these are $14, not $4 dollars each.”)Any ideas would be most welcome.
My husband is a size 3XLT, and that T is essential, so I know what you mean. What a deal!I have done cookies as well. You could also look for some candy deals or make candy.I have a question: Does he get you gifts? My husband and I don’t usually exchange gifts for Christmas.
How about making coupons for a date night. Or a museum or movie pass? If your a AAA member they are reduced. Does he wear knitted hats-Ravelry has tons of free patterns. I have put together an emergency car kit for dh–just a rubbermaid tub with a blanket, flashlight, snacks, water, etc. Most items found thrifting or at the dollar store. Good luck!
Make a list of 100 things you love about him.
I’m making fleece socks for all the men in my life. It’s an easy three part pattern. I crocheted scarves/hats for the mom/sisters and sisters in law. Kids are a different matter. They’re getting stuff they need/want but I have to buy most of those things.
I have given my husband “car” or “garage” gifts before – think tools, a chamois skin to wash the car, a small bore long funnel from Checkers to make the oil changes easier, etc. Those small bore funnels are only 99 cents, & make it a lot easier. How about some emergency hand warmers for the glove compartment of the car, in case he gets stuck. They feel really good on cold hands that just changed a tire, etc. – Marivene
Oooh, some good ideas here! We don’t do huge Christmas gifts to each other, but he is so talented at building things for me that I want to try harder not to be so boring in my choices. He always says he loves whatever I get him, but I noticed last year that his eyes lit up a bit more when he saw the great shirts. As it happens, this afternoon I went to the consignment shop and there were red long johns in his size, still in the original package. They were a bit pricey so I asked the woman if she could see her way clear to give me a frightful deal, since it is Halloween. She said i was the most clever customer she’d had all day so she gave them to me for $5! I am never that bold, so i am not sure what got into me. I will have to practice being clever more often! Thanks again for the ideas.
This wouldn’t be completely homemade, but how about a reuseable coffee travel cup (I got one on clearance at Kohl’s for under $3 after using codes for %off and free ship) and a made from scratch hot drink mix (or even purchased) packaged up in individual serving baggies and tucked into the mug?
I am looking forward to this! I will be making a lot of gift this year from things I have on hand.
Brandy– I came across these patterns and this seemed like a fun idea for something to make for boys: http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/toy/operation-incognito/11034 I’m too frugal to buy the pattern but they look easy enough to figure out. I know my 9yo would love a disguise kit.
I am so excited to see what you make. I just finished crocheting a pair of slippers for one daughter. Oh, I have so much to do!
I know that you mentioned you were hoping for more free MP3s from Amazon… and didn’t know if you’d seen this credit, so I just thought I’d mention it (found it on the Money Saving Mom blog). :)http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/10/free-5-amazon-mp3-credit-still-available.html
On Monday I made a faux bear fur pillow sham for my 13-year-old dear son for a Christmas present. I was inspired by the Pottery Barn Teen catalogue, which sells them for $39. I made it for free with materials I have had for seven years!Today (Thursday) I ordered a free 8″x10″ collage print from Walgreens, which I will pick up later today. That will be a gift for grandparents. There is a post on Moneysavingmom.com about it.