Home Made Gifts

Here is a list of gifts you can make yourself.

1. Make yourself into a funny bookmark-

We liked making these, would be good for slipping into a card, or a book to give as a gift.  http://www.creativefamilymoments.com/awesome-homemade-bookmarks-with-tassels/

2. Shirt with drawing on it from child-

This is a good one for kids to do to give as a gift. They draw on sandpaper with crayons, then iron it onto a white shirt and put in the dryer to set. We enjoyed this one and was a lot of excitement from little one when giving a gift that he made himself. The crayon does spread a little onto other parts of the shirt in the dryer, so it doesn't come out perfect, but still is nice.

http://alphamom.com/family-fun/crafts/sandpaper-printed-t-shirt/


3. Mind puzzles-

These are a great little present for someone who likes puzzles. Can be made a variety of ways depending on what materials you have. Popcicle craft sticks, cardboard, wood, whatever you can think of.

Wedding Rings Rope Puzzle: We made this one with plastic Popsicle sticks, thick shoelace like string, a hole punch, and beads. It looks nice and has withstood many uses and is still going strong.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkGI9rHIGZk

Rope Puzzle: We also made this puzzle. Again with plastic popcicle sticks, thick shoelace like string, and plastic beads. This site does not have directions on how to make it, but shows you the puzzle, and after seeing it, it is is fairly simple to make just from looks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzupFZAShDk

Spider Rope Puzzle: This one is a bit more complicated. We were able to make one with a metal jar lid and a metal key chain type ring. Ours doesn't look as nice, but is still usable.  http://www.instructables.com/id/Spider-web-for-Halloween/


4. Adult Coloring Book-

This hilarious web site has pages you can print out and compile into your own adult coloring book, or you can buy the book for $8.55 on amazon. It also has a holiday and college edition for sale. Or you can pick and choose what you want and print what is available online for free.   http://coloringforgrownups.com/


Sewing:

5. Bean bag chair-

I have made one of these myself, they turn out quite nicely and the directions are easy to follow. The filling can get expensive, so might want to figure that part out first before starting.
 http://interior-design.wonderhowto.com/how-to/make-bean-bag-chair-for-your-dorm-with-threadbanger-280671/

6. Chef Hat and Apron-

Another great threadbanger tutorial. I have made several of the chef hats for my child to play with, they are very easy to make, and turn out nice. I found the apron to be a bit more difficult and only made one child, and one adult, mine didn't turn out as nice but you might be better. I have found child size aprons at dollar tree, so it is just often easier to buy that part.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnm3Int7isk

7. Sock Monkey-

 A classic that can be made by hand or with machine. All you need is a pair of socks, thread, and perhaps buttons for eyes-but not necessary. There are patterns all over the internet, just browse and choose one that strikes your fancy. I made one by hand, it is fairly easy, took one evening to start and complete. Cost $1 for the socks

8.  Super Hero Cape-

These again are an easy one, and fun to get the kids involved in making. All you need is a large plain t-shirt, Velcro, and cloth paints. When we made ours we found everything we needed at Dollar Tree including the shirts-these aren't always available there though. Cut off the sleeves then the side you aren't using keeping the neck in tact, then snip the neck in the middle add stick on Velcro-should reinforce the Velcro by sewing around or it won't last, and decorate how ever you want with shirt paints or iron on patches. Total cost $3
 http://www.instructables.com/id/Super-Hero-Cape-from-a-T-shirt/