DIY gift guide

Everyone loves a handmade gift, it's a symbol of love and gratitude. I try and think of DIY gifts that are not only practical but one-of-a-kind. I want to make something they won't just throw away later.
I don't do clothing gifts anymore because it's hard to make sure things fit. You spend hours or days on a project they don't wear or you aren't sure will fit them. Plus, the clothing industry is so saturated why add more.
Below are my favorites that are also practical and don't need a huge list of supplies or pages of tutorials to finish.


For the boys:
The custom coat/back pack rack

I love these and don't know who originally started them but it's such a fun project and great for back packs and coats. If you're handy with a drill and saw or know someone who is this project is actually easy. The kids would even love to participate so another idea is put together a DIY kit by adding paint supplies, wood pallet, and dinosaurs or whatever figurines your kids are into. I would saw the figurines and drill the holes if you do the DIY kit and just include the screw drivers.
I found when doing this most the dinosaurs were hollow inside so try and find some that aren't. Other wise you will have to hot glue some wood bits in there. The hardest part was sawing the toys in half so use a good saw or get some man strength.

Snake Belts:

Snake belts. My boys are major critter fanatics. They grew up in Florida so snakes are an interest to them. My son actually designed these and I just helped with "production." It's practical but super cool and serves as a toy as well. I am working on a pattern but in the mean time if your interested you can email me for a custom listing based on availability.

Costume hooded fleece blankets:

Everyone loves to snuggle up to a cozy blanket. My boys love Pokemon so last year I made Pikachu and Charmander blankets. If your kids are into specific animals or characters from movies you can try and customize them. These are great for watching movies, games, and costume play. I didn't use a pattern, I used a blanket for the size I wanted and one of their hoodies for the head. Added the other stuff just by free handing the patterns. Felt is simple to work with so the faces were pretty easy and I either sewed or hot glued them on.
For the guys:

I know wallets are pretty basic, but these flat leather ones are my husband's favorite. Men don't want the big, bulky wallet anymore. I make a couple of these each year for my husband using recycled leathers. Just enough for the id, a couple credit cards, and some cash.


For the friend or sister:

The kimono/batwing cardigan is a great gift. It's simple to make and one size fits most. You can make it with all sorts of fabrics. Even go for a fuzzy/cozy fabric as a house sweater. The tutorial I made is here.

Custom Zipper pouches. I shared how to create your own digital prints on fabric here. You can then use photos, prints, illustrations, or quotes that go with the specific personality.

How to: use the tutorial on how to make your own custom fabric. You can print both front and back on one sheet of paper. Then go use one of the gazillion zipper pouch tutorials on pinterest. Line it with a fun printed fabric and colorful zipper. Add a strap for a hand wallet.
For the girls:

My niece is a black belt in karate and what I love is she is also as girly as they come…she's into Barbies and the new Disney movie Cinderella. I'm teaching her to sew and we recreated the Cinderella dress. What I like about this is we made it so it's a silk nightgown as well by just removing the tulle skirt and shawl.
You can recreate this look by creating a pattern like we did from one of her nightgowns or purchasing one from the fabric store. Add a tulle skirt that ties in the back for easy removing and the shawl we just wrapped around her shoulders and gathered a seam in the middle.

Another fun one that is practical and creative. Make Disney character aprons like these found here. Pick a favorite character or even make them into animals. They can be used for cooking/arts/and dress up play.

Mermaids seem to be all the rave amongst my friends daughters. I love this little mermaid tail blanket. They can curl up with a book, watch a tablet movie, and color all while playing dress up. Go here for tons of tutorials on how to achieve this. This one is so cute and I like the colors and embroidery added. I bet you can add a zipper for the tail too so they can walk in it.

For baby or expectant mother. Not just another swaddle blanket, make it one-of-a-kind by hand dyeing with natural dyes and fabrics. I used organic bamboo fabric and shibori printed it with Jacquard's Indigo Dye kit. The great thing about bamboo fabric is it's a natural anti-bacterial therefore great for traveling and keeping baby safe from germs. It's got a nice stretch which is great for swaddling baby. Other fabrics to try are natural cottons or jersey's.


Have any other DIY gift ideas? I plan to add to the list so check back.