last minute making // handmade gift ideas :: Blogmas day 20

Four sleeps to go, and around here, we are full steam ahead on the Christmas gift crafting train!

One of our favourite things to make for various grandparents & great-grandparents, is a baked goodies hamper. Like most of us, they don’t need, or even particularly want, anything, but we still want to give them something. A box of yummy treats, along with our annual brag book update, and a 5×7″ photo of the children looking like little angels (well, as close as they get, anyway) is the perfect solution!

I first shared this post in 2021, and have updated it with more ideas from this year. If you are looking for last minute making ideas, I’ve got you covered!

Don’t forget to check out last years post for more ideas as well!

The key to a good hamper inclusion, is something yummy, reasonably simple to make (because I like to get the kids involved), not too fancy or with an out of the box flavour, and bonus points if most of it is semi-non-perishable. A few favourites from my archives are:

1. Turkish delight Slice/Mars Bar Slice | 2. Chocolate covered pretzels (or for a super fancy proper pretzel – THESE are the bomb) | 3. Caramel Tarts | 4. Gluten Free Donut Holes

Speaking of hampers, gift boxes & care packages are some of my favourite gifts to put together. I’m actually putting one together today, on behalf of the mister. Some of my favourites have been:

1. Camp Covid (obviously!) | 2.  Graduation in a box | 3. Birthday In A Box | 4. Goodie bag + handmade pouch

Kids, I find, are the easiest to make for! As I looked through my archives, deciding what I wanted to share, I found I tend to reach for my sewing machine! In fun things to sew for kids, my go-to’s are:

1. Pencil Roll | 2. Doll Carrier | 3.  Mini Quilt | 4. Wallet

But for the times I don’t feel like sewing, some of my favourite kid-gifts are:

1. Milo vest (still time if you’re a fast knitter!) | 2. Cookies In A Jar | 3. Cash is popular with teens, but like, make it cute | 4. For the crafty types, what about a handmade kit? I’ve made cross stitch & book kits in the past

For the grown ups, it can be a bit tricker, but my top four recommendations would be:

1. A bag or a pouch | 2. Personalised tumbler or mug | 3. Beaded Bracelet | 4. Mug rug

And some more gift, or giftable, projects I’ve made over this year if you still need more inspo!

1. Journal cover | 2. exercise equipment bag | 3. kindle cover | 4. earrings

This year our hampers will be a mixed effort – bread baked by Bear, jam made by Beetle, bikkies made by Butterfly. Boy2 can help me package and label everything as his contribution to the proceedings!

What’s still on your to-make list?