During the holiday season, it can be hard to think of thoughtful and meaningful gifts for your loved ones. Not to fear! Our experts have come up with holiday gift ideas that feel personal and heartfelt. Westminster at Lake Ridge Resident Susan Fellows reminds us that handmade gifts make especially meaningful presents, “because they take time, thought, and care to make.”
Whether your love language is gifts or not – here are five special handmade gift ideas for the people who matter most in your life.
Gift Ideas for Grandkids: Personalized Storytime Kits
Children love gifts that feel personal and made ‘just for them’ – this personalized gift is the perfect present if you’re looking for that special something for a little one in your life.
What to include in your personalized storytime kit
- Knit or crochet a child-size blanket in their favorite color
- Select a new book they have not read
- Create a custom bookmark with their name on it
Gift Ideas for Adult Children: Memory Scrapbooks
When shopping for adult children, it can often feel like all the good gifts have already been given! This year, try something sentimental with a scrapbook filled with family moments.
Scrapbook tips
- Pick a theme before you start
- Organize photos by event or date
- Use festive paper and embellishments
- Protect your pages with acid-free paper, glue and sleeves
Gift Ideas for Son- or Daughter-in-Laws: Homemade Kitchen Essentials
For gifts that are more creative and offer functionality, try your hand at making a kitchen item to bring a new flair to a useful gift.
Handmade gift ideas include:
- Hand-sewn tea towel
- Crocheted pot holders
- A small recipe book of family favorites
- A jar of homemade spice mix
- A loaf of sourdough bread (see Jay’s special recipes for inspiration)
“Handmade gifts are extra special because they represent an investment of the giver’s time. Every minute you spend making the gift, you are thinking about the recipient and how important they are in your life.” – Ingleside at King Farm Resident, Liz Helke
Gift Ideas for your Best Friend or Neighbor: A Cozy Quilt
For those you see daily like a best friend or neighbor, try giving the gift of warmth this season by making a quilt by hand. It’s the perfect project for those cozy nights at home, whether you’re catching up on your favorite show or listening to an audio book.
Tips for making the best quilts
- Start with a simple, classic pattern if you’re new to quilting
- Choose high-quality cotton fabric for a cozy blanket
- Finish with strong, even quilting stitches
Gift Ideas for your Spouse or Partner: Handmade Memory Blanket
Do you and your partner have t-shirts, flannels, and even a baby blanket or two in a box under your bed or in your closet? Now is the perfect time to turn them into a handmade gift you can use every day to treasure your trove of memories together.
Tips for making the memory blanket
- Stabilize stretchy materials before sewing
- Choose fabrics with personal meaning
- Keep squares a consistent size
- Use a soft and durable backing
Enjoying the Journey of Creating Personalized Gifts
Whether you’re looking to create a special gift for a grandchild, spouse, friend, or child – don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy the journey of creating something meaningful for your loved one.
“I grew up on handmade gifts as far back as I can remember, and I am thrilled that my children and grandchildren continue the tradition. The reality is that maybe the cookies don’t taste great, or the embroidery is a little crooked, or the pinch pot wouldn’t hold a thing. But the joy of receiving a handmade gift, and the pride in the eyes of the donor is priceless.” – Ingleside at Rock Creek Resident, Linda Hunter
“A beautiful gift-wrapping job will elevate any gift. Take time to find the right box and gift-wrap for your handmade gift and wrap so it looks special, because it is!” – Liz Helke
From our Ingleside family to yours, we wish you a happy holiday season.