I started thinking recently about what to buy Miss H for Christmas. But my mind quickly went to various crafting/sewing projects I wanted to complete for her. And I couldn’t quite come up with anything I really wanted to buy her for Christmas – she has plenty of books, an adorable play kitchen, and toys galore. Oh, and a better wardrobe than me! She’s a lucky kid. Plus, Miss H has no clue what Christmas is or the concept of gift giving. At 19 months she’s not at the stage yet where she asks for something specific, or is swept away in the commercialism of our society.

It wasn’t a hard decision to decide to DIY Miss H’s Christmas! It’s something I’ve grown more and more excited about as I’ve started planning out my projects. I like to think that as she grows older having all handmade gifts will excite her and that I’m starting a lovely tradition, but I am realistic enough to know that in a few years she will probably want the latest and greatest toys on the market. Even at that point though, I like the thought of sprinkling in some lovely little homemade gifts from me. The toys from my childhood that I remember the most are actually things my mom made for me, and I still have my favorite blue stuffed elephant she made me – it’s in Miss H’s room now! And, it should go without saying that I feel like DIY’ing is a great way for me to curb my spending for Christmas, as I have a great stash of fabric and felt at home!

Since I work full time outside of the home, all of this DIY’ing has to be completed during evenings and weekends. I’m starting to stress just a little bit about getting everything accomplished on a tight timeframe, but Miss H won’t be counting her presents this year so 3 gifts will be as good as 10 to her. And, well, she’s my kid and I can give her a “gift” any day of the week, so unfinished projects by December 25 can just get finished in the new year!

For a little inspiration, below are a few things I’m planning for Miss H’s Christmas this year:


Personal photo.

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Finger Puppets

This is the first project I’ve completed and I’m super excited about it. Using a pattern purchased from the Etsy Shop Floral Blossom, I’ve made five adorable farm animal finger puppets! This was such a fun and simple project that I could easily complete in the evenings while relaxing in front of a television show. (Don’t mind the donkey, he doesn’t look that evil in person!) I think this will also be great to gift to other kiddos, as I was able to complete these quickly and each one takes a small amount of felt.


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Magnetic Felt ABCs
I have wanted to make these ever since I saw this tutorial on Hellobee! Miss H may still be a tad bit young for these, but I think over the next year she’ll have a lot of fun with them. I do think these will be a lot of work with all of the cutting out of the pattern pieces, but worth it.

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Photo Book I’ve been wanting to make a photo book for Miss H with pictures of close friends and family members, especially those who we don’t see very often so that Miss H can get more familiar with their faces. I also like the idea of having my photo and Mr. H’s photo in the book for when one or both of us is away. Since Mr. H is the photographer of the family, I’ve charged him with handling this project. As we’ll probably get this printed/created by an outside vendor it will probably be the priciest gift we’ll give her this year, but I think a very important one!

I’ve been looking for different places we could get a book like this created, that would stand up to destructive toddler hands, and I really like this one from Pinhole Press. Once we have completed this projet, I will definitely share the final product.


Personal photo.

Stuffed Animal I’ve been making some simple stuffed animals for the children of some friends lately. Depending on the pattern, they’re fairly easy to make and really fun to customize with patterned cotton fabric. My favorite patterns have been the big soft plushies from Etsy shop Dolls and Daydreams. They’re very straightforward to make, but adorable and full of character! My biggest struggle is which animal to choose. I’ve already purchased and made the monkey and the fox, but I think maybe Miss H might get the elephant. Decisions, decisions!

So far, that’s everything I have planned out and if I get all of this accomplished I will be both impressed with myself and excited to share everything with Miss H. At her age she can easily get overwhelmed with new things, so these gifts feel like the perfect things to be able to give her a few new and exciting things without going overboard.

Are you planning to DIY any holiday gifts this year? Do you have any great projects to share?