Looking for unique, handmade gifts to give children? I’ve rounded up a list of 16 of my favorite projects from my blog. Each gift idea has a complete DIY tutorial. All you need to do is grab your supplies and start crafting!
Creating handmade gifts for the holidays is one of my favorite things to do – especially when the crafting is for kids! I’ve rounded up 16 of my favorite handmade gifts to give children. The roundup includes unique gifts for kids of all ages for all levels of crafters! Whether you want a fun craft you can create using Mod Podge and wrapping paper or you’re ready to tackle a fleece quilt or applique project – I’ve got you covered!
Click the picture or the bold red/green title and you’ll be taken to the complete tutorial for making these projects. Most come with a free pattern or printable, making these easier to recreate! I hope you enjoy! :)
16 Handmade Gifts to Give Children
This cozy bear pillow is the perfect size for little ones! Choose a different flannel or cotton fabric for the bear’s ears to personalize each pillow. Fleece is an easy and forgiving fabric to sew with, making this project great for beginners but still fun for seasoned sewers.
Have you heard of a makerspace before? A makerspace is a place where people can come together to explore, tinker, create and make things! A vertical surface completely changes the way kids use LEGOs and it can inspire amazing creative play. Using a large piece of wood and adhesive LEGO plates, this project is sure to be a hit with LEGO fans!
Create this adorable Harry Potter baby cube! Not only will you wow the parents, but babies will love it! They’ll have fun crinkling the golden snitch’s wings, playing with the wooden rings of the quidditch hoops, lifting the Hogwarts shield to spot Neville’s missing toad Trevor, and they’ll love playing with Hedwig and her baby owl. The tutorial and complete pattern is available all for free! Make sure you tag @bugaboocityblog if you create this – I love seeing readers make this cube! It was a complete labor of love and I’m so happy to share the pattern :)
4. Cross Stitch Unicorn Bookmarks
When it comes to gift giving, can you go wrong with unicorns?! These pretty unicorn bookmarks use sparkly floss so they’ll shimmer! Grab the free cross-stitch pattern and make one, or all three!
5. Star Wars Reversible Fleece Quilt
This gift really has no age limit! This huge, reversible fleece quilt uses two No-Sew Fleece Blanket Kits from Joann Fabrics to create one amazing fleece quilt! Make it Star Wars-themed like I did, or choose a different theme! It fits a twin bed and is so cozy and warm – perfect for winter. Free pattern.
If you know a kid who loves space, this pillow will be a big hit! I created this for my son’s book nook using fun quilting cottons, felt and hand applique. My pillowcase fits a body pillow, making it perfect for the floor, but you could create a smaller version too! Free pattern.
A go-to gift for me: these kid’s cooking aprons make a great gift – especially when paired with a children’s cook book! I’ve made these so many times over the last few years and have requests for more this year! They are endlessly customizable based on the fabric you choose. For more ideas check out the Star Wars apron, the Christmas aprons and the Gingerbread decorating aprons I’ve made. Free Pattern.
Time to break out the Mod Podge and a roll of wrapping paper! That’s what I used to decorate this LEGO traveling case. A great gift for LEGO fans. Stick a new LEGO set inside the case for an added surprise!
This cute fleece unicorn pillow will bring a smile to any kid’s face – or adult’s! Made from different colors of fleece and sparkly cotton fabric, this pillow is a fun project, especially for beginners. Make it your own with your choice of fleece colors and get ready to snuggle with this cute pillow :) Free pattern.
10. Christmas Tree Stacking Rings
This fun, twist-on baby stacking rings is perfect for the holidays. Using an easy-to-follow pattern by Heather Bailey, I changed the colors to green and brown and created a Christmas tree you can actually encourage your little one to play with ;)
Another great gift for Potter fans, these DIY Harry Potter notepads feature free printables for all four houses! Once you start crafting, it may be hard to make just one! Each notepad opens to reveal a quote from J.K. Rowling about each house. A fun paper craft that makes a unique gift.
Whether you create this table for Duplos or LEGOs, it is sure to be a wow gift for you kiddos! The track around the table is perfect for cars and trains and building bridges over it. Gift it with a new set of LEGOs or DUPLOs and some storage bins for underneath.
13. Art Smock made from Kid’s Artwork
Use your sewing skills and your child’s artwork to create a one-of-a kind art smock that is both practical and an amazing keepsake. Get the scoop on how I used my kids’ artwork and a smock pattern by — to make this. This gift takes a bit of planning but the uniqueness makes it completely worth it.
14. Star Wars Applique Pillows
Use my free applique patterns to create BB8 and R2D2 floor pillows! An amazing gift idea for Star Wars fans of any age. The pillows have Star Wars cotton on the back, making them completely reversible. Free pattern.
Creating these adorable animal dolls is a fun DIY and they make the sweetest gifts for little ones. Use the McCall Pattern M7032 and raid your fabric scraps to make their clothing. It’s hard to decide which is my favorite. Each doll has one removable piece of clothing and removable shoes.
Little ones in tutus is one of the cutest things ever! Grab some pretty net or tulle and whip up a tutu or two for a special little one. Gift with a coordinating top or some cute slippers.
This wraps up my 16 Handmade Gifts to Give Children! I hope you’ve been inspired to get crafty this holiday season and perhaps even found something you’d like to create!