Four weeks until Christmas!

A few months ago, I decided to make a lot of our Christmas gifts this year. The decision came about because I am tired of plastic toys and junk that accumulates in our house. I’ve done so much sorting and purging that I dare not add to the plastic fray under kids’ beds and junk accumulating in our pantry and other cupboards. I feel like the less stuff we have, the clearer my mind. The clearer my mind, the happier I am.

So, I made plans for handmade Christmas gifts, mainly for the children in my life. I feel determined to decrease the consuming aspect of Christmas and focus on the giving. Without meaning to sound so self-righteous and hideous, I do not want to buy plastic crap anymore. I want to show my love by making something, even if it is very small (highly likely, given my timeframe). And with a lot of talk about children needing our time more than our money and plastic crap, why not spend my time on the children I love, rather than spend money for items that will eventually end up in landfill. (Having said all this, our children will be getting toys and things; I’m no Scrooge!)

Thinking of handmade gifts for giving is possibly more difficult than making the gifts themselves! I made a list of things to give to different age groups and genders, keeping in mind my capacity for making stuff and the crafts I enjoy the most. I also did some asking around, to see what certain kids like playing with (there’s no point making dolls clothes for a child who doesn’t play with dolls!).

And for some reason I feel compelled to share some ideas with you, in case you are thinking of making gifts this year and are looking for ideas. I’ve arranged my ideas in groups of the crafts I prefer, more for my benefit. I will sew during the day when I can, and I reserve night times for knitting and crocheting in front of the tele or whilst listening to music (I’m unashamedly really into Katy Perry right now!).

Sewing
Bunting.
Clothes for kids: eg pants and skirts with matching appliquéd t-shirts
Hats, for any age group.
Bags: library/book bags, shopping bags, toy storage bags, hand bags
Dolls clothes and bedding
Pillows, cushions and pillow cases, appliquéd like my nanny used to make

Crochet
Bunting. I like bunting.
Dishcloths, face washers, coasters and doilies
Hats: sun hats, beanies
Shopping bags
Blankets

Knitting
Hats
Dolls clothes
Clothes
Knitted wire and beaded jewellery.

Now all I need is more TIME to make stuff! This might be easier now that, as of yesterday, I am on maternity leave! Yay!

After Christmas I hope to share some of the items that I made for gifts this year.