The 2020 Handmade Gift Guide: Little Humans

Holiday Gift Making Guide

The holidays are going to look a little different this year, and while we may not be able to get together with all of our friends and family, that doesn't mean we can't show them how much we care. And what better way to show we care than to throw a little extra love into our gift giving this season with some special handmade gifts. Whether you're a seasoned gift maker or a newbie, we've rounded up some great ideas for all the special people in your life starting with your littlest loved ones.

1. Cute Animal Themed Clothes

Is there anything cuter than little kids dressed up like adorable animals? Of course not, which is why these adorable animal themed apparel patterns are a guaranteed hit with kids and parents, alike.

Animal clothing sewing patternsClockwise from top left: Cat Paw Fleece Scarf from Charmed By Ashley // Ikatee Grand'ourse Robe // Rebecca Page Fox Towel // Bear Hooded Scarf Pattern from Living DIY Style // Animal Hooded Scarf from Twig and Tale

2. A Backpack for Toys and Snacks

If the kid on your Christmas list is anything like my kid they will love having their own custom backpack to haul their toys and snacks around in. The Raspberry Rucksack comes in two sizes making it perfect for kids (and adults) of all ages while the Toddler Backpack is perfectly sized for smaller children.  

DIY Backpack patternsClockwise from top left: Raspberry Rucksack from Sarah Kirsten //  Zola fanny pack from Ardente Design // Toddler Backpack from Renee Sherwood 

3. Dress Up Clothes

I don't know about you, but I have personally  never met a kid who doesn't love to play dress up! You can find lots of free tutorials online for simple dress-up elements such as capes, superhero masks, crowns and wings including this adorable fairy set from WISJ Design. And if you're looking for something a little more involved both Twig and Tale and Rebecca Page have great collections of dress up patterns.

Children's Dress Up Clothes PatternsClockwise from top left: Fabric crown from Spoonflower // Butterfly Wings from Twig and Tale // Dragon Wings from Twig and Tale // Unicorn Cape from Rebecca Page // Bird Cape by Rebecca Page // Fairy set from WISJ Design

4. Their Own Personal Hideaway

Every kid needs a special spot to call their own and a play tent/house is the perfect indoor hideaway. From simple A-frame tents to elaborate playhouses, there are no shortages of free tutorials online to choose from.

DIY Fabric Play TentsFrom left to right: Hula Hoop Tent from a beautiful Mess // Fabric Playhouse from Lila Griffith

5. A Comfy Place to Lounge

Since we're all spending more time at home these days, we might as well make it as cozy as possible for everyone. Big comfy floor pillows, sleeping bags, and blankets will make lounging around, enjoying movie nights, and hanging out at home all the more enjoyable.

DIY Sleeping Bags, Blankets and PillowsClockwise from left: Floor Pillows from Fynes Designs // Mermaid Tail Blanket from Thread Sewing School // Sleeping bag from A Beautiful Mess

6. Handmade Soft Toys and Dolls

Obviously we can't talk about kids' gifts without talking about toys! Handmade soft toys and dolls are great sewing projects and come in a variety of skill levels. Willowynn and Crafty Kooka both have a wonderful selection of patterns for some of the most beautiful and unique soft toys, animal dolls, and doll clothing I've ever seen. If you're looking for a faster or easier option, there are lots of hand stitched felt options out there that can also double as Christmas ornaments.

Soft Toy PatternsClockwise from top left: Fox and Wolf Animal Dolls by Willowynn; Ice Cream Toys/ornaments from Born to be Felt; Whale Toy from Crafty Kooka

7. Bucket Hats, Berets, and Bows

Last, but not least, if you need a last minute gift or some stocking stuffers, hats and hair accessories are quick to sew and a great way to use up scraps, bolt ends and fabrics in your stash. 

DIY Hats and Hair AccessoriesClockwise from top left: Reversible Bucket Hat from Oliver and S; Hair Scrunchies by Sweet Red Poppy; Beret from That's So Peachy 

Stay tuned for our 2020 Handmade Gift Guide for Big Humans and our 2020 Handmade Gift Guide for Non-Humans