13 Handmade Gift Ideas for the 2025 Holidays (for Everyone on Your List)

Now that we’re post-Halloween, I’m thinking about gifts for all the people on my list…from Pete to our parents to Ruby Sue. As you can probably guess, I love making gifts when I can. I don’t always get around to it (and luckily, we have lots of great local businesses to shop at around here), but there’s nothing like a handmade gift to show love and care.

So I used my personal brainstorming to come up with this list of handmade gift ideas for you! I’ve got some involved projects for the people you want to spoil, plus small stocking stuffer-type gifts for when you need a bunch of something fast. You’ll find lots of free patterns on this list (and some paid ones too)...and for lots of these gifts, you can shop your stash and use up scraps!

Let’s find the right handmade gifts for your holidays!

My top handmade gift ideas for 2025

Quilt
Wall hanging
Quilt coat or vest
Crossbody bag
Handwarmers
Apron
Placemats (Upscale Plaid, Ruby Sue)
Potholder and oven mitt
Pillowcase
Fabric bookmarks
Lanyard and key fob
Eye mask
Pet bed

1. Quilt

Great for: anyone!
Suggested patterns: Celtic Crossing, Ruby Sue, Nightingale, or Patchwork Squares by Lo & Behold Stitchery
Pattern cost: ranging from free to $15
Skill level: Beginner and up (depending on pattern)
Pair with: Quilt care card

Celtic Crossing Quilt (Forest Version) - Lo & Behold Stitchery

Quilt Care Cards + Sugar Plum Petite Plaid quilt - Lo & Behold Stitchery

It’s probably obvious, but my favorite handmade gift has to be a quilt! With near-infinite patterns and fabrics to choose from, quilts can work for almost anyone on your list…because doesn't everyone need something warm to cozy up with?

In fact, the only real downside to quilts as gifts is that they take time…and sometimes a lot of it. There are quilt patterns that come together much more quickly, though, like the ones on our list of fast quilt patterns you can make in a weekend. (So yes, you still have time to make a quilt or two before Christmas!)

A quilt makes a pretty special gift all on its own, but you can check out our quilt gifting checklist for ideas on making your gift as special as possible.

🎁

Quick tip: Ready-made quilts

If you want to give someone a quilt but you don’t have the time to make one, give one of mine instead! The Lo & Behold Stitchery shop has a few heirloom-quality, handmade quilts in stock…perfect for the loved ones on your list!

2. Wall hanging

Great for: College students and office workers
Suggested patterns: Mountain Horizon 2.0, Retro Blossoms, Model Farm, and more
Pattern cost: $13 - $15
Skill level: Beginner and up (depending on pattern)
Pair with: Quilt hanger

Model Farm quilt pattern - Lo and Behold Stitchery

If a bed or throw-size quilt sounds like a lot, you can still give a beautiful quilty gift on a smaller scale…with a wall hanging! A quilted wall hanging has all the beauty, texture, and (metaphorical) warmth of a larger quilt, but they come together much faster than full-size quilts do.

The Lo & Behold pattern shop has 11 different quilt patterns that include wall hanging sizes, so you can definitely find a wall hanging pattern that fits your recipient’s decor and tastes, whether they love mountain views, florals, or modern art.

3. Quilt coat or vest

Great for: Fashionistas and cool kids
Suggested pattern: Rue Quilt Coat from Spaghetti Western Sewing or Ruby Vest from Syd Graham Patterns (which is what I made below)
Pattern cost: $15+
Skill level: Advanced beginner
Pair with: Knit hat

Ruby Vest - Syd Graham Patterns

Quilted clothing is (still) having a moment, and it would make an especially great gift coming from a quilter! Even if garment sewing isn’t in your wheelhouse, a simple quilted vest is still totally doable…and it can turn out great! (I should know, since my first garment was the Ruby Vest.)

It also helps that quilted clothing (like the recommended patterns above) isn’t usually very fitted, so you don't need to worry too much about sizing compared to other garments. And speaking of sizing, the Rue Quilt Coat comes in kid sizes…so it’s a great option for even the young people on your list!

You can use a quilt you happen to have on hand (if you don’t mind cutting into it for your gift), or you can make the quilted pieces of your item in less time than a typical patchwork quilt. Either way, your gift will be one of a kind!

4. Crossbody bag

Great for: People on the go
Suggested pattern: Emerson Crossbody Bag from The Blanket Statement
Pattern cost: $14
Skill level: Confident beginner
Pair with: Fancy chapstick and hand lotion

Emerson Crossbody Bag - The Blanket Statement

If quilted clothing isn’t quite right, consider a quilted bag instead! You can always make a simple tote, but I love the idea of a quilted crossbody bag for hands-free usage.

If you want to keep things simple, even some simple straight-line quilting on your favorite quilting cotton would make a great bag. But I’ve seen some gorgeous bags that use small-scale piecing to make an incredible impact!

These bags do require some hardware you may not have in your stash (like zippers and buckles), so you’ll want to plan these gifts ASAP. But they come together quickly enough that you can definitely get them done before Christmas!

5. Handwarmers

Great for: Neighbors, outdoorsy people, or anyone who spends time in the cold
Suggested pattern: Reusable Hand Warmers from Diary of a Quilter
Pattern cost: Free
Skill level: Beginner
Pair with: Gloves or mittens

Reusable Hand Warmers - Diary of a Quilter

If it gets at all cold where you live, reusable handwarmers make a great gift! They’re small and simple enough that you can whip out a bunch in no time, but the handmade touch makes them thoughtful enough to make a standout gift.

That makes these handmade handwarmers perfect as a (non-cookie) gift for neighbors, crossing guards, delivery drivers, or anyone else who could use a little warmth. (You might want to make some for yourself while you’re at it!)

6. Apron

Great for: People who love to cook or grill
Suggested pattern: Sam Apron from Helen’s Closet or Nearly Zero Waste Apron from Sew DIY
Pattern cost: Free
Skill level: Beginner
Pair with: Cookbook

Sam Apron - Helen's Closet Patterns

If you know any aspiring chefs or have some big Bake Off fans in your life, an apron would make a lovely (and handy!) gift. And since our recommended patterns suggest using quilting cotton, you may be able to shop your stash for fabric! Could you imagine a cute patchwork apron?? Or you can shop around and find the perfect print to match your recipient’s personality.

You can make a fancy apron with lots of pockets (like the Sam apron) or a very basic apron (like the Nearly Zero Waste Apron). Either way, it’s likely to get used and loved…and maybe you’ll get some thank you treats!

7. Placemats

Great for: Your favorite hosts
Suggested pattern: Ruby Sue or Upscale Plaid from Lo & Behold Stitchery
Pattern cost: $14
Skill level: Advanced Beginner
Pair with: Cloth napkins

Placemats are another useful and unique gift, great for those people who are always having a dinner party or game night. They’re also ideal for using up batting and fabric scraps…and they’re a super fast project!

The Ruby Sue and Upscale Plaid quilt patterns both have placemat sizes, so you can make playful or elegant placemats with ease. You could also make simple placemats out of basic patchwork squares. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, placemats are the perfect project to try out improv piecing. You could even piece each placemat a little differently to make a character-filled but coordinated set!

8. Potholder and oven mitt

Great for: Bakers
Suggested pattern: Quilted Oven Mitt Set from Janome
Pattern cost: Free
Skill level: Beginner
Pair with: Brownie mix

Quilted Oven Mitt Set - Janome

One last gift idea for anyone who loves making and eating: potholders and oven mitts! This pattern from Janome is especially great for any spare fat quarters you have on hand…making a cute but oh-so-functional present!

If you want to make a bigger gift, you could even make a potholder and oven mitt that coordinates with a handmade apron or placemats.

While you can definitely use scrap fabrics for your potholder and oven mitt, keep in mind that you will need special insulated batting to make your project heat-safe…so make sure to add that to your shopping list!

9. Pillowcase

Great for: Anyone…but especially kids!
Suggested pattern: Pillowcase with French Seams from Lo & Behold Stitchery
Pattern cost: Free
Skill level: Beginner
Pair with: Lavender sachet

Pillowcase with French Seams - Lo & Behold Stitchery

Liz on team Lo & Behold has always talked about how she makes dozens of pillowcases for gifts every Christmas…so clearly they make wonderful gifts! This tutorial will help you make a beautiful pillowcase with a clean finish, but it comes together much more quickly than you might think. (Liz makes around 30 in one week.)

Custom pillowcases can make a nice gift for anyone, but I find they’re especially popular with kids and teens, especially when you pick fabrics that match their interests and personality. And since there are so many different quilting cottons out there for every hobby under the sun, that shouldn’t be too hard! Then your pillowcase recipient will feel loved and seen…every single night as they go to bed!

10. Bookmarks

Great for: Bookworms
Suggested pattern: Fabric Bookmarks from Quilter’s Candy
Pattern cost: Free
Skill level: Beginner
Pair with: A good book

Fabric Bookmarks - Quilter's Candy

Bookmarks make another versatile gift for many kinds of people in your life, from children to teachers to aging dads who can’t stop reading about World War II.

Of course, these small bookmarks are perfect for using up scraps…so you might want to make a big batch for all the people on your list! Or you can also choose to make them extra special by picking just the right fabric for each one. While I usually say you should find a fabric that matches the recipient’s interests, for a bookmark I think it would be fun to coordinate the fabric with the cover of a new book!

11. Lanyard and key fob

Great for: New drivers, employees…and most adults!
Suggested pattern: Scrap Key Fob and Lanyard Tutorial from Lo & Behold Stitchery
Pattern cost: Free
Skill level: Beginner
Pair with: Valet tray

Scrap Key Fob - Lo & Behold Stitchery

You can’t go wrong with these classic Lo & Behold Stitchery freebies. They’re so simple to make, but they feel really elevated compared to your typical lanyard and key fob. I’ve made tons of these over the years (both as gifts and to sell at craft fairs), so I know how much people love these!

You will need hardware that you probably can’t find at your local quilt shop (key rings or swivel clasps, depending on which item you make), so this is another gift you’ll want to plan ahead of time. Once you have the materials, though, you can knock these out in no time!

12. Eye mask

Great for: Anyone who needs a spa day
Suggested pattern: Quilted Eye Mask from Janome
Pattern cost: Free
Skill level: Confident Beginner
Pair with: Essential oils

Quilted Eye Mask - Janome

I loved the idea of a quilted eye mask as a small luxury item or a gift for frequent travelers. This pattern even has a removable insert for heating or chilling, making it a true relief for tired eyes! (That also makes it easier to wash.)

For an extra quilty look, you can piece your eyemask before cutting it out, or you can keep things fast and simple with a single fabric. (Each panel takes just a fat eighth, so you probably already have fabric on hand.) Either way, it makes for the cutest self-care!

13. Pet bed

Great for: Furry friends (or the people who love them)
Suggested pattern: Quilted Pet Bed from Lo & Behold Stitchery
Pattern cost: Free
Skill level: Advanced Beginner
Pair with: Pet treat

Quilted Pet Bed - Lo & Behold Stitchery

Last on our list is a quilted pet bed! I know not everyone gets gifts for their pets, but let’s be honest…Ruby Sue has definitely made the “nice” list this year, and I bet your pet has too!

Our free tutorial helps you turn any quilt pattern into a bed for your favorite pal. It’s comfy for them and pretty for you. That also makes it a great gift for the animal lovers in your life…because who doesn’t want a beautiful pet bed that actually goes with their decor?

Happy handmade giving!

I hope one (or more) of these 13 handmade gift ideas works for your holiday giving this year. I cherish the handmade gifts I’ve been given over the years, and I’m sure your family and friends will too.

Happy making!