We seem to know many little girls who have had birthdays lately- mostly school friends of Keira's but some cousins too. I usually like to buy a new book or art supplies to give as a gift, but then feel like adding a small 'handmade something' as well. In the past I've made dolls, dress-ups for dancing, pencil cases and clothes. Here are some of the things I've made recently for friends of the children.
– A colourful beaded necklace. Actually, K made this herself for her friend ('who only likes beautiful things, mum') by threading some chunky painted wooden beads onto thick elastic thread. Quick and easy.
– Colourful buttons. I sewed these onto a card for a friend of K's who is keen on making and decorating things. She especially enjoys a hot glue gun so I thought some bright buttons might be welcome.
– Homemade notebooks – these are super quick to make from a stack of folded printer paper, and a piece of decorative paper for the cover (I used vintage wallpaper) then a line of machine-stitching down the middle.
– Chocolate moulds. This wasn't my idea but was given to K for her birthday by a friend of mine. She wrapped up a new chocolate mould with a block of dark chocolate and it made a perfect rainy afternoon activity a few weeks ago. There was a lot of pride about making such cool-looking chocolates to ration out to Tom and I.
– Striped singlet top. I made this from a stretch cotton top that was too short for me. I traced around a vest of Keira's to get the overall shape and overlocked all the raw edges. Then, sewed a length of elasticated cotton lace around the edges to create the straps.
So, there are a few ideas. What do you like to give children as gifts?
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