My Top Ten Handmade Gift Ideas - Tried and True! Great for Beginners!

[@AndraMakes]

Unkind comments will be deleted and reported. 💚❤️

[@AuntBecsCreations]

YEAH! So glad you are doing a video for this fun challenge. I enjoy your projects in Quilts & More.

[@AndraMakes]

That is so sweet of you to say! Thank you so much, Becky! ❤️💚

[@LostMyThread]

I love how you pair so many of them with a bit more to create a full gift experience. Last year, I made a cotton popcorn bag for a friend and added a DVD and some popcorn seasoning to complete the gift. 💗

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Theresa! What a fun popcorn gift! Love it! 🍿📀💚❤️

[@janieceprieur7068]

Hi Andra - thanks for sharing so many great ideas. I especially like the gift bag idea. How wonderful to see your pattern in a magazine. You are so accomplished! Take Care!

[@AndraMakes]

You are too sweet, Janiece! Thank you so much! 💚❤️

[@clayettamullins2395]

So many pretty gift ideas!! Love ALL of them! Love you!!

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you, Mom! Love you! ❤️💚

[@sew_So_beautiful]

You have lots of lovely ideas. I'm definitely going to use some of them for friends and family.

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Linda! Yay! Can’t wait to see! Be sure to tag me! 💚❤️

[@sew_So_beautiful]

@@AndraMakes I will. 😊

[@AndraMakes]

@@sew_So_beautiful ❤️💚

[@normacooper6377]

Thanks for sharing your ideas. My go-to gift is the machine embroidery type, usually an in the hoop zipper bag. There are tons of designs. I’ve given earbud 4x4 hoop size ones with kid themed or monogramed embroidery. There are tons of hand sanitizer designs & I have made several sizes of those as gifts. The 5x7 hoop sized zipper bags are great for dropping into a purse, tote, or backpack, & can be personalized or sports/hobby themed. I’ve made & given decorative shaped in the hoop zipper bags (dolls, animals, flowers, houses, etc.). I have made so many free standing lace ornaments for gifts. Lots of designs available for those at most ME sites. Also have made & given the hanging designs to be displayed on walls or wire tabletop stands of various types & sizes. Recently became enamored with battery tea light covers from Embroidery Garden. So cute!

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Norma! Those sound amazing! I’m sure all the recipients love them and get a lot of use out of them! I love practical gifts! Thank you so much for sharing! 💚❤️

[@dizzyquiltsandsews]

Such a great list of gifts Andra!! I made the Aeroplane bag for myself quite a few years ago now and I still use it whenever I go away for a weekend. It definitely stretched my skills back then but I think I would be able to get through it much quicker now. The car trash can is such an amazing idea - I think I’m going to use that one for my kids who have small children! Have a good weekend. ❤

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Izzy! Love the Aeroplane bag! Those car trash cans are FAB! Everyone loves them! It’s one of those things you didn’t know you needed until you have one! So practical! Can’t wait to see yours! 💚❤️

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Great gift ideas Andra - I especially love the minky neck warmer! I can also see me making the bowl cozy and the car trash bag. I love your gift bag. I had made some last year, but I like the way you added the channel on the outside - really cute!

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Michelle! Everyone loves these gifts and actually uses them! I’ve been making and giving them for years! Practical and fun! ❤️💚

[@marygeorge9688]

Thank you for sharing these!

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much for watching, Mary! 💚❤️

[@thebeehivebuzz9884]

Great ideas! I love the reading pillow, car trash bag, and travel bag. One thing that is always a hit when I give them are knitted dishcloths and mug rugs.

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much! I love mug rugs! I love giving and receiving practical gifts that will actually be used! ❤️💚

[@lovintutorials]

I’ll be making the reading pillow for an elderly lady with severe dementia. She does not remember her family members but still experiences the love of reading a child’s storybook! I think this will be the perfect gift. Thank you for so many great ideas.

[@AndraMakes]

Oh my goodness, Lynn! What a precious, thoughtful gift you are giving! She will love it! God bless you! 💚❤️

[@loves2spin2]

I always make the hanging kitchen towels for the women in my life. I buy the kitchen towel bundles at Costo, cut them in half and I have a template for the fabric flap. I used to try to "gather" the towel to insert in the flap, but the last two years I've pleated them and that is much better and easier to do. I put a big button and a buttonhole so that it can hang on the stove handle or wherever they like. They love them, and the nice thing is, that new ones are always welcome! Actually, for this last Christmas, the buttonholer on my machine was malfunctioning, so I put a large button on them for the appearance but sewed on large metal snaps instead of actually using the button. I got positive feedback on this as well.

[@AndraMakes]

That sounds amazing, Yolanda! I love practical/useful gifts! Thank you so much for sharing how you make yours! I will have to give this a try! 💗

[@lynnshepard7485]

Love your ideas, Andra. 💗 I had already started on your gift bags; they’re so cute! I think I need to make some car trash cans/toy bags and lip balm holders and reading pillows. Goodness, I think you’ll be keeping me busy! Thanks!

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Lynn! I am thrilled to hear that! I love practical gifts! Can’t wait to see what you make! Be sure to tag me so I can see! ❤️💚

[@sewciology22]

Fantastic ideas for gifts!

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much! Let me know if you make any! 💚❤️

[@A.H._]

the wear me wash me bag is genius. i’m making them for my family, we love to travel and they always forget the bags for the dirty clothes. thank you so much!

[@AndraMakes]

Yay! Excellent choice! They will love them! Tell Vanessa I sent you! If you’re on IG, tag me when you post pics! I would love to see them! 💚❤️

[@danysewcrafty]

Great ideas! Definitely going to make a few of these!

[@AndraMakes]

Yay! Thank you so much, Dany! Can’t wait to see! The recipients will love them! 💚❤️

[@nancyhilborn885]

Congrats on the magazine! Beautiful bag. I loved your Vlogmas last time and it was a good reminder

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Nancy! A great indicator that these gifts stand the test of time! I still make and recommend these today! 💚❤️

[@creativeplanetjanet]

Great ideas and this year's hair style and color is a winner.

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Janet! I’m always mixing it up with my hair! I was in the growing-it-out-some phase last year! 💚❤️

[@robynlaszlo6128]

Great ideas have made the bowl cosies and a small draw string bags from a quilting shape th as thanks for the video

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Robyn! Those bowl cozies are so fun and useful! 💚❤️

[@AdamSews]

Thanks so much for sharing Andra! Congrats again on the published pattern. Some excellent ideas! I need to have a go at bowl cosies x

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Adam! Those are so fab and practical! Everyone loves them! Thanks for helping host such a fun challenge! ❤️💚

[@lindahutchings5394]

Congrats on the magazine article! Great ideas for gift giving.

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Linda! Let me know if you make some of these! 💚❤️

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

That red gift bag is so cute! Can’t wait to see more.

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Valerie! ❤️💚

[@margiepetersen]

So many cute ideas!! Thank you!! 😊❤

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Margie! What are some of your fave handmade gifts to give? You and your sweet mom are so talented! I would love to hear your ideas! 💚❤️

[@margiepetersen]

Aww, you’re too sweet! ❤ Our go to handmade gifts are bowl cozies and wristlets. I want to make some car trash cans, everyone can use those 😊

[@AndraMakes]

@@margiepetersen They are fab! Let me know if you make some! ❤️💚

[@ruthscott8228]

great ideas Andra!

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Ruth! I love making these! 💚❤️

[@Mimi-pm4vp]

Awesome ideas Andra. I will try to make wash me and wear me bag, lip balm holder and a gift bag. Thank you so much for sharing and inspiring me.

[@AndraMakes]

Yay! Thank you so much, Mimi! Can’t wait to see! Tell Vanessa I sent you! ❤️💚

[@Mimi-pm4vp]

I will.

[@AndraMakes]

@@Mimi-pm4vp Yay! ❤️💚

[@elizabethsawyer5906]

Loved them all Andra💕

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Liz! ❤️💚

[@christinewhitacre]

I LOVE YOUR HAIR IN THE FIRST PART OF YOUR VIDEO! IT MAKES YOU LOOK 10 YEARS YOUNGER! LOVE THE GIFT IDEAS, AS WELL!

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Christine! I love having short hair! Let me know if you make any of the gifts I recommend! 💗

[@katielove9932]

I had to smile when I saw how you attached your coffee cozy with an elastic loop from Dollar Tree. I bought a very nice jacket that was fairly expensive and didn't realize until I got it home that it didn't have a loop to hang it up. So, I used a black elastic loop like yours from Dollar Tree and sewed it to the back of the upper jacket and now, I can hang it up!

[@AndraMakes]

Genius, Katie! Dollar Tree hacks are so fun! 🎄❤️💚

[@sewagnes6706]

Lovely gift ideas. Thanks for sharing 😻

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Agnes! I love practical gifts! 💚❤️

[@elizabethsmith38]

The wear me wash me bag would also make a great bag for going to the gym.

[@AndraMakes]

Fab idea, Elizabeth! Let me know if you make one/some! 💗

[@theresacraviotto588]

You’ve convinced me, Andra! I’m subscribing. 😊I’m a quilter by love, and a gift maker by heart. Thanks for wonderful, usable gifts.

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Theresa! If you’re on IG, tag me if you make any of these! I would love to see it and share it! 🤩 I love making gifts, also! It’s actually the reason I wanted to learn to sew! Thank you for subscribing! I’m looking forward to getting to know you better! 💚❤️

[@Lizthomas-wb1jn]

I sewed that nativity set 30 years ago &have never seen one anywhere else. I bought the panels in JohnLewis, Edinburgh 😊🎄

[@AndraMakes]

That is amazing, Liz! Thank you so much for letting me know! We’re twins! 👯‍♀️ ❤️💚

[@Lizthomas-wb1jn]

😊⛄@@AndraMakes

[@deniseharris9363]

Great video sweet friend!! I cannot believe I have never made the CG wear me wash me bag before!! After all of these years making her things! I’m going to have to go see if I own it and if not I’m going to buy it while it’s on sale. Love you ♥️

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, sweet friend! That bag is so fab and useful! I love mine, and everyone I’ve made one for loves theirs! Can’t wait to see yours! Love you! 💚❤️

[@TheFrenchSeams_vlog]

Great ideas Andra! And lovely to see your vlogmas again 🥰

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Rachael! Hard to believe how fast the year has gone by! 💚❤️

[@lindathompson389]

I really enjoyed your projects. Thanks

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Linda! Let me know if you make some! 💚❤️🎄

[@ronnieskinner3953]

Love those ideas Andra!. I actually made the Aeroplane Bag. Sew Sweetness' name is Sara Lawson. I see a few things I'll be making.

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Ronnie! The Aeroplane bag is so fab! Love Sara! I have an interview with her on my channel, if you’d like to check it out! Miss you! 💚❤️

[@debbiehs390]

Yes, awesome gifts for gift giving!

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Debbie! I love practical gifts! ❤️💚

[@suekuhn4090]

I have in the past made most of the items you showed in this video. My latest gifts for family and friends this year are "un-sponges" and make-up remover squares. easy peasy to make and they are great to re-use.

[@AndraMakes]

What a fab idea, Sue! I am going to look into those! Thank you so much! 💚❤️

[@georgycolson9671]

I saw that bag! That's so pretty! Thank you for sharing.

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Georgy! The drawstring gift bag? So fun to make! Let me know if you make one! 💚❤️

[@migoseamwork1481]

My gift ideas are my Crochet Ginge cup cozy, (video is live)Lol😊 that gift bag is gorgeous!! Awesome gift ideas!! Ty so much for this!😊

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Migo! I love cozies! ❤️💚

[@vanessaknight7129]

Wonderful Ideas, thanks for sharing

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Vanessa! Let me know if you make any! 💚❤️

[@socarole66]

What fantastic makes Andra and some great ideas for gifts. Thank you so much for all that inspiration. 🎁🎁

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Carole! I love practical gifts! ❤️💚

[@victoriahannah1633]

Great ideas. I have made the bowl cozies and they are big hit with my family.

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Victoria! I agree! Everyone loves them! I think people love receiving practical gifts! 💚❤️

[@jessicahelms887]

Oh my how I miss you Andra!!!!!!! You never cease to amaze me! ❤

[@AndraMakes]

Love and miss you! JJHFL! ✌🏼💜

[@ernieewalkerwalker7599]

Tried and true is peanut butter with pickles and the trash bag thingy!!

[@AndraMakes]

😂❤️💚😘

[@dawnlunn2405]

Peanut butter and sweet pickles on whole wheat bread! Fabulous! I just shared that recipe with a gentlemen I met at the grocery store when I reached for jar of sweet pickles and he asked if I ate them whole or chopped in egg salad?? Told him our favorite share with sweet pickles is peanut butter! Yummy!

[@AndraMakes]

So fun, Dawn! Enjoy! 💚❤️

[@rebeccaledford8202]

Bowl cozies: I crochetedon out of acrylic yarn a couple years ago, use it almost everyday, no fire so far. Been in there up to five minutes on full power. I expected to holes to be a problem, but no, works fabulously. Hasn't melted at all either.

[@AndraMakes]

How fun, Rebecca! I’ll bet the crocheted ones are gorgeous! 💚❤️

[@rebeccaledford8202]

@@AndraMakes they are nice. I'm not a careful stitcher, don't use patterns or anything, just aim for a shape and go for it. My grandmother used to use the fine crochet thread and make three dimensional tea set centerpieces. Those were gorgeous.

[@AndraMakes]

@@rebeccaledford8202 That sounds amazing! 💗

[@rebeccaledford8202]

@@sharonlalli1414 ? Was this intended to be a general reply?

[@thebradoctor1858]

Scrolling for gift ideas I came across your video!! I prefer making gifts. Typically for my Networking group I bake several edibles because I figure we all have enough stuff!! So for YEARS, I have been giving edible gift with a decorated plate or mug! This year we will exchange differently so we are to bring just ONE gift!! I don't want to bake three batches of edibles for just one person! So, i so appreciate your list!! The reading pillow is PERFECT!! Popped over to the tutorial and it is right up my alley!!! I am so happy i watched your video I am sending you a Hug from Spotsylvania, Virginia, USA!!! Hugs, hugs, and God bless you with more ideas and videos!!!

[@AndraMakes]

Your baked goodies sound amazing! I’m sure they are fab! It makes me so happy to hear you found this video helpful! Thank you so much for taking time to comment and letting me know! That means so much to me! If you’re on IG, tag me when you make the reading pillow! I would love to see it! May God bless you and yours, as well! Merry Christmas! 💚❤️

[@orscrub3161]

great ideas……SOLD! just subscribed!

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much! Let me know if you make any of these! 💚❤️

[@mitzicleveland7735]

So many great ideas! I love the car trash bag and the travel bags. The gift bag you made for the magazine is great!

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Mitzi! Let me know if you make any of these! So practical and fun! 💚❤️

[@MonaDidWhat]

Congratulations

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Mona! 💚❤️

[@fjm7596]

You're the only other person I know who thought of framing that photo of Lucy for the sewing room!

[@AndraMakes]

Great minds think alike, Frances! 👯‍♀️ The look on her face cracks me up, and is definitely one I can relate to! 😂💚❤️

[@TheMzTR]

Tks for sharing this project with us! Btw, ur eyebrows are beautifully designed

[@AndraMakes]

That is so kind of you to say. Thank you so much. 💚❤️

[@janellroehr4142]

I make hoodedtowels for my grandkids

[@AndraMakes]

What wonderful gifts, Janell! I’m sure they love them! Thank you so much for sharing! 💚❤️

[@cherylcarnes4207]

You remind me of a young Shirley MacLain.

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Cheryl! 💚❤️

[@desereetouchet9294]

On the wash me, wear me pouch, if someone were feeling frisky on the inside you could make some pockets for pads/tampons, maybe even for meds and freshen up wipes.

[@AndraMakes]

Fab idea, Deseree! Thank you so much! 💚❤️

[@joansergey977]

Hi, I just found your KZbin tutorials. I really liked all your selection. I was especially interested in your gift bag and of course it’s 2024 I did look up crafty Gemini. I’ve watched her tutorials for items to in the pass her does look smaller than yours. I wanted to purchase the magazine it’s like $11 +8 dollars shipping do you have the dimensions of yours because it was bigger than finesses. thanks for everything that you do for us crafters. I hope you’re doing well thank you,❤oh yeah by the way I love your hair❤

[@AndraMakes]

Thank you so much, Joan! If you go to the All People Quilt website, the pattern for my gift bag is on there, and it’s free! Let me know if you make one/some! 💗

[@sharonmaue6812]

Hi. Do you have the instructions for your crocheted scarf?

[@AndraMakes]

Hi, Sharon! I can’t remember the exact one I used, but, there are several fab tutorials on KZbin! Search for easy/beginner crochet infinity scarf. 💚❤️

[@sharonmaue6812]

@@AndraMakes thank you Andra! Will do. ❤️💚

[@AndraMakes]

@sharonmaue6812 Keep me posted! 💚❤️

[@marisolreyes6502]

Andra, wouldn’t you know it😢😢I always make it a point to purchase the Winter Gifts and More issue. But not last year. I will make a trip to my local quilt shop. Which I haven’t visited in months. Sometimes they carry old issues of these magazines. Wonderful gifts you made

[@AndraMakes]

Yay! Thank you so much, Marisol! You may be able to find one online, also! 💗

[@AuntBecsCreations]

One thing that was an all time favorite with the nieces and nephews were my Santa Sacks... you can fill them with more handmade goodness like crocheted or knitted hats, traveling tic tac toe games, Etc) - my video for the Santa Sacks -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKHcgI2XrKankLM

[@AndraMakes]

Fab idea, Becky! Those are so cute! Thank you so much! ❤️💚

[@Kate98755]

if you put this in the car, be sure only soft toys because the velcro will not hold during a car accident…the bag and/or the contents will fly around the car….I’m a former child passenger safety tech, that goes for putting DVD players in your car, do not rely on velcro

[@AndraMakes]

Great tip, Kate! Thank you so much! 💚❤️

[@katiestover8954]

❤️

[@AndraMakes]

💚❤️

[@rontroester9497]

Looking for the description box below

[@AndraMakes]

Look for “…more”, and click on “more”. Or, there may be a down arrow, depending on what device you’re using. If there’s a down arrow, click on it. I hope that helps.

[@peggywhisenhunt8476]

What do you sell it for

[@AndraMakes]

Hi, Peggy! I’m sorry, I’m not sure what you’re asking. I’ve given these as gifts. If you’re wanting to sell them, there is probably lots of info online about how to price handmade items. 💚❤️

[@131dyana]

Thank you very much great ideas.

[@AndraMakes]

You are most welcome! Let me know if you make one/some! 💗