List
Making the Holidays
Are you looking for inspiration to create your own unique holiday gifts this season? Look no further. There is a little something for everyone at every skill level. Happy making!
Ready for another? Fill out a None form and we'll connect you with even more personalized recommendations.
-
Handknit Holidays: Knitting Year-round for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice
2005 by Falick, MelanieGet this itemWhile this book has a lot of lovely and unique patterns (you can knit a menorah/votive holder from wire), it also has projects that you can work on with others as part of the holiday season. I can't think of a way I would rather spend the holidays than creating something while spending time with the folks I care about the most.
-
Handmade Gifts From the Kitchen: More Than 100 Culinary Inspired Presents to Make and Bake
2017 by Walker, AlisionGet this itemThis is more than your average holiday cookie book. It has gifts to make and eat, and also gifts to make to stock pantry shelves, savory treats, and beverages. Truly something for everyone.
-
Kokoro No Te: Handmade Treasures from the Heart
2005 by Sudō, KumikoGet this itemThese are not "easy" gifts, but they are gorgeous and are sure to be something that the recipient will treasure forever. I especially love the "Tomato Cache" that can be used to give a special small gift and will be just as adored as whatever is put inside. The cicada evening purse is whimsical and fun. Everything is made on a fairly small scale, making them perfect for gifting.
-
Sew Jewish: The 18 Projects You Need for Jewish Holidays, Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebrations and Home
2016 by Bywater, MariaGet this itemAll you need are beginning sewing skills to make one (or all!) of the 18 projects in this book. If you can use the straight or zigzag stitch on your sewing machine, you're ready to get started.
-
Make & Give: Simple and Modern Crafts to Brighten Every Day
2014 by Hung, StephGet this itemThis book is as beautiful as the projects in it. They're simple and achievable, and if you have a crafty person in your life, you can just give them this book as a gift if you don't get around to making anything from it yourself. It's everything you would expect (and more!) from a former art director and craft editor for Martha Stewart.
-
Furoshiki and the Japanese Art of Gift Wrapping
2021 by Kakita, TomokoGet this itemFor those of us who feel slightly craft-phobic, this book is for you. You can buy the gift and then put it in beautiful and sustainable wrapping. Who wouldn't want the most beautiful gift on the pile this holiday?
-
Upcycling Celebrations
2012 by Seo, DannyGet this itemDanny Seo is an environmental lifestyle expert who has been featured in US Weekly, on the Drew Barrymore show, and beyond. This book starts with the New Year and takes you through ideas for holidays throughout the year. You will be amazed with what you can make with the contents of your recycling bin!
-
Holiday Crafting & Baking with Kids
2011 by Strand, JessicaGet this itemSometimes it isn't the giving but the making that holds special memories. These are holiday ideas from fall through the new year that aren't only fun to make but fun to give as well.
-
'Tis the Season to Be Felt-y
2015 by Sheldon, KathyGet this itemThere are some really cute patterns in this book. I can see making a bunch of the hot cocoa coasters and giving one with some hot cocoa mix and maybe a mug as friend, host, or coworker gifts.
-
Crafting with Flannel: A Beginner's Guide to Making Gifts, Accessories & Home Décor
2021 by Ramberg, SarahGet this itemNothing says winter like flannel. This book contains both sew and no-sew project ideas for decorating and gifting. These projects would be a great way to upcycle a loved one's favorite shirt or pj pants otherwise destined for the rag pile.
-
Pretty Packages: 45 Creative Giftwrapping Projects
2014 by Shim, Sally J.Get this itemBrown paper packages tied up with string are nice, but who doesn't want to receive something a little brighter and more fun? Suggestions include making your own wrapping and gift tags from new and reused materials, as well as ideas of how to wrap unusually shaped gifts.
-
Crochet the Perfect Gift: Designs Just Right for Giving and Ideas for Every Occasion
2014 by Goldin, KatGet this itemArranged by what type of gift you're making, this book is filled with ideas that anyone would be thrilled to receive. You can even crochet a basket to give your purchased gifts in!
-
Last-minute Fabric Gifts: 30 Hand-sew, Machine-sew & No-sew Projects
2006 by Treen, CynthiaGet this itemOne of the best things about this book is that it is organized by the amount of time it takes to complete a project--starting with less than one hour. So, if you have a last minute party to attend, you can make something quickly (possibly the same day you attend). Plus, there are hand sewing, machine sewing, and no sewing projects for every level of sewist.
-
Knitted Gifts: Irresistible Projects to Make and Give
2009 by Budd, AnnGet this itemTruly something for everyone and every skill level. From bobble bookmarks to cup cozies to a fair isle pillow, you are sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
-
Martha Stewart's Handmade Holiday Crafts: 225 Inspired Projects for Year-round Celebrations
2011 by Stewart, MarthaGet this itemI don't know if you're allowed to make a holiday craft list without including at least one title by Martha Stewart. The cornerstone of Stewart's brand is beautiful photographs with clear and precise instructions, and that is what you're going to find in this book. It will take you from January through December, with ideas throughout.
-
Doodle Stitching: The Holiday Motif Collection: Embroidery Projects & Designs to Celebrate the Seasons
2014 by Ray, AimeeGet this itemDoodle Stitching includes both patterns and "doodles" or motifs that you can use on just about anything. So, if you are someone who needs a clear beginning, middle, and end, or if you're someone who likes to have a little more freedom in your crafting, you'll find something to inspire you.
-
Pretty in Patchwork: Holidays : 30+ Seasonal Patchwork Projects to Piece, Stitch, and Love
2012 by Adams, John Q.Get this itemOne if the highlights of Pretty in Patchwork is the "mini project" highlights. Small manageable projects that you can complete quickly. I'm partial to "The Quite Personable Pickle Ornament," but take a peek and discover your favorite.
-
Handmade Personalized Photo Gifts
2014 by Visser, CarlaGet this itemA handmade gift is lovely, but a handmade gift with a meanful photo can become an heirloom. There are certainly some heirloom worthy gifts here, along with ideas on how to incorporate photos into gift wrapping and ways to display photos too.
-
Edible Diy: Simple, Giftable Recipes to Savor and Share
2012 by Baker, LucyGet this itemAs much as I love receiving sweets throughout the holiday, sometimes it is nice to get something that you can stash away for after the festivities are over like jams, pickles, or even something a little boozy. You get all of that and more--including creative ways to package what you've made.
-
Simply Sublime Gifts: High-style, Low-sew Projects to Make in A Snap
2010 by Kahn, JodiGet this itemAs much as I want to be the person who has their act together and starts planning far enough in advance to get everything done with plenty of time to spare, I'm not that person. This is the perfect book for those of us who want to give homemade gifts but are dealing with a time crunch. Plus, you only need minimal sewing experience.
Bookmatch
Bookmatch allows Skokie Library cardholders to receive a custom list of titles prepared for you by the library's expert staff.
Try Bookmatch