With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us are scrambling to decide what kind of unique gifts we can present to our loved ones this year. While the idea of giving a handmade gift can be daunting, the great thing about crochet is that you do not need to be a master in order to make a charming and beautiful gift for your loved ones.
In fact, unlike painting or woodworking, the art of crocheting is relatively easy to get the hang of, and is often said to be an easier alternative to knitting. Even if you don’t have a knack for arts and crafts, it’s still worthwhile to try your hand at crocheting. After all, your family members will thank you as crocheted gifts are incredibly versatile and can be catered towards just about anyone!
15 Unique crochet gifts
1. Crochet Children’s Blanket
We begin this list with a crochet classic — the baby blanket. If you are expecting a baby, or you know somebody in your life who is expecting a baby, then crocheting a baby blanket is an absolute must. Not only will this blanket help keep the little one warm during all hours of the day (and night), but it will also be a reminder of your hard work and love that is sure to offer much more than material comfort. Here is a comprehensive tutorial from Pretty Ideas that will show you how to make a multicolored children’s blanket.
2. Crochet Children’s Cardigan
If you’re looking to take your gift giving skills one step further than a blanket, you could try your hand at a traditional children’s cardigan. While it may seem intimidating at first, if you’re using a pattern that is easy to follow then a children’s cardigan is not a hard endeavour at all. This particular cardigan from Wool Patterns does not even require the use of buttons.
3. Crochet Stuffed Animal
While we’re on the topic of gifts for little ones, we would be remiss to not mention the endless possibilities that arise when you think about making crocheted stuffed animals. Whether the child that you’re creating for is into unicorns, dinosaurs, or lions, there is sure to be a pattern out there that can provide the kind of direction that you’re looking for for your project.
Also, this isn’t just a great gift idea for children — a crocheted animal is sure to be appreciated by adults, too! What’s not to love about a soft, adorable little friend?
4. Crochet Mug Cozy
If you’re looking to crochet a gift for an adult who is not quite the stuffed animal type, a great gift idea is a crocheted mug cozy. We think this gift is especially appropriate for the winter season, as it is sure to keep warm beverages warm the whole season long. This pattern from Stitching Together instructs you on how to make a mug cozy that is particularly adorable, with a little button to tie it all together.
5. Crochet Soap Saver
Even if you haven’t heard of a “soap saver” before, chances are that you have seen one. Also known as a “soap coat”, a soap saver is designed to fit over a regular bar of soap so that it can act as a built-in washcloth. Not only does a soap saver effectively clean, but it also provides a massage-like sensation thanks to the bumps in the crocheted material.
If you would like to give this unique gift this holiday season, then this pattern from YourCrochet.com is a great place to begin. We especially love the way that they have designed a hook and an opening as part of the pattern, so that you can hold the material together while putting it on the soap. This gift is also a good choice for the environment as it provides an alternative to a disposable loofah. The crochet soap saver can simply be washed in the laundry.
6. Crochet Stocking
Whether or not the holiday season is approaching, it’s never too early (or too late) to start preparing. While you can certainly find a stocking at a store, there is no denying that making one yourself is simply more special. This pattern offers a festive take, using traditional holiday colors like green, white, red, silver, and gold. Another great thing about a homemade stocking is the fact that you can make it as big as you want, which means more gifts!
7. Crochet Bookmark
It may seem strange to crochet a flat surface such as a bookmark, but there are many beautiful and easy patterns out there for a crocheted bookmark. We especially love this one from Crochet Kingdom that is actually designed to fit over your book’s page, ensuring that you will never lose your place. This particular design has a lattice pattern that makes it especially elegant and unique.
8. Crochet Coaster
Who doesn’t appreciate receiving a coaster as a gift? There are few items that we keep around the house that are as equally decorative and useful in the way that a coaster is. While we most often think of our coasters as being made out of cork or glass, crocheted yarn makes for a wonderful coaster material.
Crocheted coasters are very easy to make, especially when you are following a pattern such as the multiple patterns that are available on Etsy. Also, crocheted coasters use very little yarn, which makes them an economical gift, as well.
9. Crochet Dish Cloths
While it can be great to give and get a gift that is aesthetically beautiful, there’s no denying that a practical gift can be extremely appreciated. Not only are crochet dishcloths an environmentally-friendly alternative to disposable kitchen sponges, but they are also a great use for any leftover yarn that you have hanging around the house.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t make the dishcloths cute, though. We especially love this Pinterest pattern that will produce results that look like they are straight from an artisanal craft market.
10. Crochet Hook Carrying Case
Ok, so we admit that this gift is a little meta, but there’s no denying that it’s a great gift for the crochet lover in your life! This beautiful crochet hook holder has a compartment for crochet needles of all sizes, and provides a convenient holding place — a must-have for any crocheter that knows the pain of misplacing a crochet needle.
11. Crochet Bag
Speaking of practical gifts, there are so many uses that we can think of for a reusable shopping bag. This free pattern from BobWilson123 results in a multipurpose roomy crocheted bag that can even be used as an everyday purse. Homemade crochet bags are easy to clean which means that you will be less likely to bring home bacteria and germs from the grocery store. Along with regular reusable grocery store crochet bags, you could also make reusable produce bags.
12. Crochet Laptop Case
We all have our favorite electronics, and one of the best things that we can do to protect their longevity is by protecting them with carrying cases. FreePatterns.com offers an easy-to-follow crochetable laptop carrying case. Not only is it fashionable, but soft yarn also does an effective job of protecting a laptop from the scuffs and scrapes that are almost inevitable any time a laptop gets placed in a backpack. This is the perfect gift for the college student in your life, or for the working professional who always seems to be on the go.
13. Crochet Apple Cozy
Earlier we mentioned how to make a mug cozy, but doesn’t our fruit deserve to be kept warm too? While this particular pattern may be more of a novelty than anything, we still think that an apple cozy makes for a unique gift idea and a very effective conversation starter. It also makes a great decoration on any kitchen counter.
14. Easy Crochet Hat
If you are looking to keep your loved ones warm this cold season, then there is no better way to do it than by making them a wintry accessory, such as a hat. While there is no shortage of hat crochet patterns on the net, we love this selection from Crochet Dreamz that can be completed in as little as 1.5 hours! Perfect for those who leave their Christmas shopping to the last minute.
15. Ultimate Crochet Scarf
If the idea of crocheting a hat overwhelms you, that’s okay! There are still other winter accessories that you can give as gifts. One obvious example is a scarf. This scarf from Pattern Center is a refreshing take on the trendy infinity scarf. You can make it in your gift receiver’s favorite color, or can even make a multicolor scarf if you’re feeling ambitious.