25+ Things to Make & Buy for Kids as Gifts
Looking for ideas for some cute things to make for kids as Christmas gifts? These tutorials all feature creative and unique things to make for kids as gifts this holiday season! Or any time of the year for that matter. Each one is simple to sew and can easily be customized to the recipient.
I have a few nieces and nephews and love to create handmade gifts for them each Holiday season (and for their birthdays or other occasions, too!). Here are some of the past gifts I’ve made for kids, along with a few other ideas to help you out.
If you’re like me, you’re on a deadline this time of year, so I made sure to include DIY gifts on this list that are simple to make. You can create most of them in one afternoon.
In addition to the handmade gift ideas, I’ve also included a list of gifts that can be purchased. I tried to curate a list of classic gifts that would appeal to both genders and kids of all ages.
This list has been updated for 2023.
Gifts Ideas for Kids; Things to Make
25+ DIY Gift Ideas for Kids
More than 25 things to make for kids for gifts. From pillows to stuffed toys. There are so many cute and fun ideas.
Reading Pocket Book Pillow
This reading pillow pattern is over 9 years old now and still one of my most popular patterns. It's great for kids since you can stitch it up with some of their favorite novelty fabrics.
All Ears Pouch Sewing Pattern | Digital PDF Pattern
The All Ears Pouch is a sewing pattern for a small curved top gusseted zip pouch.
The pattern includes four versions, Bunny, Cat, Mouse & Crab
Large Reading Pillow
This pillow sham fits a full-size pillow and features 3 pockets in the front which are just the right size to stash books, toys, and even a flashlight.
Circle Purse
This cute round bag can be made in so many different variations! You can make a simple round bag or add ears to create a fun bunny bag,
Scrappy Quilt
This simple scraps quilt is one of my "go to's" when I need a quick quilt. There is very little piecing and virtually no seams to match.
Patchwork Quilt
You can't beat simple patchwork when you want a nice quilt that is easy to make. This one is made mostly from precut squares making it super fast to create.
Baby Doll Self-Binding Blanket Pattern
This baby blanket binds itself. It's pretty nifty and doesn't require too much fabric.
Padded Storage Bins
These padded bins are great for storing baby supplies, dolls, legos or even matchbox cars.
Crayon Folder
Create a folder to take with you when you're "on the go". It even includes a pocket for a notebook.
Bike Handlebar Bag
I designed this darling pouch to attach to the handlebars of their bikes. This Bike Pouch tutorial is fat quarter friendly and sews up in just a couple of hours. You could swap out some laminated fabric in place of the exterior fabrics to make it a bit more weather proof if you like.
Library Bag
This bag is just the right size for little hands to take to the library. It's also great for a beginning seamstress.
Tablet Case
If the kid you are sewing for is older and has a tablet, stitch them up a protective padded case with this pattern.
Road Trip Pillowcase
This fun pillowcase is perfect for a road trip. It features a big pocket in the front perfect for storing road trip necessities.
Harry Potter Pouches
If you have a Cricut machine and know a Harry Potter fan, you can create a set of custom pencil pouches for them with this free tutorial.
Easy Peasy Fleece Blanket
This blanket is so easy to make that my kids made this set! There is sewing involved but no knot tying!
Solar System Mug Rug
This cute little mug rug is the perfect snack mat for homework time or home school time.
18" Doll Sleeping Bag
Stitch up a cute sleeping bag that's just the right size for their American Girl Doll.
Reindeer Sack Gift Bag Sewing Pattern
This little guy would be so cute, filled with treats, and given as a gift.
Gift Ideas for Kids; Things to Buy
Great Gifts for to Buy for Kids
I love to create handmade gifts when I can but many times come up short on time.
I've rounded up a list of toys that are classic and I will appeal to kids of all ages.
As with all gifts for kids, check that each one is safe and age appropriate before you gift it.
Wooden Shopping Cart
I feel like a kid's grocery cart should be in the toy hall of fame (if there is such a thing).
Wooden Cash Register Kids Play Set
Perfect for pretend play and would be so cute gifted with the wood shopping cart.
Tea Set
You can never have too many play tea sets! I still can't bear to part with the ones my girls had when they were younger.
Magna-Tiles
My niece has two small children. I asked her what some of her kid's favorite toys are. She said, hands down they LOVE their Magna-tiles. Her exact words were, "they are obsessed" with them. You can find several different play sets for sale. This Metropolis set is a great one to start with.
There are also smaller sets if your budget doesn't allow for this set.
Kids Dyson Vacuum
I don't know a little kid that doesn't love a toy vaccum. My twins fought over ours for years.
Fire Station
Great for imaginative play. The style changes a bit every year, but this has been on my "go-to" list for years!
Dancing Cat + Mouse
This is a favorite brand of mine. These cute cats and mice come with fun accessories, like a bed in a box!
They also look so cute placed in the pocket of our Reading Pillows!
UNO Attack! Game : Target
Uno is simple enough that kids of all ages can understand how to play. Even though it's simple it's still always fun & exciting.
Air Sofa
We have a set of these that we always take camping with us. Earlier this year my girls used them to build an "epic" fort in the basement.
Flashlight
If you make them a reading pillow for Christmas, stash a flashlight in with the books for a little late-night reading.
Good Wood Mini Golf Game
Kids can create their own putt putt course in their backyard or playroom with this golf set!
A few other Cute Gifts to Sew for Kids from some of my favorite sewing blogs
Baby Quilt Made from Scraps; Simple Simon & Co
Applique Name Pillows; Diary of a Quilter
Kids Mitten Handwarmers; Sew Can She
Cute Floor Pillows to Sew; Flamingo Toes