Many of us have something special that our moms or grandmothers made for us when we were babies or young children. A handmade teddy bear, a quilt, or a christening gown. But not many of us have the skills our grandmothers possessed. Expectant moms of the 21st century tend to be more proficient on the computer keyboard than with our knitting needles. But we may still want to give our baby-to-come something handmade to remind him or her that we loved him enough to spend time on a special gift. So, what are easy things you can make for your baby even if you have limited craft-skills or time?
Here is a collection of easy projects you can work on during your pregnancy or after your toddler goes to bed. All are handmade. None require a high level of skill.
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Stuffed Toy Owl
You can make this adorable little owl friend for your child using very basic sewing skills. (If you’re uncomfortable with a sewing machine or don’t have access to one, you could even hand stitch it easily.) Small scraps of fabric from Mom’s sewing bag are the perfect size. Full tutorial on the DIY Network website. -
Receiving Blanket
You can either make a standard flannel receiving blanket (like this extra-large one in this easy tutorial from Happy Hooligans), or you can make a super-soft “minky” blanket like the one pictured below. (Tutorial for 30-minute minky blanket on Suzy Quilts.)
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Tag Blankie
The Ribbon Retreat offers one of many tutorials for tag blankets available online. You can change up from this version by using wider ribbons or fewer fabric patterns. -
Handmade Booties Made from Sweaters
Have a special sweater that used to be Grandma’s that you’d like to make into a baby keepsake? Or just want to try your hand at making these darling shoes? Here’s an easy tutorial for an upcycled sweater turned into baby booties from Wholefully.com. -
Sock Monkey
An easy-to-follow tutorial for making members of this adorable sock monkey family can be found HERE, on Craft Passion. -
No-Sew Stocking Hat
While this tutorial from Joann gives instructions for an adult-sized hat, it can easily be sized down for a toddler or baby. Here’s an additional tutorial from Ehow. -
Easy Homemade Booties – Single Crochet
These booties may look fancy and difficult, but they’re actually one of the easiest things you can make for your baby. The pattern from Love Life Yarn mostly uses single crochet, a beginner stitch. (See this video from Crochet Guru if you’re not sure how to do single crochet.) -
No-Sew Baby Headband
If you or a friend is expecting a baby girl, headbands are probably on your wish list! This tutorial from Hip and Simple doesn’t even require sewing! -
Quiet Baby Book
This book is another no-sew project. All you need is felt and a glue gun! Powerful Mothering provides the tutorial here. -
No-Sew Fleece Poncho
A fleece poncho is an adorable project to make for your toddler! The Glue Sticks Blog created a tutorial to easily make the poncho pictured here.
What are some other easy things you can make for your baby or toddler?
Let us know in the comments! Links to free tutorials are especially welcome!
You may also enjoy this collection of easy homemade musical instruments you can make for your toddler.
