If you missed it last week, I shared a bunch of awesome diy gift ideas for “crunchy mamas”. With the holidays approaching so quickly, this week’s post is sticking to the gifting theme. This time it’s all about your littles! Do you get tired of too many toys? Do you want to simplify your holidays to be less about spending money and more focused on giving from your heart? Do you want to take better care of the planet by shopping more sustainably and reducing unnecessary packaging? Then stay tuned because I think you’ll love these gift ideas for your toddler! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to future posts so you can get more ideas like this!
Toddler gifts are entirely new terrain for me. Last Christmas our bitty boy was still too small to know what was going on. We finally got a few select items for his first birthday but tried to be selective because I do not want a house full of toys we never use! So this year for Christmas (and for coming years), I’m trying to brainstorm how we can ditch the clutter brought on by holiday giving while still holding onto the sweet spirit of giving to those we love. I think homemade gift giving is a great way to do that! We focus more on what would actually be meaningful to the person and sacrifice our time creating it perfectly. Rather than blowing the checkbook and making sure we spend “enough” on one person, we simply give from the heart!
On top of that, homemade gifts can be so much more economical. Many of these items can be made for free, from materials collected in nature or from recycled items laying around your home. So here are my meaningful homemade gift ideas for toddlers :).
Musical Instruments
Get creative making various musical instruments. These toys can provide hours of fun and creativity. There are seriously so many different instruments you could make… so have fun!
Below is a helpful link with ideas for homemade instruments for kids.
For a fun activity with your kiddos, you could also try making some of these musical instrument DIYs together!
Carved or Laser cut wooden toys
Carter has been using the laser cutter available on campus and we found the cutest ideas for kids toys. You can purchase laser cutting files on Etsy, like this cute wooden animal file or find them for free on thingaverse.com
Here is another cute idea for homemade wooden stacker toys. I always see the fun stacking rainbows that are so popular. Now you can make your own!
Toys made from Nature
My sister recently made the cutest little dolls from pegs and acorns. I love the idea of making toys from items collected in nature. Here are 25 DIY Nature Toys to get you started.
Wood and Felt Boat
My sweet sister’s family made this darling boat for Peter’s birthday present. It’s amazing what you can make with simple materials!
Fabric Scarves for Creative Play and Dress Up
Instead of buying scarves for play, why not look through your fabric supply or look for old sheets/curtains that could be repurposed?
Knitted or Crocheted Scarf, Hat, or Mittens
I have recently started exploring the new terrain of working with yarn. I made these little toddler mittens for Peter! While they are far from perfect, they were a fun, relatively simple, and quick project. Try these beginner knitting patterns:
Hair Bows or Scrunchies
Hair accessories are super easy and quick to make with a sewing machine or by hand. Try looking around your house for fabric scraps or worn out clothing that could be turned into a hair accessory for your little girl… or a bow tie for your little man!
Try this tutorial for these cute mini bow scrunchies!
DIY Bow Tie
This one is on my list for this holiday season. I’ve got some old buffalo plaid pajamas that I’m dying to turn into a bow tie for Peter! Here’s a tutorial on making a bow tie for your little!
On-the-Go Art Kit
This is the cutest idea that my sister in law recently made for Peter. She filled a container with coloring books, paper, crayons, markers, washable paint, and snacks. The cutest little kit to bring when you need entertainment on the go.
Turn a Cardboard Box into Something Magical
I have fond memories of playing house in an old refrigerator box we cut and colored. There are some amazing things you can do with cardboard boxes… from doll beds to castles to cars, there are so many options! Check out this article for ideas and pictures of what you can turn a cardboard box into!
Felt Projects
I have come across several darling ideas for DIY toddler gifts made of felt. My favorite is this felt vegetable garden to let toddlers practice growing their own garden! I also love this felt very hungry caterpillar game. You can also make felt play food, animals, and anything else you can think of!
Bigger Construction Projects
DIY Learning Tower
I had never heard of this idea until coming across this DIY while researching for this post. But I LOVE this idea! Apparently this is a thing you can buy, but they can be pricey. This may just make it onto our list of things to make for Peter because he LOVES being in on the action when we cook in the kitchen. Check out this article for the HOW-TO.
A Frame Tent
These little tents are so fun for toddlers and young kids. This website gives simple instructions to make your own for your kiddo!
Wooden Climbing Toy
See how to make your own foldable pickler triangle climbing toy here.
Make your own Dollhouse
I love the idea of making your own dollhouse out of wood. This way you can design it exactly how you like and have fun painting it, too! Here is my favorite design that I found.
Seriously though… isn’t this so darling??
Toddler Chair/Stepping Stool
Find the instructions here.
Make this Darling Book Cart
This idea is absolutely darling! Here’s a DIY for the shark one, but I’m sure you could make many designs work.
I hope these ideas have gotten your creativity flowing and you are ready to create something amazing for your little one! I know I’m excited about everything on this list. Now I just have to make up my mind on what to make. Haha! I would love to hear about your homemade gifts this year and what you decide to make!
For more ideas on homemade and sustainable gifts, check out these other posts, too!
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