Handmade Gifts for the Random Folks on Your List

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We’ve all been there. It’s late November (or early December), you’re reviewing your list of handmade gifts to make this year. You feel pretty good – you’re ahead! And then you reach the bottom of the list and remember Steve from accounting. Or, is it Samson? You can’t quite remember his name, but last year he gave everyone gift cards to the local coffee shop and you WON’T be left without a gift for him again.

There’s just one problem. What are you going to make for Steve/Samson?

If you are stuck on what to make for the more unusual folks on your list, we’re here to help. From barista to baker, we have handmade gifts for everyone.

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Something Special for the Person Making Your Specialty Coffee

Tammy Honaman, Interweave Content Director

Since our local coffee shop changed their employee dress code, I’ve loved seeing the variety of hats the baristas wear. It’s show their personalities within the more specific requirements of an apron and company tee. Over the past five months or so, I’ve noticed the staff working extra hard, hustling to make things run smoothly on top of managing frustrated customers. To help show my appreciation (beyond the tips I try to remember to leave), I’m choosing a few to gift a hat to. If you’re looking to make a handmade gift for that extra special someone on your list, the knit Axinite Hat by Emily Kintigh is a versatile design and done in an easier-to-knit pattern. The crochet Tahoe Hat by Marcy Smith is worked in a thicker yarn and also made using an easier pattern. Both of these will show you care yet allow time for creating for others on your list.

A Grocery Store Special

Andrea Lotz, Social Media Manager

I’m not a creature of habit except in one area: grocery shopping. My husband and I always go together on Sunday afternoons to set up for a week of cooking. We hit between one and three stores, and we usually see the same grocery clerks. For one clerk in particular, I choose her lane even if it’s a longer line, because she’s so friendly and always asks us what we’re making with the weird vegetables we’ve picked up. She’s even admired my crochet Light of Day Tote, so I know she’s make-worthy! I imagine she has lots of reusable bags, but not any that are handmade. I’d love to knit her a bag like Vivien Hoxbro’s Net Duffle Bag to show her how much I appreciate her great attitude.

That Random Coworker Whose Name You Think You Know

Toni Rexroat, Contributing Editor

The Secret Santa names have been drawn at work and you have Kerry. Or is it Kelly? No, it’s definitely Kerry; you’ve seen her a few times in video meetings. But you don’t know much about her other than the fact that she likes to talk with her hands, so what possible gift should you make for her? We’ve all been in this situation, but just because you don’t know them very well yet doesn’t mean your coworker won’t love a handmade gift.

Two patterns that make great gifts for people you don’t know very well yet are the Orchard Mitts and the Agate Hat. How could they not love a pair of crochet mitts to keep their hands warm at work or while they indulge in the new yarn hobby you just introduced them to? And while they look like a million bucks, the Orchard Mitts can be whipped in a couple of evenings. Or, if you’re a knitter, try the Agate Hat. It uses a super easy 4-row repeat, and makes for a great stash-busting project. Plus, the stripes mean that you have seven chances to guess her favorite color.

What to Make for Bakers

Julia Pillard, Digital Content Editor

My family has a local bakery that we love visiting. The Little Bird Bakeshop in Fort Collins is a Sunday-morning-must, and I am there often enough that a few of the bakers know who I am. This probably says a lot about my unhealthy obsession with baked goods, but regardless, if I were to make something for those lovely bakers, I would probably go with (you guessed it) a hat! After all, they must be there in the early, early morning, when there’s often a rime of frost covering everything, to get the baked goods ready to go. If you’re a knitter, the Pipette Hat by Laura Hulslander comes to mind as a wonderful handmade gift: easy to knit in worsted-weight yarn and warm to wear! Or, for crochet, the Whispering Pines Hat by Brenda K. B. Anderson would make a wonderful, cozy beanie for your favorite baker.

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The holidays offer a time to slow down and notice everyone around you. Regardless of who you’re making for this year, take a moment to think of all the people who help your day run smooth. Give them a thank you, remember to tip, and consider making something for them if you have the time. And, as always,

Happy Making!

Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!