~Monkeyshiners~: This year's Christmas gifts, Part I: the littles

Monday, January 2, 2012

This year's Christmas gifts, Part I: the littles

Being the penny-pincher... um, awesome aunt that I am, I handmade most of our gifts again this year. Here's Part I: the two and under crowd...

First up, the newest niece in the family:

For her, we have a pretty little lovey blanket, ruffled on the front, with a ruffle around the edge, perfect for chewing and drooling on and dragging around...

and snuggling up to, thanks to that luscious chocolate brown minky...

I used this tutorial from 2 Little Hooligans.

She also recieved a cute little tutu skirt (tutorial from Simple Simon and Co.)

Can't wait to see her wear it!

On to the boys....

The two year old nephew got this cute little backpack (tutorial from indietutes). This tutorial has a free printable pattern, so don't be afraid to try it! It is really SO simple, especially because there is no zipper closure. The main piece is formed from two pieces that overlap so its very easy for littles to get into.

I put some velcro on this one- I made one previously for a friend's little guy and as he used it we realized it really could use a snap or velcro if they'll be carrying "heavier" things like matchbox cars. They tend to make it gape open...

Simple little straps for the cutie pie to strap it on, and Viola! Your toddler can help carry his own toys, diaper, cup, snack, whatever! Would make a cute little toddler "daycare bag" or just let him pretend to be all grown up with his own backpack like the big kids!

For my boys...

the plan was to have finished Faux Chenille blankets for both...but being the procrastinator that I am...They each got one of these cute little taggie animals from Make It and Love It's tutorial. I made one as a gift for my nephew last year and thought my boys would like to slobber on one as well.