The end of November ushers in an often-unwelcome sense of hurriedness. The holiday season begins, whirling in with its messaging of must-haves, and wants.
As knitters, we are told that love is wrapped into every stitch of what we are making and that a handmade gift is a way to bestow that love on others. You wouldn’t want your family and friends to get a store-bought gift when you could make them something instead, would you? So we buy more yarn, fill up our time with big projects we wouldn’t have made otherwise, and dedicate every personal moment to developing a gift for someone else. Someone who might not even wear it.
I propose a deviation from tradition.
I want to begin by gifting myself with permission to enjoy the season. I will allow myself to let go of traditions that bring me stress.
I admit that I am not much of a garment gift knitter. But I like to give simple hand-knitted accessories and home decor.
And I often think about how to best present them when I do, so I’ve got a little list of things you might consider adding on when you give a knitted gift!
Easy hand-knitted gifts that do not cost time
What can I knit for Christmas presents? With these free knitting patterns for gifts, you can find something easy to knit for everyone on your list!
A Christmas Dishtowel for that auntie who always cooks for everyone.
A Pot Hanger for that friend plant-obsessed.
A Cup Cozy for the person with always cold hands.
A Greenery Bookmark for the one who can’t live without books.
A Sleeping Mask for teenagers.
A Camera toy for the little ones.
Add-ons
I find that the gifts I most love to receive during the holidays are those that remind me to calm down and practice self-care amid these busy weeks. And I have fallen in love with adding something extra to the knitted items I’m gifting.
A fringe coaster could be paired with a candle that sets the mood for the home: imparting subtle scents or a simple, warm glow are always welcome.
A new addition to a skincare regimen, like decadent bath oils paired with a washcloth, could become a ritual that makes someone feel loved and appreciated.
Extra: washing instructions
Including washing instructions for wearables is essential.
For superwash items that you know will get thrown in the wash, recommend that they be laundered on the delicate cycle and tumble-dried low, as I have heard of some superwash wools (and especially superwash blends) that felt when treated with unnecessary roughness. For items that should be hand-washed, I like to include a tag giving simple washing instructions like: wash in a lukewarm bath, do not agitate, push out extra water gently, and lay flat to dry.
Opt for easy hand-knitted gifts that do not cost time to counterpoint the commercialism that pervades the world around us from November through January.