This article was originally posted on June 25th, 2014. The links have been updated (and changed in some cases).
Get going on your Christmas gifts today!

Handmade Christmas gifts are a wonderful way to show you care. Plus they can save you a ton of money!

And yes they can be a little time consuming to make, but if you plan ahead, you will have more than enough time to make a special and unique gift for everyone on your list.

I usually start my Christmas gifts in February/March and finish them all the week before Christmas ;-)

Really though, handmade Christmas gifts can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be… Some require great skill, others are as simple as sewing four seams!

If you’re just getting started with the idea of a handmade Christmas, it can be a little daunting to know where to begin.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Handmade Christmas Gifts to Start Now

Canned Goods:

Canned goods can be made during the summer when fruit is on sale. Then it’s ready to give away at Christmas.

This strawberry jam would be a great place to start! Don’t worry that you’re canning too far in advance – Canned goods last for years!

Time Requirement: 2 hours for every 5 pints
Money Requirement: $12 for every 5 pints

Knitted Cap:

Knitted caps are a really fast and easy gift for adults and kids – even if you don’t already know how to knit.

Seriously though, learning to knit is totally worth it and makes homemade gift options much simpler.

Watch this tutorial if you’ve never knitted before.

Great, now that you know how to knit – this hat from Ravelry will be a breeze!

Time Requirement: 3 hours
Money Requirement: $2 (Talk about CHEAP!)

Knitted Sweaters:

Now that you know how to knit, you might as well put your skills to good use!

A knitted sweater is a great gifts for anyone.

It’s especially great for the men in your life who might not want a hand sewn quilt.

Time Requirement – Kid Sweater: 8 hours
Money Requirement – Kid Sweater: $10

Time Requirement – Adult Sweater (varies by size): 1-2 months of evenings (1-2 hours per night)
Money Requirement – Adult Sweater (varies by size): $25 – $45

Here is a simple tutorial for a kids sweater:

Click for TutorialAnd another tutorial for an adult sweater:

Click for TutorialAnd one for a more feminine fit:

Click for Tutorial

Rag Quilt:

Even if you’ve never made a quilt before, you can totally pull off this rag quilt. Remember, you can customize your colors!

Make it however large or small you want and wow your family with this sweet piece.

Time Requirement: 2 days of steady work (you could easily spread this project out over weeks or months)
Money Requirement: $50~

Animal Friendly Fox Scarf:

While you’ve got your sewing machine out, why not whip up this cute little no-fur fox scarf.

Time Requirement: 2 hours
Money Requirement: $15

Sweater Pillow:

Or for an even easier sewing machine project – try this “10 minute” sweater pillow tutorial!

Time Requirement: 10 Minutes~
Money Requirement: $10-ish (depending on where you get the sweater)

Embroidered Pillow:

If you’re looking for a bit more personalization for your DIY pillow, try a hand embroidered option.

You can go simple with just a monogrammed initial, or go all out with a custom family tree!

Time Requirement: 1-4 hours, depending on pattern
Money Requirement: $15~

DIY Microwavable Neck Wrap:

Great for pretty much anyone in your life… cause who doesn’t want to wrap up with a warm hug at the end of the day?

Time Requirement: 30 minutes
Money Requirement: $10

Portable Lego Try:

Looks like a great (and fast) gifts for kids! Heck, my husband would be in hog heaven if I gave him one…

Time Requirement: 2 hours~
Money Requirement: $30~ (depending on whether you include additional Legos with the tray)

Custom Board Game:

While you’re in the playtime mindset – try finding the rules for one of these “ancient board games”. Or make up a game of your own!

Time Requirement: 5 hours~
Money Requirement: $25 – $45 (depending on what game pieces you need)

The Game Crafter is a great source for game parts – all shapes and sizes – wooden, metal, and plastic.

You could also get a little nerdy with with DIY Harry Potter Monopoly set! All the images are available to download – Money, cards, the board… everything!

Now that you have a jumping off point – Let’s all get started on Christmas gifts!!

Linking up with What-About.co for their Show Off Friday!