Pull up a chair, friends. It’s early October, which means two things: the leaves are doing their thing, and if we start now, we can make holiday gifts without the December panic. I love giving gifts that get used, the kind that end up by the sink or in the pantry instead of in a drawer. Here are my favorites, and most can be finished in a weekend afternoon or in front of the TV.
Start Saving Now
Coffee grounds. Spread your used grounds on a baking sheet or an old plate and let them dry. Stir them once a day so they don’t clump or go musty. Once they’re fully dry, store them in a jar or old coffee container. Damp grounds in a closed container will mold, so be patient here. By late November you’ll have plenty for scrubs.
Feed bags. If you’re feeding animals, you’re already collecting these. Rinse them, and if you’ve got the sticky ones, give those a good wash and a day or two to dry before you sew with them. (My feed bag tote guide is [linked here], and plan on a full weekend for these if you’re making a few.)
Coffee Scrub (1 hour, mostly waiting)
This is the easiest one on the list. Mix:
- 1 cup dried coffee grounds
- ½ cup sugar or coarse salt
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- A few drops of vanilla or peppermint essential oil, if you like
Spoon it into a small jar, tie on a tag, and you’re done. Tell people to use it in the shower and keep the lid on tight. A little coffee smell is a bonus, not a bug. A note on the tag: it makes the tub slippery, so rinse well.
Feed Bag Totes (a weekend project)
These are tough, washable, and honestly better than store-bought grocery bags. Do the cutting and washing on day one, and sew on day two. Pick bags with fun graphics. A chicken-print tote is a hit with anyone who has a backyard flock, or even just a sense of humor.
Crocheted Dishcloths and Hats (TV projects)
Dishcloths are the ultimate beginner crochet project. Grab 100% cotton yarn, a simple pattern, and a couple of episodes of whatever you’re watching. One cloth takes about an evening. Make a set of three, tie them with twine, and tuck in a bar of homemade or local soap.
Hats take a bit longer but are very doable once you’ve got the basic stitches down. Soft wool or a good acrylic blend works well, depending on who’s getting it.
Cookie Mix in a Jar (30 minutes per jar)
Layer the dry ingredients in a wide-mouth quart jar: flour mixture first, then sugars, then mix-ins like chocolate chips or oats on top. Pack each layer down gently so it looks pretty. Attach a card with the recipe and the “add butter, eggs, and vanilla” instructions. Make a test batch first so you know the recipe actually works.
Canned Goods (an afternoon, plus a shelf)
Home-canned spaghetti sauce is a gift people remember. Please use a tested recipe from the National Center for Home Food
Preservation or the Ball Blue Book, and follow its processing times exactly. This is especially important if you add meat or low-acid vegetables, since those need a pressure canner. Label each jar with the date and add a “refrigerate after opening” note. Canning is a good one to do in November, so the jars are ready to go when you are.
Beeswax Wraps (an afternoon)
These replace plastic wrap, and they smell like honey. You’ll need cotton fabric, beeswax pellets, and pinking shears. Cut your fabric into squares, sprinkle on the pellets, and melt them in a 200°F oven for a few minutes. Spread the wax evenly with a brush, hang the wraps to dry, and they’re done. Make a set of three sizes for a bowl, a sandwich, and a half-cut lemon. Remind recipients to wash them in cool water and skip raw meat and hot water.
A Simple Plan
- October: Dry the coffee grounds, collect and wash feed bags, order yarn and jars
- Early November: Crochet in the evenings, make beeswax wraps and the scrub
- Mid-November: Sew the totes and can the sauce
- Early December: Assemble cookie jars, wrap everything, and relax
Handmade gifts take a little more time, but they feel good on both ends. And you’ll have a pile of finished presents sitting there while everyone else is fighting for parking.
Tell me in the comments which one you’ll try first!
